Have a '01 Max w/40k. I like to use cruise control. I have always felt that when cruise is set I don't get steady ride. Lately, I think it has gotten worse. When set, power tends to hover around the set speed instead of stay at the set speed. Feels like a constant surge then decline, then surge then decline, etc. ... . This can be on flat road as well as hills. I have driven and own other cars that keep steady at the set speed and just gradually add or reduce power to maintain the set speed. Any thoughts?

 

just get used to it.. it is normal stuff in our cars...... I don't know if there is a TSB on that... good luck.. and Welcome to the Org.....

 

check your cruise controll throttle cable for slack, adjust it- I had a problem similar to that in my old Sentra. You want the cable to be adjusted so that is tight- but not so tight that it holds the throttle open, even when closed.

 

My car has the dame behavier. I think this may be the nissan's "design".

 

I found that this is more obvious at lower speeds. I "cruised" at 80 on the way home from Vermont and never noticed it. When set at 55-60, it was easier to notice.

Seems that almost everyone has this though. I wouldnt worry about it.

 

is it a big difference?
try checking the throttle cable (as mentioned). then check your
a: speed sensor
b: cruise control pump circuit
c: the actual pump (actuator)

 

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. I will look at the possible slack in the cable and maybe the other stuff. To answer the one question, at 60mph, it's a spread of about 300 rpms. Speed wise it's not so bad but the constant surge of power is what bothers me. Thanks again.

 

I have checked the cable and it was alittle loose. I tightened it and now the problem is much better. Thanks again.