Why is the cruise control not working on my 2018 Dodge Journey?
In most cases, the cruise control on a 2018 Dodge Journey won’t engage due to a blown fuse, a faulty brake switch, a failing cruise control module, or wiring problems. A quick diagnostic can usually identify the culprit and guide the repair.
Cruise control problems often show up as the system failing to engage, disengaging unexpectedly, or the dash indicator not lighting when you press On/Set. The Journey’s cruise control relies on inputs from the brake switch, vehicle speed sensor, steering wheel controls, and the engine control module, so faults in any of these can prevent the system from functioning properly.
Common causes
These are the most frequent reasons a 2018 Dodge Journey might fail to engage cruise control. Checking these areas first can save time and money.
- Blown fuse or faulty cruise control relay wiring in the fuse box
- Faulty brake light switch or related wiring near the brake pedal
- Failing cruise control module or actuator that prevents engagement
- Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) or ABS sensor issues that stop the system from registering road speed
- Steering wheel clock spring problems that interrupt signals from the control buttons
- General electrical/communication problems between the PCM, body control module, and cruise control components
If any of these problems are present, the cruise control may refuse to engage, disengage unexpectedly, or fail to set the desired speed.
Diagnostic steps you can take
Before you dive into repairs, use these checks to narrow down the cause. Some steps require basic tools and a partner to observe the vehicle’s behavior.
- Ensure the vehicle is in gear and the ignition is on. Confirm that the cruise control indicators light up on the dash when you press the On button.
- Check the fuse box for the cruise control fuse/relay. Replace any blown fuses with the correct rating and reseat relays if applicable.
- Test the brake light switch by pressing the brake pedal and verifying that the brake lights illuminate. If they don’t, replace or adjust the switch as needed.
- Inspect steering wheel controls and the clock spring for any visible damage and ensure the buttons feel intact and responsive.
- Use an OBD-II scanner to check for fault codes related to cruise control, speed sensor, or CAN bus communications (look for codes such as those involving the VSS or CC system).
- Check the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) and related wiring for signs of damage or corrosion. If VSS signals are absent or erratic, replace or diagnose the sensor and its harness.
- Verify the battery and charging system are healthy; low voltage can impact the performance of electronic modules, including cruise control.
- If no obvious issue is found, consider a software update or service bulletin from the dealer, as some CC problems are resolved with Electronic Control Unit (ECU) updates.
If these steps don’t reveal the cause, a professional diagnostic using a vehicle-specific scan tool can test modules, wiring integrity, and CAN bus communication more thoroughly.
When to seek professional help or check recalls
If you’re unsure about performing these checks or the problem persists, it’s wise to get professional help. Additionally, there may be recalls or service bulletins that address cruise control issues for your vehicle’s VIN.
VIN-based recalls and service information
- Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or the Dodge/Chrysler dealership portal for recalls tied to your VIN.
- Ask a dealer to run a comprehensive recall/TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) check to see if a software update or hardware repair is required.
- Have a qualified mechanic inspect the brake switch, cruise control module, wiring, and control switches if no recalls are found.
Note that even in the absence of recalls, a dealership may have updated diagnostics or replacement parts under a service bulletin that could fix the issue.
Summary
The most common culprits behind a non-working cruise control on a 2018 Dodge Journey are a blown fuse/relay, a faulty brake light switch, a failing cruise control module or wiring fault, and sensor or CAN-bus communication problems. Start with a fuse check and brake switch test, then use a scan tool to look for codes and verify the speed sensor and wiring. If the problem remains, seek professional diagnosis and check for recalls or service bulletins related to your VIN.
