How do I activate Toyota cruise control?

To activate Toyota cruise control, turn on the system with the steering-wheel controls, reach your desired speed, and press Set to lock the speed. If your vehicle has adaptive cruise control (ACC), enable it with MAIN, set your speed, and choose a following distance.

Crank-up details vary by model and year. Some Toyotas use a stalk behind the steering wheel, while newer models place the controls on the right side of the wheel as a cluster of buttons. The guide below covers both standard cruise control and adaptive cruise control (ACC) across common Toyota models, with notes on-year and trim differences and safety considerations.

Standard Cruise Control (Non-Adaptive)

Use these steps if your Toyota uses traditional cruise control without adaptive features. Button labels and exact placement can differ by model, but the general sequence is consistent.

1. Turn on the cruise control system by pressing the ON or MAIN switch on the steering wheel until the cruise indicator lights up on the dash.


2. Accelerate to your desired speed using the accelerator pedal, making sure road conditions are safe for maintaining speed.


3. Set the speed by pressing the SET button (often labeled SET or SET/−) to lock in the current speed.


4. Adjust your speed as needed using RES/ACC or the +/- controls to increase or decrease the set speed.


5. Cancel or disengage as needed by pressing CANCEL, tapping the brake, or turning the system off with OFF or the MAIN switch (varies by model).


6. Resume later by pressing RES to return to the previously set speed; deactivate fully when you’re done using OFF or MAIN.

Note: Button placement and exact labels differ by model year and trim. If you see different icons or stalks, refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Adaptive cruise control maintains your speed and also keeps a set following distance from the vehicle ahead. The controls typically involve powering the system with MAIN, setting your speed, and selecting a following-distance option.

1. Turn on ACC by pressing MAIN or the dedicated ACC on/off control until the indicator shows on the dashboard.


2. Reach your desired speed with the accelerator, then press SET to establish the cruising speed.


3. Choose a following distance using the distance control (often labeled with a car-and-distance icon) to select short, medium, or long gaps.


4. Adjust speed or resume control with RES/ACC or the +/- buttons as needed; the system will automatically adapt to traffic ahead to maintain the chosen distance.


5. Disengage by braking, pressing CANCEL, or turning the system off with MAIN/OFF when you no longer want the assist.


6. In stop-and-go traffic, some ACC systems will bring the car to a stop and resume when traffic moves; others may require a gentle press of the accelerator to resume.

Note: ACC relies on sensors and may be affected by rain, fog, snow, or dirt on the sensors. Clean sensors when necessary and always be prepared to take manual control in challenging conditions.

Model-year and trim notes

Control placement varies: some Toyotas use a traditional stalk behind the steering wheel, others have a wheel-mounted button cluster on the right side. Newer models may feature Dynamic Radar Cruise Control or additional lane-centering assist in certain trims. Always check the owner's manual for your exact vehicle to confirm button locations and behavior.

Safety and best practices

Engage cruise control only on appropriate roads. Stay alert, keep both hands on the wheel when first using the system, and be ready to take manual control in heavy traffic, on winding roads, or in adverse weather conditions. Do not rely on cruise control in rain, snow, ice, or low-visibility situations.

Summary

Across most Toyota models, activating cruise control involves turning the system on, accelerating to the desired speed, and setting that speed. Adaptive cruise control adds the ability to maintain a following distance. While the exact button layout varies by model and year, the general workflow remains consistent: power on, set speed, adjust as needed, and disengage when necessary. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions and safety guidance.

What is active cruise control on a Toyota?

As it resumes. Some of these systems like Hyundai's Highway Drive assist 2 will allow you to handle speeds. Below 20 mph. Without touching the wheel.

Why is my Toyota cruise control not working?

If your Toyota's cruise control isn't working, common causes include a blown fuse, a faulty brake light switch, or a dirty or obstructed radar and camera sensor on models with adaptive cruise control. You can start by checking the fuse and cleaning the sensors, but if those don't resolve the issue, it could be a problem with a control switch, speed sensor, or another electrical component that may require a mechanic to diagnose. 
Simple checks and fixes
This video demonstrates how to check your cruise control fuse: 57sThePracticalMechanicYouTube · Aug 21, 2018

• Check fuses: A blown fuse can prevent the system from working. Look for the specific fuse related to the cruise control system in your vehicle's fuse box. 
• Clean sensors (for adaptive cruise control): If your model has radar cruise control, dirt, snow, or even a heavy wax coating on the front bumper or a dirty windshield near the camera can block the sensors. Gently clean the area above the front grille and the area behind the windshield near the rearview mirror. 
• Inspect brake lights: Check if your brake lights are working. If they aren't, the brake light switch may be faulty. A bad brake light switch can disable cruise control because the system believes you're pressing the brake pedal. 

Other potential issues

• Faulty cruise control switch: The physical switch on the steering wheel or stalk could be broken or have a bad connection. 
• Bad brake pedal switch: This switch is critical for disengaging cruise control. If it's malfunctioning, the system may not work or may not disengage properly. 
• Speed sensor issues: Cruise control relies on accurate speed sensor data. A faulty sensor can cause the system to malfunction or fluctuate in speed. 
• Electrical problems: Other electrical issues, such as damaged wiring, loose connections, or a bad ground, can also disable the system. 
• Other warning lights: If your check engine light or other safety warning lights are on, the cruise control system may be disabled automatically. 

When to seek professional help

• Diagnostic scan: A mechanic can use a diagnostic scanner to check for stored trouble codes. This can quickly identify issues with sensors or the control module.
• Complex electrical issues: For any complex electrical problems, it's best to have a certified professional diagnose and repair it to avoid causing further damage. 

How to enable cruise mode?

To set cruise control, first press the "On" or "Cruise" button to activate the system. Then, accelerate to your desired speed and press the "Set" button. Your car will now maintain that speed, and you can take your foot off the accelerator. To stop cruise control, press the brake pedal or the "Cancel" button. 
This video demonstrates how to use cruise control on a car's steering wheel: 50sEden Motor GroupYouTube · Sep 5, 2023
Step 1: Turn on the system 

• Press the "On," "Cruise," or a similar button, often found on the steering wheel or a stalk.
• An indicator light or icon on your dashboard will appear, showing the system is in standby mode. 

Step 2: Set your desired speed 

• Drive to the speed you want to set. 
• Press the "Set" button. On some systems, you may need to press and hold a stalk or use a "+" button. 
• You can now take your foot off the accelerator. 

Step 3: Adjusting the speed 

• To increase speed: Press and hold or briefly tap the "Set" or "+" button. Holding the button will typically increase the speed in larger increments (e.g., 5 mph).
• To decrease speed: Press and hold or briefly tap the "Set" or "-" button. 

Step 4: Canceling or resuming cruise control 

• To cancel: Tap the brake pedal or press the "Cancel" button on the wheel or stalk. In a manual car, pressing the clutch will also disengage it. 
• To resume: Press the "Resume" or "Res" button (if your car has one) to go back to your last set speed. 

You can watch this video to learn how to use the cruise control system in your car: 1mMick Drives CarsYouTube · Nov 1, 2023

How do I turn on cruise control on my Toyota?

To activate Toyota cruise control, find the cruise control stalk on the lower end of the right side of the steering wheel. Press the “ON/OFF” button located at the end of the stalk. A reading of your vehicle's speed will appear on the Multi Information Display.