Rostra Cruise Control

[slingblade]

I added the Rostra cruise control for the Matrix/Corolla this weekend.I am by no means a mechanic and I installed it myself. It is available in Canada from Grand West Ent (saskatoon) 1800-563-7755part#ros-250-1805 retails $380.43 CDN, Wholesale $277.69 CDN. The instructions are easy to follow, and it fits the Vibe perfectly. All wiring codes are the same on the Vibe. The only hole needed to be drilled is on the steering column cover for the lever. The kit includes everything required. Under the hood it looks like a factory install, I am very impressed. Finally have cruise....Yeah....it works for the Vibe base, and the Vibe GT and has provisions for automatic or standard. My Vibe is a 5-speed...I took the driver seat out to aid in installation of clutch switch and wiring under dash, I am a big guy so needed the room.

[ebslopp]

post some pics

[slingblade]

I'll have to take some ..no digital camera...

[slingblade]

You can go to http://www.rostra.com they are in the states and I believe they have the instructions on line.

[zionzr2]

I dont know if this is the same brand or not of aftermarket cruise, but I have a few pics of my Aftermarket cruise system...I did NOT install this myself a Audio Shop did it for me.The control cable is the one on top. The throtle cable is below.This is the brain box of the Cruise.

[joenobodyx]

First of all, I know that this thread is very old, so I apologize for having to resurrect it. Unfortunately, it was the only one (from any forum that I have visited) that actually discusses and shows pictures of the cruise control system that I am wanting to install (in a 2003 Matrix, by the way). I have a couple of questions, though. First, is the control lever built into the steering wheel itself, similar to an OEM installation, or is it built into the steering column near the turn signal stock? I can't really tell from the pictures shown. Also, if I have this unit installed, will the Cruise Control indicator lamp in the speedometer cluster illuminate, or is this strictly for OEM units? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by nbkoontz »First of all, I know that this thread is very old, so I apologize for having to resurrect it. Unfortunately, it was the only one (from any forum that I have visited) that actually discusses and shows pictures of the cruise control system that I am wanting to install (in a 2003 Matrix, by the way). I have a couple of questions, though. First, is the control lever built into the steering wheel itself, similar to an OEM installation, or is it built into the steering column near the turn signal stock? I can't really tell from the pictures shown. Also, if I have this unit installed, will the Cruise Control indicator lamp in the speedometer cluster illuminate, or is this strictly for OEM units? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!The control stick is on the column and not the steering wheel. And in my case it is near the turn signal stick. I think you could mount it on either side you want. However, I do not believe it would work if mounted on the steering wheel itself like in a stock setup. The cruise light on the dash dose not illuminate in the install performed on mine. However there is a small green light that is on the control stick. If you knew the wires that lit the dash cruise light i suppose you could tap into it and still use it. Hope this helps!By the Way....WELCOME TO OUR VIBEDOM!!!!!

[joenobodyx]

Thank you for the welcome and the clarification. Much appreciated! I do have a couple more final questions, though. First (based on the original date that you posted), seeing that it has been a couple years since you had yours installed, how has the Rostra cruise control held up for you...are there any issues that I should look out for? Also, given the placement on the steering column, is the control switch awkward to reach? If all goes well, then I will be 2-3 weeks away from having one installed on my Matrix, but I wanted to hear from other people with the same type of setup before I went ahead with it. Thanks again!

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by nbkoontz »Thank you for the welcome and the clarification. Much appreciated! I do have a couple more final questions, though. First (based on the original date that you posted), seeing that it has been a couple years since you had yours installed, how has the Rostra cruise control held up for you...are there any issues that I should look out for? Also, given the placement on the steering column, is the control switch awkward to reach? If all goes well, then I will be 2-3 weeks away from having one installed on my Matrix, but I wanted to hear from other people with the same type of setup before I went ahead with it. Thanks again!I have had ZERO issues! It has held up great. Its location is not an issue or awkward for me. It might be a little weird at first if you are used to a differnet vehicle's cruise setup, but this will pass quickly.One little side note now that i remember is to make sure that the cable connector that links the cable to the throttle control is firmly closed. You can see this link in my third picture. Looks like the chain connector on a ceiling fan on/off chain.

[joenobodyx]

Glad to hear, thank you! I don't think that location would be awkward for me either, since my first two cars were both late 1980's model GM vehicles (an Oldsmobile and a Buick, respectively) and both had a cruise control switch in approximately the same spot. The difference, of course, appears to be the size of the control stick and the placement of the buttons. Not a big deal though; I'll adapt quickly. Also, when I have it installed, I'll look for that throttle control cable. I assume that the main thing is to make sure that it stays linked together? If so, has yours ever come undone or otherwise loose? Also, does the original throttle get replaced, or does the cruise control just modify it somewhat? Again, thanks for all of your help. Much appreciated!

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by nbkoontz »Glad to hear, thank you! I don't think that location would be awkward for me either, since my first two cars were both late 1980's model GM vehicles (an Oldsmobile and a Buick, respectively) and both had a cruise control switch in approximately the same spot. The difference, of course, appears to be the size of the control stick and the placement of the buttons. Not a big deal though; I'll adapt quickly. Also, when I have it installed, I'll look for that throttle control cable. I assume that the main thing is to make sure that it stays linked together? If so, has yours ever come undone or otherwise loose? Also, does the original throttle get replaced, or does the cruise control just modify it somewhat? Again, thanks for all of your help. Much appreciated! You are quite welcome! YES, the main thing is to make sure it stays linked. The link did come undone once or twice, when engaging the cruise, but was an easy fix when I made sure it stays linked by crimping the connection a bit more. Never had an issue after that.The original throttle cable is NOT replaced, rather the cruise cable is added to it.

[joenobodyx]

An update: After nearly two months of looking, I finally went out and purchased a Rostra cruise control kit (part #250-1223). It appears to be identical to the one in the pictures, too. If it arrives on Monday or Tuesday, as it is supposed to, I might have it installed by this time next week!

[kaelc]

Anyone tried this on a Canadian O5 Vibe? My dealer doesn't know which Rostra kit to use? Any ideas?

[joenobodyx]

Mine is now installed and seems to work very well. The part number is 250-1223 for the cruise control itself and the switch is 250-3742. Granted that I had this installed on a 2003 Matrix, rather than a Vibe... but they are the exact same car and everything should interchange without any issues. As soon as possible, I will post pictures.EDIT: I saw that yours is a 2005 Vibe. All you need (I think) is the lever itself, which can also be purchased stock, since the Vibe and Matrix switched to drive by wire in that model year...at least on the U.S. models. I assume that the Canadian models are the same way?

[joenobodyx]

I mentioned a little while ago that I would post some pictures from my recent installation. These are of an almost identical setup in a 2003 Toyota Matrix XR and are meant to complement the ones that were originally in this thread:The engine bay area. Note how everything is laid out. A side view of the engine where the main electronic servo is located: The modified throttle: A view of the control switch as seen from the steering column: EDIT: I was not the one who put this in. I had mine professionally installed by my mechanic. Regardless, if anyone does have any questions, or if you are considering this particular setup, I would certainly be glad to share what I know and to answer any basic questions.