I bought a brand new Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS, and it turns out that Hyundai doesn’t offer cruise control on manual GLS models. Hyundai consumer affairs told me my only option is to add an aftermarket cruise control. Here’s the catch – it doesn’t void my warranty unless it malfunctions or otherwise goes haywire and does something to the car. So, what product should I pick?
If your new car has throttle-by-wire, then there probably isn’t any aftermarket cruise control that will work.
Adding any aftermarket systems to a modern vehicle filled with sophisticated electronic devices is a potentially dicey issue. This device has to interact flawlessly with the car’s various systems, and any “hiccup” is not going to produce a good result for you.
We have had posts from people who had aftermarket remote starters installed in their cars, and many of these have produced major, expensive electrical/electronic problems that were not covered by the car mfr’s warranty. An aftermarket cruise control system is potentially more complex than a remote starter, as it involves interaction with the vehicle’s braking system, in addition to the Engine Control Module.
Personally, I think that you are asking for trouble by having something like this installed on a new car.
I’m with Tardis and VDC on this one. Adding something such as this to a new vehicle is risky.
If four people advised against it???
First, I wouldn’t feel too sure that an after market would operate to your satisfaction, if at all. Second, in a failure you would likely lose all throttle control.
I would have not purchased the car if cruise control is that important. I have had several manual transmission cars with factory cruise control, and don’t understand how a car can be designed without the option. This includes some basic cars from the 80’s and 90’s, including a Suzuki Sidekick, Madza Protege, Toyota Celica, Toyota Pick-up, Toyota Supra, and a Ford Escort. All with stick-shift and factory cruise.
The concerns voiced are worthy to consider, but I cannot un-buy the car and I really need cruise. I have a Hyundai dealership that will install the kit I choose; I just have to pick one. I currently know of a manufacturer called Rostra that is developing a kit specific to my model vehicle, and I also have gotten Audiovox as a recommendation. I know little of either manufacturer, and I am trying to weigh options based on my intent to add cruise.
Can anyone recommend a way forward if I am intent on putting cruise on the vehicle?
I doubt you can FIND an aftermarket cruise control suitable for your car…If you do find one, I doubt it will work correctly…The add-on speed sensors are always pretty Micky-Mouse and fail often…
Hyundai consumer affairs told me my only option is to add an
aftermarket cruise control. Here’s the catch – it doesn’t void
my warranty unless it malfunctions or otherwise goes haywire and
does something to the car.
Be careful of this. There’s a good chance Hyundai may refuse to honor a future repair because they’ll say it’s the fault of the aftermarket cruise control unit. That approach is not unheard of.
I can’t say which product to pick, but I’m with the other posters in saying that there’s some risk here. One big question I’d ask is how easily the cruise control can be removed if it causes a problem (or a suspected problem). Will they be hacking up your wiring or other parts in a way that’s expensive or difficult to undo?
I had a dealer call and ask me to install an after market cruise control on a newly sold car. Even with the factory shop manual and all the techincal information at hand I turned down the job to avoid future liabilities for the warranty on the entire car. There are just too many possible pitfalls.
Unfortunately, the day of aftermarket accessories is long gone. I did add an aftermarket cruise control to a 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass and to a 1985 Ford Tempo. In both cases, the cruise control worked flawlessly. I’ve even added windshield washers, radios, back-up lights and even turning signals to cars that didn’t come with these items. Now you can’t add mud flaps or even a swan hood ornament to make a car like a Packard without upsetting the gas mileage. Now, some cars use the radio speakers for the chime that lets you know the key is in the ignition. An aftermarket cruise control is probably impossible to install and make work properly.
Take a look at this and see if it will work for you. If you have a 4 cylinder then you will also need the Electronic Cruise Control Vacuum Reservoir for $14.99: http://www.jcwhitney.com/MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED_ELECTRONIC_CRUISE_CONTROL?ID=12;0;200001076+2010;0;100005;ProductName;0;0;0;0;2001600;0;0
Maybe so, but it says right in the write up “Not available for imported vehicles.”
Is the Touring imported, or built in Alabama? What is the difference?
The thing about aftermarket parts is that people add them to their cars and they usually work well enough. My pickup has an add-on cruise control. It has to work through the engine computer. I have had the truck for three years and no ill effects yet.
Need cruise control; get cruise control. Can’t worry about everything.
In addition to my earlier post, my GMC truck has the TAC system where there is no direct link from gas pedal to throttle. Hope ypu find a suitable unit for your Hyundai.
Yes, if this car has a normal throttle with a mechanical linkage to the gas pedal, then an aftermarket cruise control should be possible. If, however, it has throttle-by-wire (like most newer cars), then there will be no way to hook up an aftermarket cruise control. (There’s no way to directly connect to and move the throttle.)
If it can’t read the cars factory electronic speed signal and must use magnets glued to one of the CV joints to generate a speed signal, Good Luck…
Go to the below link or Google “Rostra aftermarket cruise into 2010 hyundia elantra touring”
I just successfully put it in mine for $300. $200 for kit and $100 for install. Works just like factory installed.
Avoid aftermarket cruise controls. The only aftermarket device on the market that is reliable is a radio. Cruise control, remote starters and the like are just trouble you pay for. The manufacturers usually go out of business before you get the box open.