How do I turn on cruise control on my Ford?
In most Ford models, cruise control is activated from the steering wheel controls or a left-side stalk. Once enabled, you can set your speed, adjust it with the appropriate buttons, and disengage with the brake or a cancel action. If your Ford has adaptive cruise control, you’ll also manage following distance and radar-based speed adjustments.
Where to find the cruise control controls
Ford places cruise control controls in a couple of common locations depending on the model year and trim. The exact method can vary, so look for the familiar labels and consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
- Steering-wheel mounted controls (most newer Ford models): Common buttons include ON/OFF, SET/+, SET/-, RES (resume), and CANCEL. Some vehicles also show a distance or brake-assist icon for adaptive cruise control (ACC).
- Left-side stalk on the steering column (older or some specialty trims): A stalk with markings such as ON, OFF, SET, RES, and +/- may be used to engage and control cruise. Motion on the stalk (pushing/pulling or clicking) typically adjusts settings.
- Touchscreen or instrument cluster interface (certain models): Some builds allow you to enable, set, and adjust cruise control from the vehicle’s digital display or infotainment system.
Note: The precise steps and button labels can differ by model year and trim. If you’re unsure, refer to your Ford’s owner’s manual or the in-vehicle help guide for model-specific instructions.
Step-by-step guide to turning on and using cruise control
Use the following general steps to activate and operate cruise control in most Ford vehicles. If you drive a model with adaptive cruise control, you’ll see additional distance settings and radar indicators.
- Ensure you’re driving on a suitable road with steady traffic and clear weather.
- Turn on the cruise control system: press the ON button or toggle the cruise control switch/stalk to the ON position.
- Accelerate to your desired cruising speed by pressing the accelerator pedal or letting the vehicle reach the speed you want.
- Set the speed: press SET or SET/+ (or use the RES/SET control on the steering wheel) to lock in your current speed.
- Adjust speed as needed: use the + or – controls (or use RES/SET) to increase or decrease the locked speed while cruise is active.
- Disengage when needed: press the brake pedal or press CANCEL to temporarily disengage. To resume your previous speed, press RES/SET or the resume button when safe.
Following these steps will enable you to use standard cruise control in most Ford vehicles. Adaptive cruise control will add distance management, which is controlled through its own set of buttons and displays on the steering wheel.
Adaptive Cruise Control and distance settings
Many Ford models now include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) as part of Ford Co-Pilot360 or related packages. ACC maintains a set speed while also keeping a chosen following distance from the car ahead. Here’s what to expect and how to use it.
- Radar-based sensing: ACC uses sensors to monitor traffic ahead and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Distance settings: You can typically select a following distance from several presets (often indicated by “distance” or a number of bars/icons) to suit traffic conditions.
- Setting and adjusting: After turning ON, you can set your speed as with standard cruise control and then choose the appropriate following distance using dedicated distance controls on the steering wheel.
ACC is designed for highway driving and still requires driver attention. You can override ACC at any time by braking, pressing CANCEL, or manually taking control of the accelerator.
Safety tips for using cruise control
To maximize safety and reliability, keep these guidelines in mind when using cruise control in a Ford.
- Only use cruise control on highways or long, open stretches with light-to-moderate traffic.
- Stay alert and ready to take over if traffic conditions change or weather deteriorates.
- Maintain both hands on the wheel when possible and avoid using cruise in rain, snow, ice, or heavy traffic.
- Set a comfortable speed appropriate for the posted limits and traffic flow.
- If you notice any system warning on the instrument cluster, disengage and consult the manual or a dealership.
As always, the exact operation may vary by model and year. If your Ford’s cruise control isn’t behaving as described, check the owner’s manual or contact Ford Support for model-specific guidance.
Summary
Cruise control in a Ford is designed to be straightforward across most recent models, with two common control configurations: steering-wheel controls and a left-side stalk. Activate the system, set your speed, adjust as needed, and disengage with brakes or CANCEL. If your car features adaptive cruise control, you can also manage following distance for automatic speed adjustments in traffic. For precise instructions tailored to your vehicle, refer to the owner’s manual or Ford’s official support resources.
How to set cruise control on Ford F150?
- Press On on the cruise control switch on your steering wheel.
- Drive at your desired speed.
- Press and release the Set+ button.
- Take your foot off the accelerator.
How to turn on cruise control on Ford?
If you go down. Instead. You can hit the brake in order to pause your speed.
How to use cruise control on a Ford Explorer?
How To Use Cruise Control In Ford Cars
- Step 1: Locate the Cruise Control Button.
- Step 2: Accelerate to the Desired Speed.
- Step 3: Activate Cruise Control.
- Step 4: Set the Speed.
- Step 5: Adjust the Speed as Needed.
- Step 6: Deactivate Cruise Control.
How do you activate cruise control?
And it's not me pressing you can see I'm not pressing the accelerator. And yet it's maintaining its speed to break it it's really simple as I'm approaching the traffic. Here.
