Cruise control will engage and reengage when using hand control options, however when the foot brake is applied, the cruise control can not be reactived until the car has been turned off for a period of time. Also, the air bag light becomes lit after the car is running a short period of time. Do you think this combination of faults is due to clock spring issues? Is it likely that the brake light switch needs replacing? If the clock spring is at fault, how does the steering wheel controls communicte with the cruise control until the foot brake is engaged? Your advice on both the cruise control and air bag operations and corrective actions would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks !!!

Do you know how it works ? What controls it ?

Did you hook up a scan tool an check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes ?

Cruise Control Description and Operation
Cruise control is a speed control system that maintains a desired vehicle speed under normal driving conditions. However, steep grades may cause variations in the selected speeds. The electronic cruise control system has the capability to CRUISE, COAST, RESUME SPEED, ACCELERATE, TAP-UP or TAP-DOWN.
The main parts of the cruise control system are:
• The powertrain control module (PCM)
• The function control switches
• The stop lamp switch assembly
The cruise control system uses the powertrain control module (PCM) to maintain the desired vehicle cruise speed . The PCM assembly contains a low speed limit which will prevent system engagement below a minimum speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). The PCM assembly is not serviceable.
Cruise control operation is controlled through the function control switches located on the multifunction turn signal lever. The cruise control function control switches includes the ON/OFF, SET/COAST, R/A (resume/accelerate). The switch assembly provides driver control of the cruise control system.
The stop lamp switch is used to disengage the cruise control. A cruise control release switch circuit and a stop lamp switch circuit are used. The stop lamp switch is mounted to the brake pedal bracket . To disengage the system the driver presses the brake pedal. The speed of the vehicle at brake actuation will be stored in the memory of the PCM.
With cruise control, the vehicle can maintain a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator. When the driver turns off the cruise control ON/OFF switch or ignition switch, the cruise control turns off. The vehicle speed stored in the memory of the PCM will be lost.
Ignition positive voltage is supplied from the HVAC fuse, to the cruise control switch. When the cruise control ON/OFF switch is on, ignition positive voltage is applied to the cruise on switch signal circuit terminal of the PCM. If the driver has not pressed the brake pedal, ignition positive voltage is supplied through the stop lamp switch, TCC/Brake signal contacts to the cruise control brake pedal switch signal circuit terminals of the PCM. Cruise control is canceled when the driver presses the brake pedal. The stop lamp switch contacts close, applying battery positive voltage to the stop lamp signal circuit of the PCM. At the same time, the TCC/Brake contacts of the stop lamp switch open and voltage is removed from the brake pedal signal circuit at the PCM. When pressing the SET/COAST button on the multifunction turn signal lever, ignition positive voltage is applied to the set/coast switch signal terminal of the PCM. When pressing the R/A (resume/accelerate) on the control switch, ignition positive voltage is applied to the resume/accelerate switch signal terminal of the PCM.
When the cruise switch is in the ON position, and the driver presses the SET/COAST button, the PCM then checks to see that the cruise control enable criteria is met. If the cruise control criteria has been met the PCM sends a class 2 message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to illuminate the cruise light.
The PCM will inhibit cruise control:
• When the PCM detects that the center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) in not operating properly.
• When vehicle speed is less than 40 km/h (25 mph).
• When in PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or 1st gear.
• With low engine RPM
• With high engine RPM (fuel cut-off)
• When vehicle speed is to high
• When an over or under charged battery voltage condition exists
• Antilock brake system/traction control system is active for more than 2 seconds
If the PCM determines that any of the cruise control inhibit conditions are present, the PCM will disengage the cruise control. If the PCM disables the cruise control for an inhibiting event it will record the reason for disengagement in the Disengage Definition data file.

Do you know how to test electrical circuits with a DVOM - digital volt ohmmeter, looking at a wiring diagram for the CC so you know what wires to test , if not your best bet might be to take it to a qualified repair shop .

Your best bet , take your vehicle to a qualified repair shop that has a professional scan tool an service repair info . So it can be diagnosed correctly . The Stop lamp switch is not a old school conventional type . Has three wires , five volt ref. voltage from the BCM ,
Stop Lamps
The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery positive voltage to the stop lamps, center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), and engine control module (ECM). Ground for the right rear stop lamp and CHMSL is applied at G402. Ground for the left rear stop lamp is applied at G400. The stop lamps on this vehicle will not illuminate unless the ignition is in the accessory, run, or crank positions. When the ignition is in the OFF position the stop lamps will not illuminate when the brake pedal is applied.

Checking for DTC's - diagnostic trouble code's in the BCM would be my first diagnostic step , not guessing an replacing parts .

DTC B3903 02: Stop Lamp Relay Circuit Short to Ground
DTC B3903 05: Stop Lamp Relay Circuit Open or Short to Voltage

DTC C0277 06: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Short to Ground or Open
DTC C0277 07 : Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Voltage Above Threshold
DTC C0277 09 : Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Rate of Change Above Threshold

DTC C0278 00: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Not Calibrated

DTC C0870 03 : Device Voltage Reference Output 1 Circuit Voltage Below Threshold
DTC C0870 07 : Device Voltage Reference Output 1 Circuit Voltage Above Threshold
As you can see a number of DTC'S can be set , so do yourself a favor an let a qualified technician check it

Circuit/System Description
The brake pedal position sensor is used to sense the action of the driver application of the brake pedal. The brake pedal position sensor provides an analog voltage signal that will increase as the brake pedal is applied. The body control module (BCM) provides a low reference signal and a 5-volt reference voltage to the brake pedal position sensor. When the variable signal reaches a voltage threshold indicating the brakes have been applied, the BCM will apply battery positive voltage to the stop lamps, center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), transmission control module (TCM), and engine control module (ECM). The stop lamps will not operate unless the ignition is in the ON position.

DTC P0572 : Brake Switch Circuit 1 Low Voltage
DTC P0573 : Brake Switch Circuit 1 High Voltage

It's hard to fix something when you don't have a clue how it works . The CC is also a controlled function of the BCM .
The BCM monitors the signal circuit of the cruise control switches. The BCM relays the cruise control switch status to the ECM via the GMLAN serial data circuit. The ECM uses the status of the cruise control switch to determine when to capture and maintain the vehicle speed. The ECM monitors the vehicle speed signal circuit in order to determine and the desired vehicle speed. The ECM uses the TAC motor in order to maintain the vehicle speed. For further review of the TAC system, refer to Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description for the 2.0L engine or to Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description for the 2.4L engine. Ignition voltage is supplied to the cruise control switch from the 2-amp CRUISE fuse located in the integrated BCM fuse block. The cruise control switches are located on the steering wheel. The cruise control function switches are arranged in a resistive ladder design, with each cruise control function switch having a different resistance value. The BCM detects a specific voltage value that is associated with any cruise control function switch being activated. When the normally open cruise control on/off switch is turned ON, the switch closes and the BCM detects a predetermined voltage signal on the cruise control set/coast and resume/accel switch signal circuit. The BCM sends a GMLAN serial data message to the ECM indicating that the On/Off switch is active. Similarly, when the + RES switch or the - SET switch are pressed, the BCM detects the predetermined voltage signal on the cruise control set/coast and resume/accel switch signal circuit. To engage the cruise control system, ensure that the vehicle speed is above 40.2 km/h (25 mph), turn the cruise On/Off switch ON and momentarily press the - SET switch. The ECM will engage the cruise control system and record the vehicle speed. The ECM sends a GMLAN serial data message via the BCM to the driver information center (DIC) in order to display the CRUISE ENGAGED message. The - SET switch or the + RES switch will remain inactive when the BCM has not received the predetermined voltage signal from the On/Off switch. Pressing the accelerator pedal, while the cruise control system is engaged, will allow the driver to override the cruise control system in order to accelerate the vehicle beyond the current set vehicle speed. When the accelerator pedal is released, the vehicle will decelerate and resume the current set vehicle speed. The driver can also override the current set vehicle speed via the - SET switch and the + RES switch. When the cruise control system is engaged, pressing and holding the - SET switch will allow the vehicle to decelerate from the current set vehicle speed without deactivating the cruise control system. When the - SET switch is released, the ECM will record the vehicle speed and maintain the vehicle speed as the new set vehicle speed. When the cruise control system is engaged, momentarily pressing the - SET switch will allow the vehicle to decelerate at 1.6 km/h (1 mph) increments for each time that the - SET is momentarily pressed, with a minimum vehicle speed of 37 km/h (23 mph). Pressing and holding the + RES switch, when the cruise control system is engaged, will allow the vehicle to accelerate to a greater vehicle speed than the current set vehicle speed. When the + RES switch is released, the ECM will record the vehicle speed and maintain the vehicle speed as the new set vehicle speed. When the cruise control system is engaged, momentarily pressing the + RES switch will allow the vehicle to accelerate at 1.6 km/h (1 mph) increments for each time that the + RES switch is momentarily pressed, with the maximum acceleration total of 16 km/h (10 mph) over the current set vehicle speed. Momentarily pressing the + RES switch after the cruise control system has been disengaged by pressing the brake pedal, will recall the previous set vehicle speed that is recorded in the ECM.

Is you brake light working properly?

Cruise controls can cease to engage if the clutch or brake light cruise switch are out of adjustment. If this happens, try placing you foot under the clutch pedal (if equipped) and lift up on it (toward you) and hold it while engaging the cruise. If it now works, it will likely cut out when you remove your foot from under the pedal. Check the brake pedal in an identical fashion. Adjusting the switch at the pedals can often solve he problem. Some vehicles (Honda, Acura, Ford, to name a few) have a plastic insert that mounts in the pedal arm which presses against the switch. These can become brittle and fracture into pieces. My Acura has little pieces of blue plastic on the floorboard around the brake pedal one afternoon and I noticed the cruise didn't work. It was the pieces of the insert that had come to pieces preventing the cruise from coming on. I replaced the insert and no more problem with the cruise.

Not sure what the question is here. But yes, cruise control disengages when you tap the brake (for obvious reasons). Just reset everything (turn cruise off) then do it again to reengage cruise control.

Start with the simple and check the fuses and the Stop lamp switch. Check your brake lights, if they're not working, the cruise won't work either. If they're not working, check the fuse for them, if the fuse is fine, then take it into the dealer, there's been a recall issued on the brake switch, so it should get fixed for free.
Cruise Control Disengaged
The powertrain control module (PCM) disengages the cruise control operation based on the signals from the following switches:

* The stop lamp switch
* The TCC brake/cruise release switch
* The clutch release switch, if equipped
* The cruise control On/Off switch

The TCC brake/cruise release switch and the stop lamp switch are mounted on the brake pedal bracket. When the brake pedal is applied, the normally closed TCC brake/cruise release switch opens and the normally open stop lamp switch closes. The PCM detects a low signal voltage on the TCC brake/cruise release switch signal circuit and a high signal voltage on the stop lamp switch signal circuit. When the clutch pedal is applied, the normally closed clutch release switch opens and the PCM detects zero voltage on the CCP switch signal circuit. The vehicle speed stored in the memory of the PCM will be erased when the cruise control On/Off button is turned OFF, or the ignition switch is turned OFF.

The Cruise Control System will disengage when the PCM detects that a driver override function has been active for approximately 60 seconds .

When the Cruise Control System is disengaged, the PCM sends a class 2 message to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to deactivate the cruise control indicator.

Cruise Control Inhibited
The powertrain control module (PCM) inhibits the cruise control operation when any of the following conditions exist:

* A cruise control related DTC has been set.
* The vehicle speed is less than 40.2 km/h (25 mph) .
* The vehicle is in PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, or 1st gear.
* The engine RPM is too low.
* The engine RPM is too high, with fuel cut off.
* The vehicle speed is too high, with fuel cut off.
* The system voltage is not between 9 volts and 16 volts .
* The Traction Control System (TCS) is active for more than 2 seconds .
Thank you for using Fixya and start with replacing the stop lamp switch. Even though the brake light work, it;s been known for that switch to cause your issue. that's way there was a recall for it.

The cruise-controls have 2-buttons that must be activated before it gets the car going when you remove your foot off the gas-pedal.
The cruise button is essentailly a switch that turns 'on' the cruise servo-motor that tells the sytems that you wants to use it, so it gets ready.
There are other three switches on the right-side of the steering wheel namely: resume accel; cancel; set decel.
To get your car to cruise: you must steady your speed and foot on the gas-pedal. You cannot just press the switches and expect the car to cruise. It takes about two-to-three seconds for the system to respond to a set cruising speed.
How to do it: accelerate to a speed of about 30-mph. Press the 'cruise' button on the dash first. Next you press 'set decel' button. This will turn 'on' the cruise control light on the instrument panel. Then wait a second or three and you would feel the cruise engagement. Any touch on the brake pedal will slow down the car and turns the cruise off. The 'cancel' button turns off the cruise light on the instrument panel.
If you hit the brake-pedal at any time for any reason, and you would like to continue cruising again, simply press the 'resume accel' button.
The cruise system works in conjunction with the braking system of the car. So all major parts of the braking system must be in good condition, otherwise the cruise system could shut off itself.

Check the cruise control module connector, see if it looks good and there is power to the module over one of the white wires in the 10 pin connector.
There are two white wires going to the module which is located at pins "G" and "J". There should be no voltage at pin "G" until the brake switch is applied. This switch is also used to operate the brake lights. The two wire colors on this switch are white and orange. At pin "J", this signal goes to the PCM to tell it that the cruise control module is engaged. Here is the info on the cruise control connector:

Pin A: gray - cruise control on switch signal: 12VDC with cruise switch on
Pin B: dark blue - cruise control set/coast switch signal: 12VDC with switch pressed
Pin C: gray/black - cruise control resume/accel switch signal: 12VDC with switch pressed
Pin D: brown - cruise control release signal: 12VDC with brake pedal not pressed: 0V when pressed
Pin E: black/white - ground
Pin F: brown - ignition 3 voltage: 12VDC with ignition on
Pin G: white - stop lamp switch signal: 0V with brake pedal not pressed: 12VDC when pressed
Pin H: dark green - cruise control inhibit signal: 0V if PCM detects an inhibit condition
Pin J: white - cruise control engaged signal: voltage (unsure of value, either 12VDC or 5VDC) when signal engaged
Pin K: dark green - vehicle speed signal: 1 to 5 volts depending on speed

This view of connector is facing it after it is separated.

Trying to post the connector view, the lines may not quite line up, but at least it should show you the pin positions.

| F  G H J K |

| E D C B A | 

When I try to engage the cruise control, the dash light flashes, but it doesn't stay on.

You may have a faulty brake lamp switch at the brake pedal. If the brake lights come on (via a bad switch), the cruise will cut off.