Cruise Control not engaging

[dndgentili]

I was rear-ended a couple of weeks ago. I'm fine -- the 2002 GW not so much. It wasn't totaled, but it was close!

After ordering the parts and making the repairs (because no one will work on a GW older than 2015) I took it out for a ride to make sure everything worked.

The cruise control will not engage. The cruise light is on, but will not engage when the switch is pressed.

Any ideas to help me get back on the road will be appreciated. I have a major trip (Glacier National Park) planned in August.

Thanks,
Virginia Dan

[Viking]

First thing I would try is to get a can of CRC electronic spray that is plastic safe, and spray both the set and resume buttons working them a bunch of times while they are wet inside. Ensure that you protect all the painted parts with towels so you don't spray all over them, and to keep the drips off as well. If this does not work, your rear ender may have caused other damage that you will need to track down.

[MikeB]

This is not related to a crash, it is just a troubleshooting step of the cruise not engaging.

Check the cruise defeat switches in the clutch handle, brake handle and foot brake pedal.
Also check the brass bushing in the clutch handle to make sure it is not worn out.
Have you tried moving the clutch handle forward and then releasing it and then tried to engage the cruise? If that works then the brass bushing may be worn.

[dndgentili]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try your ideas!
Regards,
Dan

[tamathumper]

Try pushing both the clutch and front brake handles forward, then try engaging the cruise. I believe there are cruise cancel switches in both.

[dndgentili]

Thanks for the ideas, fellas.

I'm going through the troubleshooting exercises in the repair manual.

I was hoping it was something simple but evidently not!

Be well and ride safe,
VA Dan

[MikeB]

If you checked the clutch and brake handle, could you hear the micro switches clicking like they should? That is where you should start.
That does not mean that the switches are working electrically, but it will tell you if the handles are operating the switches.

Clutch, pull in slightly, there should be a click.
Brake handle, pull in slightly, there should be a click.

Both handles have two separate switches.
The second switch on the clutch will click when the handle is pulled all the way in against the hand grip. That is the switch that will allow the engine to be started in gear.
The second switch on the brake handle is to operate the brake lights. It will click after the cruise defeat switch clicks.