How do I turn on cruise control on my Acura RDX?

Turn on the cruise control system by pressing the MAIN button on the steering wheel, then set your speed with the SET/− control. Use RES/+ to resume or increase speed, and brake or CANCEL to disengage. For Adaptive Cruise Control, you can also adjust your following distance using the dedicated distance control.

In modern Acura RDX models, cruise control includes both standard speed control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). This guide explains how to activate the system, set a speed, cancel, and manage the following-distance feature where ACC is available. It covers common steps that apply across recent model years and notes where ACC adds distance management.

Turning on Cruise Control: Step-by-Step

The following step-by-step instructions explain how to enable the system and set a steady speed. They apply to both conventional cruise control and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); ACC adds distance management that is covered after this list.

1. Ensure the vehicle is in a safe driving environment and your engine is running.


2. Press the MAIN button on the left side of the steering wheel to activate the cruise control system. A cruise indicator will appear on the instrument cluster when the system is ready.


3. Once the system is on, press SET/− to lock in your current speed as the cruising speed.


4. To raise or lower the set speed, use RES/+ to increase and SET/− to decrease.


5. To cancel the current set speed without turning the system off, press CANCEL or lightly apply the brake pedal.


6. To completely deactivate the cruise control system, press the MAIN button again or stop the engine.

With the adaptive cruise control feature, the car will maintain the chosen speed while automatically adjusting to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The following-distance control is typically located on the steering wheel as a separate control; refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location in your trim.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Settings

The ACC function adds automatic speed adjustments to maintain a safe gap to traffic ahead. Use this section to understand how to manage following distance and what you’ll see in the instrument cluster while ACC is engaged.

• Activate ACC by turning on the system with MAIN and selecting a set speed with SET/−.


• Adjust the following distance using the distance control on the steering wheel. This sets how closely you follow the vehicle in front of you, typically with several spacing options.


• As traffic changes, the system automatically speeds up or slows down to maintain the chosen distance, within the limits of the set speed.


• To override ACC temporarily (for example, in difficult traffic or if you need to enter a lane quickly), brake or press CANCEL; you can resume with RES/+ when safe.

Note that ACC performance can vary with road conditions, weather, and vehicle load. Always stay attentive and prepared to take over control if needed.

Summary

Activating cruise control on the Acura RDX is straightforward: use MAIN to turn the system on, SET/− to lock in your speed, and RES/+ to adjust or resume. To cancel, brake or press CANCEL, and to fully deactivate, press MAIN again. If your RDX is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, you can also manage your following distance with the distance control. Always monitor road conditions and be ready to intervene when necessary.

Why is my cruise control not working on my Acura RDX?

If your Acura RDX cruise control isn't working, common causes include a blown fuse, a faulty brake or clutch pedal switch, a dirty or blocked radar sensor for adaptive cruise control, or issues with speed sensors or the control module. Start by checking the fuse and cleaning the radar sensor if you have ACC, then perform a system reset, and use an OBD-II scanner to check for codes. 
Simple checks and resets

• Check for obstructions: If you have Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), clean the front radar sensor, often located behind the front grille or bumper. Also, ensure the inside of the windshield near the front camera is clean. 
• Reset the system: Turn the vehicle completely off, remove the key, lock the car, wait a few minutes, and then restart the engine. This can clear temporary glitches. 
• Check the battery voltage: Use a multimeter to ensure your battery voltage is at least 12.412.412.4 volts. Low voltage can cause various electronic systems to malfunction, including cruise control. 

This video demonstrates how to clean the radar sensor and reset the system: 1mDashboard warning lights YouTube · Jul 3, 2025
Potential causes

• Blown fuse: The cruise control system has a fuse that can blow to protect it from a short circuit. Check the fuse box for a blown fuse. 
• Faulty brake or clutch pedal switch: This is a very common issue. The cruise control system is designed to disengage when you press the brake pedal, so a faulty switch can prevent it from engaging. 
• Speed sensor issues: The vehicle's speed sensors provide data to the cruise control system. A failing speed sensor can cause the system to stop working. You may also notice problems with your speedometer. 
• Faulty control module: The cruise control module can malfunction. This is a more serious issue that may require professional diagnosis. 
• Incorrect gear mode: On some models, ACC may not work if the car is not in the correct gear (e.g., in a sequential shift mode). 
• Adaptive Cruise Control-specific issues:
  • The system may not work in bad weather conditions that affect visibility. 
  • It might be temporarily disabled if the navigation system is updating or not working correctly. 
  • The system may have a manual reset or recalibration setting in the car's menu. 

This video explains common reasons for cruise control failure, including faulty switches and sensors: 58sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Oct 7, 2019
Next steps

• Use an OBD-II scanner: Use a scanner to check for any stored fault codes. This can help pinpoint the problem and guide your next steps.
• Consult a professional: If simple checks don't resolve the issue, take your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis. They can perform more in-depth testing on the components and wiring. 

How to put cruise control on an Acura?

Process. And it's all done using the switches along the right hand side of the steering wheel here so you've got a series of buttons. The one along the top right side turns the system on or off.

How to turn on cruise control in Acura RDX?

Control you can toggle cruise control on by pushing the button. Here. And once that's toggled on once you're at the speed that you'd like you're going to push down in order to set your speed.

How do I activate the cruise control?

To turn on cruise control, first accelerate to your desired speed, then press the "On/Off" button to activate the system, and finally press "Set" to lock in the speed. You should see an indicator light on your dashboard confirming the system is active.
 
This video explains how to use cruise control in a car: 57sAdvance Driving SchoolYouTube · May 8, 2019
Step 1: Turn on the system 

• Locate the "On/Off" button, which is usually on the steering wheel or a stalk behind it. 
• Press the "On/Off" button to enable the system. A "Cruise Main" message or an indicator light will appear on the dashboard, but the system is not yet active at a specific speed. 

Step 2: Set your speed 

• Drive at the speed you want to maintain. 
• Press the "Set" button. On some cars, this is a physical button, while on others, it's a stalk you push down. 
• The system is now active, and you can take your foot off the accelerator. 

Step 3: Adjust and manage your speed 

• Increase speed: Press and hold the "Resume" or "+" button to accelerate, or simply press the gas pedal until you reach the new speed and press "Set" again. 
• Decrease speed: Press and hold the "Cancel" or "-" button to slow down. 
• Cancel cruise control: Press the brake pedal or the dedicated "Cancel" button to temporarily disengage cruise control. 
• Resume speed: To return to the previously set speed, press the "Resume" or "RES" button.