Cruise control acceleration should not differ

By Doug McAllister

Q. I have a question concerning a 2006 Ford Freestyle.

On occasion, over the last few months, I would be driving along and then I would try to accelerate by pressing the cruise control button. My engine would rev up but the car did not go faster.

After coasting to a stop, I will pull over to the side of the road and wait a short time; then turn my car back on and all would be fine until my next episode.

The car has been driven 75,000 miles. Can you help me?

A. Whether accelerating with the cruise or your gas pedal, there should be no difference. If the engine is revving up and the car does not accelerate, I suspect a transmission issue.

The next time it happens, pay attention to the tachometer and see if the RPMs actually increase. To test further, disengage the cruise control and try accelerating using the accelerator pedal while paying attention to the tachometer.

I would expect it to react the same way.

I guess I have more questions than answers at this point. However, try that and see if there is a difference. Thanks for the question; I'm not sure I helped much!

More on cruising: Answering our reader's question about his cruise-control issue reminded me to make sure everyone knows not to use cruise control in bad weather.

When the roads are slippery, whether it's rain or snow, it is a dangerous move to engage your cruise control. Your tires can start to spin without you being aware of it, which can lead to an accident.

You always have a much better feel of what the car is doing when you are controlling the engine speed with your foot. It's called road feel and you give some of that up when you engage the cruise.

Happy New Year everyone!

• Douglas Automotive is at 417 W. Main St., Barrington, (847) 381-0454, and 123 Virginia Road, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-0440. For information, visit douglasautomotive.com. Send questions to underthehood@dailyherald.com.