How to Add Cruise Control to your 06 - 11 Aveo

[Thud Slamrod]

This DIY applies to 2006 - 2011 Aveos with electronic throttle control. If you have a throttle cable on your Aveo, you'll need to do more than I describe here.

What you need:



Parts:
1. Cruise Control Airbag Clockspring for your year
2. Cruise Control Switch
3. Switch Mounting Bracket and hardware

Best place to find these is your local junkyard, but a dealer would also be able to order these parts. The style of the yellow 4 wire airbag connector did change across these model years, so if you're buying used parts be sure you are getting the right one. You can use a test light or a multimeter to check a used clockspring, but you will need both halves of the yellow airbag connector because the pins are shorted when unplugged.

Tools:
1. T47 Security Torx Socket - If your local NAPA doesn't have it no other stores will. Order online.
2. #19 drill bit
3. M5 x 0.8 tap
4. 22mm Socket
5. Phillips Screwdriver
6. Paint Pen


Remove the little covers on the left and right sides of the steering wheel and remove the torx bolts that secure the air bag to the steering wheel. The airbag will pull straight out.


Unplug all of the connectors and set the airbag aside. The rough cast holes to mount the cruise control switch bracket are on the lower right. Use a #19 drill bit to clean out the holes and check how they line up with the bracket. In my application I needed to file the bracket a bit to fit around the airbag mounting tab. When your satisfied run a M5 x 0.8 tap through to thread the holes and mount the bracket.

Use a 22mm socket to loosen the steering wheel nut, and use a paint pen to mark the position of the steering wheel. Place your hands at 9 and 3 and rock the steering wheel side to side and back and forth to break the wheel loose from the taper seat.


Remove the upper and lower steering column covers. Follow the two wire bundles to the yellow and white connectors under the dash and disconnect them.


Loosen the four screws that hold the clockspring to the steering column. Behind this there are two more screws that attach the control stalks. These will need to be removed as well to route the cables and connectors over the ignition switch.


You'll need to center your cruise control clockspring before reinstalling, instructions are on the clockspring itself. CAREFULLY turn the center clockwise until it stops, then turn counterclockwise three turns and line up the arrows. Use a piece of tape to keep things inline.

Route the wiring around the ignition switch and reattach the control stalks to the steering column. Install the new clockspring, remove the tape and slide the steering wheel back onto the steering shaft, lining it up with the marks you made when you removed it. Torque the center nut to 28 ft lbs. Go under the dash and connect the white and yellow clockspring connectors.

Reconnect the horn and airbag wiring on the wheel and route the green connector to the cruise control switch bracket. Slide the airbag back into place and tighten the T47 torx bolts to 11 ft lbs. Snap the green connector into your cruise control switch and screw it into the bracket. Replace the left side steering wheel cover, and pitch the right side cover.

Go for a drive - you now have cruise control!