Cruise Control install probs on the DD

[Gordo]

Any one installed a Command Autopilot AP60 CC in their vehicle ?

Well-priced unit in yellow box found in Supercheap auto and Kmart on special from time to time.

Pretty good instructions and easy enough to install (btw my DD is a 2000 camry) but can't get the mongrel brake switch wires (only two) to pass the unit's 1st diag test.

CC wants 1st wire with 12V and other with 0V when brakes OFF and 12V for BOTH when brakes on - fair enough but when the two wires to the CC are connected to these - no go !

Brake switch in my non-factory CC car has two wires whilst factory CC brake switch has 4. Difference being the two wires on the non-CC setup are an OPEN circuit until brakes applied then it closes to make the circuit.

The extra 2 posts on factory CC brake switch are a CLOSED circuit and OPEN when brakes applied to cut the CC. Makes sense but no matter which way I wire the thing it still doesn't pass the 1st diag mode of the CC (on the AP60 the LED shows for 8 secs after ign turned on to indicate a brake circuit malfunction).

FYI all three brake lights are functioning, look the same brightness but haven't checked bulb wattage/maker to ensure uniformity (have heard this can stop CC from working). Am also getting verfiied 12V and 0V on two wires to my brake switch.

Thought of getting the 4 post switch from toyota from $47 but don't wanna fork out if I'm not sure this is the fix.

any hints would be much appreciated - cheers !

[Gordo]

Ok this POS is finally installed.

I want the 4 nights of my life back to troubleshoot it.

Things went from bad to worse till I unplugged the main box and was about to investigate warranty when the email I sent to Command (makers of the unit) replied.

They advised there was a typo in the instructions and where is said 8 seconds of led flashing on startup meant there WAS a fault actually should have read there WAS NOT a fault

I never had a #@$%$#%ing chance...

Once I realised the brake circuit was fine I moved onto other tests like the actuator.

With ignition to ON it made clicks with acc or dec but no actual movement of throttle cable. Plenty of vacuum when the motor was running but 3 seconds after starting the motor the control panel stopped responding.

After testing the hot wire I had used (blue/red stripe - located near where the CC brain is located in the passenger kick panel near vehicle's computer) I found yes - it powered 12V all day with ignition ON but when the motor started it lasted 3 secs then nuthin ! WTF ?!?!?

Found another hot wire and the actuator worked WOOHOO !

Following a road test the unit couldn't hold any speed at all so back home to add another magnet to the driveshaft to make it two in total. Also rerouted the sensor wire to avoid further scorching from hot exhaust bits (good old zipties!).

nb -the tech support dude at Command advised it's mainly 4wds and other rear wheel drives that need one magnet only and black loop wire cut - wire is still intact on my front wheel drive 2000 camry.

Road test YEAH BABY ! FINALLY !!

Holds speed from 40km to 120kmh and cuts out when it should - brakes on, powered off, accelerating, etc

Hope this helps anyone trying to install the same/similar aftermarket unit - Command Autopilot AP60 may your chosen deity have mercy on your soul

one word of warning - don't use any hot wires going to/coming out of your car's computer. I stupidly tried this and was surprised to find the car idling rough and eventually stalling when the cruise was engaged. Appears the computer needs a full 12V to function properly.