Guide to Cruise Controls & DIY Installs

Command Cruise Control:

Bring Modern Cruising to Older Vehicles

Got an older 4WD, work ute, or touring rig that missed out on factory cruise control? You don’t need to buy a brand-new vehicle to get modern highway comfort. Adding an aftermarket electronic cruise control system is one of the most noticeable improvements you can make to your everyday driving and long-distance touring.

What Is It?

The Command Cruise Control AP600 electronic range is a complete aftermarket cruise control solution designed specifically for vehicles without factory-fitted systems.

Unlike the clunky, basic mechanical systems from decades ago, modern electronic setups like the AP600 system use real-time vehicle speed data and precise control inputs to maintain your selected cruising speed. Once you set it, the system takes over the accelerator work. You stay completely in control and can cancel the cruise operation the moment conditions change, just like a factory system.

It reduces the physical fatigue of holding your foot in the exact same position for hours, stops your speed from creeping up accidentally, and completely changes how an older vehicle feels on a long run.

Who’s It For?

Grey Nomads & Long-Distance Tourers

If you spend your days driving hundreds of highway kilometres across Australia, constantly monitoring and adjusting your accelerator foot gets old fast. Adding an aftermarket cruise control system lets you relax, focus on the road ahead, and drastically cuts down on driver fatigue when towing a caravan or driving a fully loaded touring rig.


Home Car Guys & 4WD Builders

You’ve got a classic car, a heavily modified 4WD, or an older ute that you’ve built up exactly how you want it. It has the suspension, the lighting, and the 12V setup, but it’s missing that one piece of modern comfort. The Command Cruise Control range lets you keep the older rig you love while adding the highway convenience it lacks.


Professional Workshops & Auto Electricians

For trade buyers fitting accessories for clients, reliability is everything. The AP600 electronic cruise control range offers the individual components, switch options, and reliable operation you need to complete a professional, clean installation without dealing with comeback jobs.

Key Features

Multiple Switch Options for a Clean Finish

Every interior is different, so you aren’t stuck with a one-size-fits-all switch. The range includes standard stalk controls, double-memory stalks (like the CM7 Stalk Switch), and dash-mounted pad controls (like the 90CM30 and 90CM35), letting you pick the setup that looks most natural in your cab.

Automatic and Manual Ready

Cruise control isn’t just for automatics. The AP600 range can be fitted to manual vehicles using a dedicated manual clutch switch. This critical safety feature ensures the cruise system instantly disengages the moment you step on the clutch to change gears.

Solutions for Vehicles Without a Speed Signal

A cruise control system needs to know how fast you are going. If you’re driving an older mechanical rig that doesn’t have a modern electronic speed signal, Command has it covered. You can use their optional speedo magnet pick-up kit to generate the required speed data, making retrofits possible on a massive range of older vehicles.

Cable and Drive-By-Wire Compatibility

Whether your accelerator works via an old-school physical cable throttle or a modern electronic drive-by-wire setup, there are Command Cruise Control components available to suit your specific engine configuration.

From the Workshop

Do we actually use this?
Yes.

Have we seen it fail?
The Command systems themselves are rock solid. When we see aftermarket cruise control issues roll into the workshop, it’s almost always down to a poor DIY installation. The most common mistake we see is people skipping the proper clutch switch setup on manual vehicles, or doing a sloppy job wiring in the speedo magnet. If you take your time and do the electrical work properly, they work beautifully.

Would I fit it on my own car?
Absolutely. If I was building up an older 60 Series Cruiser or a GQ Patrol for long-distance touring, this would be one of the very first things I’d fit. Life is too short to have your right leg cramping up five hours into a drive up the centre.

— Michael, HS Auto Parts

Specs & Compatibility

  • Vehicle Types: Suitable for 12V older cars, 4WDs, commercial utes, and motorhomes.
  • Transmission: Compatible with automatic and manual transmissions (manuals require the clutch switch).
  • Throttle Types: Options available for both cable throttle and drive-by-wire vehicles.
  • Speed Signal: Works with factory electronic speed signals, or older mechanical speedometers using the optional speedo magnet pick-up kit.

Note: Cruise control is a safety-related vehicle system. Vehicle compatibility, throttle configuration, and available speed signal must be confirmed before purchasing to ensure you get the correct kit.

FAQ

Can I fit an aftermarket cruise control system myself?

If you are a highly capable DIYer who understands 12V auto electrical wiring and is comfortable working under the dash, yes. However, because cruise control is a critical safety system, if you aren’t 100% confident, we strongly recommend having a qualified auto electrician handle the installation. You can browse the Command components here and take them to your local sparky.

Will this work on a manual transmission vehicle?

Yes. You just need to ensure your installation includes a dedicated manual clutch switch. This tells the cruise control to disengage the moment you press the clutch pedal down, preventing the engine from free-revving when you change gears.

My old 4WD doesn't have an electronic speed signal. Can I still use this?

Yes, that’s exactly what the optional speedo magnet pick-up kit is designed for. It generates the necessary speed information for the cruise control unit, meaning you can fit this to older mechanical vehicles that completely missed out on modern electronics.

Losty Showing off his new purchase, a quick refresher before going home and installing the Cruise Control

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