How to Add Cruise Control to a Manual Transmission?

[DeRosalie]

First, press the cruise control button on the steering wheel (the oval-shaped on/off button on the right), and the cruise light on the dashboard will illuminate. Then, accelerate to the desired speed and push the up/down toggle button on the right side of the steering wheel downward once. The set light on the dashboard will illuminate, indicating the setup is complete.

[StWillow]

I've been familiar with car modifications for over a decade, and adding cruise control to a manual transmission is actually quite technically demanding—it's not as simple as just installing a box. You need to start by purchasing a dedicated kit from a professional shop, like one with a control module, then connect it to the throttle position sensor and clutch interface so the system can detect gear shifts and automatically pause the cruise. The installation involves multiple steps: removing old components and wiring, tuning the throttle response curve, and calibrating speed and shift logic via a diagnostic tool. This process typically costs around 1,000 to 2,000 yuan, and it's best to find an experienced technician to avoid wiring errors that could cause short circuits. After modification, each gear shift will interrupt the cruise, requiring a restart—unlike the seamless experience of an automatic transmission. On uphill slopes, the system won't shift gears, potentially causing engine shudder or stalling, so it's only suitable for long, flat roads. The essence of a manual transmission lies in the joy of control; adding cruise control might not be worth it.