Cruise Control

[BennyD]

For those long motorway journeys and suchlike I decided I would make enquiries about retro fitting a genuine Maserati cruise control. As a 350 quid option when new I expected it to cost substantially more to retro fit. Imagine my surprise when Myles at Emblem informed me that all the wiring and software was already fitted and all I would need was the switch. However, the switch included the wiper stalk too and that was going to be expensive, right? Wrong. The lot including 12.50 p&p came to 126 pounds.

I managed, with a lot of good advice from Myles and Matt at Emblem to fit it myself in about an hour and a half. If you are not too good with the spanners then it would probably be better to let them fit it for the cost of an hours labour as there is potential to do some damage to the clock spring contact for the air bag which is mounted to the steering wheel.

I know most wont want cruise but although its a fairly simple version, it works well and, I find it allows me to stretch my longish legs when on the motorway thereby reducing fatigue.

Just thought I would let you know just in case you had ever wondered if it was possible. Regards

 

[Parisien]

Nice one BennyD...always good to hear a hands on story/up-date....


P

 

[Emtee]

I would never have thought to enquire about reto-fitting, so thanks for the information Benny. One to add to the list for consideration.

 

[safrane]

Could not do without mine...esp on those long French Autoroutes

 

[Pibbow]

Benny is that 3200 or 4200?

 

[BennyD]

Pibbow, it's a 4200 spyder. Dont know if it's the same as the 3200 but Myles, at Emblem, will know. If interested, give him a call on; 01202 722247.

 

[Pibbow]

Cheers mate

I'll give him a bell or get Dem to ask when he talks to him next week.

 

[BennyD]

No worries. It's well worth the effort if you can get it to fit.

 

[dem maser]

Ill have a word with him peter in the week, il get prices for you

 

[dm2]

That reminds me of a similar story - so my 4200 doesn't have cruise either but Marios at Autoshield also told me the same thing regarding the retrofit and for a similar price. I am seriously considering getting it done during my next service. Usually retrofit costs more than choosing the option at build time!

 

[conaero]

Benny I did consider doing this as I knew I could get the part for £70, cant remember where, but it was the same part used on another car, probably an Alfa.

Got sidetracked with bigger mods, so never got round to it.

 

[Klive]

Thought about this myself but chose not to as I wanted to always be in control. This thread has got me thinking again though.

 

[bill]

Me too..... Is it possible on the 3200? I checked on eurospares and there is a supersesion to the 4200 part but I don't know if the connections are there

 

[BennyD]

I must admit I was never a fan of cruise until I got my BM, now I use it all the time on the motorway. I'm sure it'll be worth it's weight in gold on the long european tours I am planning to go on but I certainly wont be using it in the Alps!

 

[2b1ask1]

I have not had cc on any previous cars of mine so im still just playing with it for novelty value mostly but it is realy good for roadworks with average speed cameras, takes all the stress out of it.

 

[dem maser]

Never used it....have it on the roadster and the mrs car but never used it, will try tomorrow see what the fuss is about

 

[Emtee]

Don't suppose you took any photo's during the install did you Benny?

 

[BennyD]

Alas, no i'm afraid. I didn't know at the time whether I would be able to finish the job and, anyway, i'm just not that organised! Essentially the only thing to cause concern is the clock spring attached to the steering wheel which is there to give a connection to the airbag whatever the position of the steering wheel. If you take off the steering column shroud by undoing 6 allen screws and 2 small philips, you can see the thick yellow wire which goes from the airbag to the connector mounted on a steering column bracket. Once that has been disconnected the steering wheel can be removed( after the nut has been taken off and the steering wheel has been gently battered and wriggled free). Undo the paddle shift, the various electrical connectors and the 2 screws holding the cruise switch/ stalks, replace with new switch (and the extra white connector for the cruise) and reassemble. Beware that the new switch comes with a white plastic cover which protects the spring loaded brass contact and should be removed otherwise it's a pig to refit the steering wheel and will cause you to scratch your head until the penny drops! Don't forget to disconnect the battery and let the car power down for 30 mins or so before you start in order to reduce the chance of an airbag deployment scenario. The job, including power down should take 1 to 1.5 hours. Once installed the cruise switch should illuminate the CRUISE caption even when stationary and will (should) only work in 4th, 5th and 6th.
.
If anyone tries this and has a problem feel free to give me a bell on 07799 543197.

 

[safrane]

Are you sure...thought the CC worked in any gear but only above 20 or is it 30 mph????

 

[BennyD]

Thats what it says in the handbook but there may be a min speed limit as well. I just didn't read that far!