electrical gremlins: cruise control MIA

[j.fro]

The cruise control has disappeared from my car. The light on the dash no longer comes on when I push the button; it also no longer comes on when starting the car. I checked the fuse, and it's fine. I'm wondering if this is a symptom of my alternator starting to go. Another possibility is that I replaced my battery with a Braille unit.
Any thoughts?