How do I turn on cruise control on my Honda Fit?

On most Honda Fit models, you turn on cruise control by activating the cruise switch, then set your desired speed and use the corresponding buttons to adjust or cancel. The basic steps are: enable the system, reach your target speed, press set to lock it in, and use resume or adjust controls as needed. Always drive attentively and adjust for traffic and weather.

Where to find the cruise control controls

Control layouts vary by year and trim. In many Fits, cruise control is operated with a stalk on the right side of the steering column, or with buttons on the steering wheel. Look for a control labeled CRUISE or MAIN, with On/Off, Cancel, Set/−, and Resume/+. If your car has adaptive cruise control, you may see additional distance settings and related controls.

Because the exact arrangement can differ between models, consult your owner’s manual for the precise location and labeling for your year and trim. Safety note: if you don’t see a dedicated cruise control control, your model may not be equipped with cruise control in that configuration.

Basic steps to activate and set cruise control

To enable cruise control on a Honda Fit, follow these step-by-step instructions. They apply to most models that use a traditional cruise control setup.

1. Start driving and reach a steady speed above the minimum engagement threshold (usually around 25 mph or 40 km/h, but check your manual for your specific model).


2. Activate cruise control by pressing the On/CRUISE button or moving the cruise control switch to the On position; an indicator light will appear on the dashboard.


3. Accelerate to your desired cruising speed.


4. Press the Set button (often labeled SET or SET/−) to lock in that speed; the cruise indicator should confirm your speed is stored.


5. To change speed, use the RES/＋ (increase) or SET/− (decrease) controls as needed. If you’ve temporarily canceled, you can resume the saved speed with the RES/＋ button.


6. To cancel cruise control, either press the Cancel control if available or simply tap the brake pedal; many systems will deactivate automatically when you brake.

When engaged, the system will maintain your chosen speed until you cancel, press Off, or brake. If you encounter a hill or strong wind, be prepared to manually intervene if the vehicle’s speed drifts away from your target.

Adjusting speed, resuming, and turning it off

After the initial set, you can fine-tune your pace and manage the system with these actions.

1. To temporarily override the set speed, press the accelerator pedal; release to allow the system to re-engage at the previous speed by pressing RES/＋.


2. Increase speed incrementally using RES/＋, often in small steps as you hold the button, or press it repeatedly.


3. Decrease speed using SET/−, similarly allowing for gradual reductions.


4. Turn cruise control off completely by switching the On/Off control to Off or by pressing the main cruise control button, depending on your model.

These controls are designed to give you flexible handling while maintaining a steady speed on highways and smoother roads.

Model-year variations and safety considerations

While the steps above cover the typical Honda Fit setup, the exact controls can vary by year and trim. Some generations use a right-side stalk with On/Off, Set, and Cancel functions, while others place these actions on steering-wheel buttons. If your Fit includes adaptive cruise control (ACC), you may see additional distance settings and a separate control to adjust following distance.

Always keep your hands on the wheel and stay attentive. Cruise control is a convenience feature that should be used on clear, predictable roads, away from heavy traffic, rain, snow, or winding terrain. If you’re new to cruise control, practice in a safe, open area before using it on busy highways, and disable it in conditions that require frequent speed changes.

Summary

Turning on cruise control in a Honda Fit generally involves activating the cruise switch, accelerating to a chosen speed, and pressing Set to lock that speed. You can adjust with Resume/Plus or Set/Minus and cancel by braking or using Cancel. The exact control layout varies by year and trim, so consult the owner’s manual for specifics. With proper use, cruise control helps maintain a steady pace on long highway drives while keeping you focused on the road.

How do I set the cruise control on a Honda?

There's a distance indicator. So it's how close or far are you away from the vehicle that's in front of you.

Why is my cruise control not working on my Honda Fit?

If your Honda Fit's cruise control isn't working, common culprits include a blown fuse, a faulty brake light switch, or a problem with the clutch pedal switch. Other issues could be a bad cruise control switch or stalk, a damaged clock spring, or a malfunctioning speed sensor. You should start with the simplest checks like fuses and switches before moving to more complex repairs.
 
You can watch this video to learn how to check your Honda cruise control's adaptive functionality: 55sMechanical MalarkeyYouTube · Sep 4, 2023
Simple checks

• Check the fuse: The cruise control has its own fuse. If it's blown, the system will stop working. You can check the fuse box for the cruise control fuse and replace it if it's blown. 
• Check the brake light switch: This switch is designed to disengage cruise control when you hit the brake. If the switch is faulty or stuck, it can falsely signal that the brake is engaged, preventing cruise control from turning on. A simple test is to see if your brake lights work correctly, though a malfunctioning switch can sometimes cause both issues. 
• Check the clutch pedal switch: On manual transmission models, cruise control won't engage if the clutch pedal isn't fully released. A common problem is the clutch switch not being properly adjusted. Try gently pulling up on the clutch pedal to see if this engages the cruise control. 
• Check the cruise control buttons: The physical buttons on the steering wheel can become worn out or dirty. Try cleaning the buttons with contact cleaner, or for older models, a simple fix might be to place an O-ring on the switch to keep it from sticking. 
• Check the horn: If your horn is also not working, the clock spring could be the issue. This is a common problem in Honda Fits and will cause both the horn and the cruise control to malfunction. 

More advanced checks

• Use an OBD-II scanner: A scanner can identify specific error codes that point to the exact problem, such as a speed sensor issue. 
• Inspect the speed sensor: If the speed sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause cruise control to fail. You may also notice other issues like an inaccurate speedometer or rough idling. 
• Inspect the clock spring: A clock spring allows electrical signals to be sent from the steering wheel to the car's systems. A failure here is a common cause of both horn and cruise control problems. 
• Check vacuum hoses (older models): On older Fits, vacuum hoses and actuators control the throttle. Any leaks or damage to these can affect cruise control. 

You can watch this video to see how to replace the clock spring on a Honda Fit: 53sBryan EmbleyYouTube · Oct 3, 2016
What to do

1. Start with the simplest checks first (fuse, brake light switch, clutch switch, cruise control buttons). 
2. If the simple checks don't fix the problem, move on to more complex diagnostics like checking the speed sensor or the clock spring. 
3. If you're not comfortable with more advanced diagnostics, take your vehicle to a mechanic for a professional diagnosis and repair. 

How do I activate my 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. 

How to turn on cruise control on Honda Fit?

Activating Honda Cruise Control
Begin by pressing the “ON” or “CRUISE” button. This action will turn on the cruise control system and prepare it for setting the desired speed. Once the system is activated, accelerate to your preferred speed. When you reach the desired speed, press the “SET” button.