Troubleshooting Bendix Fast Idle/Cruise Control on 89 35FC 3208 ATAAC

[Richard Gideon]

I need help understanding how to set the fast idle speed using the
cruise control on my 89 35FC 3208ATAAC. With engine idling at 650
rpm and Cruise Control switch turned On, depressing the SET seems to
have no effect on the rpms; however when the RESUME switch is
depressed, the rpm immediately increases to 3000. I quickly turn the
Cruise Control switch to OFF and the rpms reduce to 650 or 700 range.

I've owned this coach just over 1 year and fixing this idle speed
thing is now reached the top of the "To Do" list.

The Cruise Control does seem to operate, but not smoothly; if set at
55 mph for instance, when speed drops to 55 the throttle opens FULLY
and Turbo Boost goes to 8 or 10 psi or so depending on the terrain
and then vehicle speed goes slightly past the Set speed of 55 mph at
which the time the throttle seems to fully close. Behaves as though
throttle is either fully open or fully closed...no in between.
Another serious thing...it appears that touching the brake does not
disengage the Cruise Control; the Cruise Control can be disengaged
by turning the CC switch to OFF.

Because of the above issues I do not have a functional Cruise Control
and feel it's unsafe to engage on most highways and when I do use it
the fuel economy suffers because of the jerky responce.

Would very much like to get the obsolete Bendix back operational if
there is and easy fix; faulty ground? poor connections? bad ECM?

Please share your experiences with me and other on this board.
Perhaps its time to invest in a KING Cruise or Rostra?

Dick Gideon
Freedom Bird
1989 35FCSB
Rolla, MO

[Scott Forman]

Is fast idle on all models handled through the CC? My fast idle
switch works fine, but my CC is inop on the road.

Scott Forman
86 PT38
Memphis

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Gideon"
wrote:
>
> I need help understanding how to set the fast idle speed using the
> cruise control on my 89 35FC 3208ATAAC. With engine idling at 650
> rpm and Cruise Control switch turned On, depressing the SET seems to
> have no effect on the rpms; however when the RESUME switch is
> depressed, the rpm immediately increases to 3000. I quickly turn the
> Cruise Control switch to OFF and the rpms reduce to 650 or 700
range.
>
> I've owned this coach just over 1 year and fixing this idle speed
> thing is now reached the top of the "To Do" list.
>
> The Cruise Control does seem to operate, but not smoothly; if set at
> 55 mph for instance, when speed drops to 55 the throttle opens FULLY
> and Turbo Boost goes to 8 or 10 psi or so depending on the terrain
> and then vehicle speed goes slightly past the Set speed of 55 mph at
> which the time the throttle seems to fully close. Behaves as though
> throttle is either fully open or fully closed...no in between.
> Another serious thing...it appears that touching the brake does not
> disengage the Cruise Control; the Cruise Control can be disengaged
> by turning the CC switch to OFF.
>
> Because of the above issues I do not have a functional Cruise
Control
> and feel it's unsafe to engage on most highways and when I do use it
> the fuel economy suffers because of the jerky responce.
>
> Would very much like to get the obsolete Bendix back operational if
> there is and easy fix; faulty ground? poor connections? bad ECM?
>
> Please share your experiences with me and other on this board.
> Perhaps its time to invest in a KING Cruise or Rostra?
>
> Dick Gideon
> Freedom Bird
> 1989 35FCSB
> Rolla, MO
>

[Richard Gideon]

Hi Scott: Not sure how your PT 38 works; On my FC, reading from my
owners manual, the engine idle speed can be increased, while parked,
by means of the cruise control switches; push the ON-OFF rocker
switch to ON; then push and release RESUME rocker switch until
desired RPM is attained. RPM will return to normal idle speed when:
1. CRUISE CONTROL ON-OFF switch is turned off.
2. Transmission selector is moved from N position
3. Parking brake is released

NOTE: Pressing on brake pedal will decrease RPM but speed will return
to higher setting as soon as pedal is released.(copied from my manual)

(On my 1989 FC, when trying to bump up the idle, pushing the RESUME
rocker switch immediately causes the 3208 engine to soar to 3000 rpm).

Dick Gideon
Freedom Bird
1989 35FCSB
Rolla, MO

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
wrote:
>
> Is fast idle on all models handled through the CC? My fast idle
> switch works fine, but my CC is inop on the road.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Gideon"
> wrote:
> >
> > I need help understanding how to set the fast idle speed using the
> > cruise control on my 89 35FC 3208ATAAC. With engine idling at 650
> > rpm and Cruise Control switch turned On, depressing the SET seems
to
> > have no effect on the rpms; however when the RESUME switch is
> > depressed, the rpm immediately increases to 3000. I quickly turn
the
> > Cruise Control switch to OFF and the rpms reduce to 650 or 700
> range.
> >
> > I've owned this coach just over 1 year and fixing this idle speed
> > thing is now reached the top of the "To Do" list.
> >
> > The Cruise Control does seem to operate, but not smoothly; if set
at
> > 55 mph for instance, when speed drops to 55 the throttle opens
FULLY
> > and Turbo Boost goes to 8 or 10 psi or so depending on the terrain
> > and then vehicle speed goes slightly past the Set speed of 55 mph
at
> > which the time the throttle seems to fully close. Behaves as
though
> > throttle is either fully open or fully closed...no in between.
> > Another serious thing...it appears that touching the brake does
not
> > disengage the Cruise Control; the Cruise Control can be disengaged
> > by turning the CC switch to OFF.
> >
> > Because of the above issues I do not have a functional Cruise
> Control
> > and feel it's unsafe to engage on most highways and when I do use
it
> > the fuel economy suffers because of the jerky responce.
> >
> > Would very much like to get the obsolete Bendix back operational
if
> > there is and easy fix; faulty ground? poor connections? bad ECM?
> >
> > Please share your experiences with me and other on this board.
> > Perhaps its time to invest in a KING Cruise or Rostra?
> >
> > Dick Gideon
> > Freedom Bird
> > 1989 35FCSB
> > Rolla, MO
> >
>

[Scott Forman]

PTs have a separate "high idle" switch on dash.

Scott



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Gideon"
wrote:
>
> Hi Scott: Not sure how your PT 38 works; On my FC, reading from my
> owners manual, the engine idle speed can be increased, while
parked,
> by means of the cruise control switches; push the ON-OFF rocker
> switch to ON; then push and release RESUME rocker switch until
> desired RPM is attained. RPM will return to normal idle speed
when:
> 1. CRUISE CONTROL ON-OFF switch is turned off.
> 2. Transmission selector is moved from N position
> 3. Parking brake is released
>
> NOTE: Pressing on brake pedal will decrease RPM but speed will
return
> to higher setting as soon as pedal is released.(copied from my
manual)
>
> (On my 1989 FC, when trying to bump up the idle, pushing the RESUME
> rocker switch immediately causes the 3208 engine to soar to 3000
rpm).
>
> Dick Gideon
> Freedom Bird
> 1989 35FCSB
> Rolla, MO
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Is fast idle on all models handled through the CC? My fast idle
> > switch works fine, but my CC is inop on the road.
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 86 PT38
> > Memphis
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Gideon"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I need help understanding how to set the fast idle speed using
the
> > > cruise control on my 89 35FC 3208ATAAC. With engine idling at
650
> > > rpm and Cruise Control switch turned On, depressing the SET
seems
> to
> > > have no effect on the rpms; however when the RESUME switch is
> > > depressed, the rpm immediately increases to 3000. I quickly
turn
> the
> > > Cruise Control switch to OFF and the rpms reduce to 650 or 700
> > range.
> > >
> > > I've owned this coach just over 1 year and fixing this idle
speed
> > > thing is now reached the top of the "To Do" list.
> > >
> > > The Cruise Control does seem to operate, but not smoothly; if
set
> at
> > > 55 mph for instance, when speed drops to 55 the throttle opens
> FULLY
> > > and Turbo Boost goes to 8 or 10 psi or so depending on the
terrain
> > > and then vehicle speed goes slightly past the Set speed of 55
mph
> at
> > > which the time the throttle seems to fully close. Behaves as
> though
> > > throttle is either fully open or fully closed...no in between.
> > > Another serious thing...it appears that touching the brake does
> not
> > > disengage the Cruise Control; the Cruise Control can be
disengaged
> > > by turning the CC switch to OFF.
> > >
> > > Because of the above issues I do not have a functional Cruise
> > Control
> > > and feel it's unsafe to engage on most highways and when I do
use
> it
> > > the fuel economy suffers because of the jerky responce.
> > >
> > > Would very much like to get the obsolete Bendix back
operational
> if
> > > there is and easy fix; faulty ground? poor connections? bad ECM?
> > >
> > > Please share your experiences with me and other on this board.
> > > Perhaps its time to invest in a KING Cruise or Rostra?
> > >
> > > Dick Gideon
> > > Freedom Bird
> > > 1989 35FCSB
> > > Rolla, MO
> > >
> >
>

[Howard O. Truitt]

Scott,
My Tachometer went out last week on a trip and my CC quit at the same time. The
CC must work off the Tach. Are you having trouble with your Tach.
Howard T., Sowega, 86 PT40


----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Forman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 2:00 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Troubleshooting Bendix Fast Idle/Cruise
Control on 89 35FC 3208 ATAAC


Is fast idle on all models handled through the CC? My fast idle
switch works fine, but my CC is inop on the road.

Scott Forman
86 PT38
Memphis

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Gideon"
wrote:
>
> I need help understanding how to set the fast idle speed using the
> cruise control on my 89 35FC 3208ATAAC. With engine idling at 650
> rpm and Cruise Control switch turned On, depressing the SET seems to
> have no effect on the rpms; however when the RESUME switch is
> depressed, the rpm immediately increases to 3000. I quickly turn the
> Cruise Control switch to OFF and the rpms reduce to 650 or 700
range.
>
> I've owned this coach just over 1 year and fixing this idle speed
> thing is now reached the top of the "To Do" list.
>
> The Cruise Control does seem to operate, but not smoothly; if set at
> 55 mph for instance, when speed drops to 55 the throttle opens FULLY
> and Turbo Boost goes to 8 or 10 psi or so depending on the terrain
> and then vehicle speed goes slightly past the Set speed of 55 mph at
> which the time the throttle seems to fully close. Behaves as though
> throttle is either fully open or fully closed...no in between.
> Another serious thing...it appears that touching the brake does not
> disengage the Cruise Control; the Cruise Control can be disengaged
> by turning the CC switch to OFF.
>
> Because of the above issues I do not have a functional Cruise
Control
> and feel it's unsafe to engage on most highways and when I do use it
> the fuel economy suffers because of the jerky responce.
>
> Would very much like to get the obsolete Bendix back operational if
> there is and easy fix; faulty ground? poor connections? bad ECM?
>
> Please share your experiences with me and other on this board.
> Perhaps its time to invest in a KING Cruise or Rostra?
>
> Dick Gideon
> Freedom Bird
> 1989 35FCSB
> Rolla, MO
>






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.14.9/1067 - Release Date: 10/12/2007
6:02 PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Howard O. Truitt]

Scott,
My Bluebook describes the same procedure as Dick described.
Howard T.

----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Forman
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 6:14 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Troubleshooting Bendix Fast Idle/Cruise
Control on 89 35FC 3208 ATAAC


PTs have a separate "high idle" switch on dash.

Scott

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Gideon"
wrote:
>
> Hi Scott: Not sure how your PT 38 works; On my FC, reading from my
> owners manual, the engine idle speed can be increased, while
parked,
> by means of the cruise control switches; push the ON-OFF rocker
> switch to ON; then push and release RESUME rocker switch until
> desired RPM is attained. RPM will return to normal idle speed
when:
> 1. CRUISE CONTROL ON-OFF switch is turned off.
> 2. Transmission selector is moved from N position
> 3. Parking brake is released
>
> NOTE: Pressing on brake pedal will decrease RPM but speed will
return
> to higher setting as soon as pedal is released.(copied from my
manual)
>
> (On my 1989 FC, when trying to bump up the idle, pushing the RESUME
> rocker switch immediately causes the 3208 engine to soar to 3000
rpm).
>
> Dick Gideon
> Freedom Bird
> 1989 35FCSB
> Rolla, MO
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Is fast idle on all models handled through the CC? My fast idle
> > switch works fine, but my CC is inop on the road.
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 86 PT38
> > Memphis
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Gideon"
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I need help understanding how to set the fast idle speed using
the
> > > cruise control on my 89 35FC 3208ATAAC. With engine idling at
650
> > > rpm and Cruise Control switch turned On, depressing the SET
seems
> to
> > > have no effect on the rpms; however when the RESUME switch is
> > > depressed, the rpm immediately increases to 3000. I quickly
turn
> the
> > > Cruise Control switch to OFF and the rpms reduce to 650 or 700
> > range.
> > >
> > > I've owned this coach just over 1 year and fixing this idle
speed
> > > thing is now reached the top of the "To Do" list.
> > >
> > > The Cruise Control does seem to operate, but not smoothly; if
set
> at
> > > 55 mph for instance, when speed drops to 55 the throttle opens
> FULLY
> > > and Turbo Boost goes to 8 or 10 psi or so depending on the
terrain
> > > and then vehicle speed goes slightly past the Set speed of 55
mph
> at
> > > which the time the throttle seems to fully close. Behaves as
> though
> > > throttle is either fully open or fully closed...no in between.
> > > Another serious thing...it appears that touching the brake does
> not
> > > disengage the Cruise Control; the Cruise Control can be
disengaged
> > > by turning the CC switch to OFF.
> > >
> > > Because of the above issues I do not have a functional Cruise
> > Control
> > > and feel it's unsafe to engage on most highways and when I do
use
> it
> > > the fuel economy suffers because of the jerky responce.
> > >
> > > Would very much like to get the obsolete Bendix back
operational
> if
> > > there is and easy fix; faulty ground? poor connections? bad ECM?
> > >
> > > Please share your experiences with me and other on this board.
> > > Perhaps its time to invest in a KING Cruise or Rostra?
> > >
> > > Dick Gideon
> > > Freedom Bird
> > > 1989 35FCSB
> > > Rolla, MO
> > >
> >
>






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.14.9/1067 - Release Date: 10/12/2007
6:02 PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[ragster_ga]

This is getting interesting.

Howard, my Tach is inop (has been since before I purchased in July),
but my cruise control is working fine. I have an 86 PT-40 with a
6V92. Are you the 6V or the 8V. I would assume they both use the
same CC hardware.

Glenn Allen
1986 PT-40
Marietta, GA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
wrote:
>
> Scott,
> My Tachometer went out last week on a trip and my CC quit at the
same time. The CC must work off the Tach. Are you having trouble with
your Tach.
> Howard T., Sowega, 86 PT40
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Scott Forman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 2:00 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Troubleshooting Bendix Fast
Idle/Cruise Control on 89 35FC 3208 ATAAC
>
>
> Is fast idle on all models handled through the CC? My fast idle
> switch works fine, but my CC is inop on the road.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

PT cruise/air throttle/high idle

Some time back, I posted to the files section, a couple of files on how
these systems work and inter act.

As for the FC's it is a little difference because the factory <BB> dip
switch settings allowed the fc cruise controls to work slightly different
than the PT's.

As for the problem in the FC, where it is on or off and no in between, I
would suspect the CC5 potentiometer internal of the cylinder to be faulty.
All this can be checked with a decent Multimeter and following the checks
in the Bendix manual that should be in the blue box.

The only thing I have found that was done a little funky form the factory,
is how the clutch switch was wired up since there are no clutches in the
Birds and that was done with 2 solenoids in the system. I have actually
taken those out of the system to get my cruise working properly and that
was done with a pair of side cutters! One snip and you have cruise.
Now the problem with the break pedal not canceling the cruise is or has
generally been a bad set switch or corroded contacts in a connector. And
can usually be cleared up by cleaning the pin contacts coming from the
Bendix control.

Remember that our Coaches put out 120 to 130 psi of air and there is a
regulator with the bendix set up to drop that pressure to 80 to 90 psi,
thereby making the working difference of only a few psi differential that
the electronics of the bendix system reads and enacts on.

>

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
84FC35
Duncan, Oklahoma

[Howard O. Truitt]

Mine is an 8V92. Maybe just a coincedence.
----- Original Message -----
From: ragster_ga
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 12:22 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Troubleshooting Bendix Fast Idle/Cruise
Control on 89 35FC 3208 ATAAC


This is getting interesting.

Howard, my Tach is inop (has been since before I purchased in July),
but my cruise control is working fine. I have an 86 PT-40 with a
6V92. Are you the 6V or the 8V. I would assume they both use the
same CC hardware.

Glenn Allen
1986 PT-40
Marietta, GA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Howard O. Truitt"
wrote:
>
> Scott,
> My Tachometer went out last week on a trip and my CC quit at the
same time. The CC must work off the Tach. Are you having trouble with
your Tach.
> Howard T., Sowega, 86 PT40
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Scott Forman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 2:00 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Troubleshooting Bendix Fast
Idle/Cruise Control on 89 35FC 3208 ATAAC
>
>
> Is fast idle on all models handled through the CC? My fast idle
> switch works fine, but my CC is inop on the road.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>






------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.14.9/1067 - Release Date: 10/12/2007
6:02 PM


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Richard Gideon]

Thanks for the reply Ralph: Early this morning I got into my "blue
box" and retrieved the booklet describing the operation and
troubleshooting the Bendix Cruise Control System (SD-10-1)and on page
15 of the booklet I found the symptoms, cause & remedy for what
appears to be ailing the CC on my FC.

V. Cruise Control System oscillates above and below the speed
setting. Will not hold a specific speed setting within plus or minus
1 mph on level highway.

Cause, CC-5 potentiometer or its wiring is defective.

Remedy. Visually inspect for broken or obviously damaged wiring to
the CC-5 potentiometer (Figure 13). Disconnect wiring connector 3 in
Figure 13 and check the resistance between the sockets shown:

1 and 3 3600-4400 ohms
2 and 3 1080-1320 ohms
1 and 2 4320-5280 ohms

If these readings are not obtained, replace the CC-5 potentiometer.

I'll post later this week, with the results of my testing. Thanks
for the guidance...I"ll dig out my digital volt/ohmeter.

Dick Gideon
Freedom Bird
1989 35FCSB
Rolla, MO

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
wrote:
>
> PT cruise/air throttle/high idle
>
> Some time back, I posted to the files section, a couple of files
on how
> these systems work and inter act.
>
> As for the FC's it is a little difference because the factory <BB>
dip
> switch settings allowed the fc cruise controls to work slightly
different
> than the PT's.
>
> As for the problem in the FC, where it is on or off and no in
between, I
> would suspect the CC5 potentiometer internal of the cylinder to be
faulty.
> All this can be checked with a decent Multimeter and following the
checks
> in the Bendix manual that should be in the blue box.
>
> The only thing I have found that was done a little funky form the
factory,
> is how the clutch switch was wired up since there are no clutches
in the
> Birds and that was done with 2 solenoids in the system. I have
actually
> taken those out of the system to get my cruise working properly and
that
> was done with a pair of side cutters! One snip and you have
cruise.
> Now the problem with the break pedal not canceling the cruise is or
has
> generally been a bad set switch or corroded contacts in a
connector. And
> can usually be cleared up by cleaning the pin contacts coming from
the
> Bendix control.
>
> Remember that our Coaches put out 120 to 130 psi of air and there
is a
> regulator with the bendix set up to drop that pressure to 80 to 90
psi,
> thereby making the working difference of only a few psi
differential that
> the electronics of the bendix system reads and enacts on.
>
> >
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> 84FC35
> Duncan, Oklahoma
>