How do I turn on cruise control on my Honda?
In most Honda models, you turn on cruise control by pressing the MAIN switch on the right side of the steering wheel to activate the system, then press SET/− to establish your speed. You can adjust with RES/+, cancel with the brake or CANCEL, and turn it off with MAIN when you're done.
Overview of Honda cruise control
Most newer Hondas use a steering-wheel control cluster to manage cruise control. The system may be standard cruise control or Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which keeps a set distance from the car ahead. Activation, setting your speed, and disengaging are generally the same across models, though exact button labels can vary slightly by year and trim.
Steps to enable cruise control
Follow these steps to activate cruise control on most Honda models.
- Drive at or above the minimum speed required by your vehicle (typically around 25 mph / 40 km/h).
- Find and press the MAIN (or ON) button on the right side of the steering wheel to activate the cruise system. A dashboard indicator should illuminate.
- When the system is on, accelerate or coast to the desired cruising speed, then press SET/− to lock in that speed.
- To increase speed, press RES/+ or gently press the accelerator; to decrease speed, press SET/− again or tap the brake to slow down.
- To cancel cruise control temporarily, press CANCEL or tap the brake pedal. The set speed is retained for a quick resume.
- To resume the previously set speed, press RES/+; if the system is no longer engaged after braking or canceling, press MAIN to turn it back on and set again as needed.
- When you’re finished using cruise control, press MAIN again to completely turn the system off, or simply brake to disengage.
Note: Some vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) include a distance setting that lets you control how closely you follow the vehicle in front. If your model has this feature, you may adjust it with a separate distance control on the steering wheel.
Adaptive vs. standard cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) adds a following-distance function to the standard cruise control. When ACC is active, the vehicle maintains a set distance to the car ahead by adjusting speed automatically. The way you control ACC mirrors standard cruise control, with the addition of a distance setting you can tweak as needed.
With these steps, you should be able to operate cruise control on most Honda models. If your exact year or trim uses different labels, consult your owner's manual or contact a Honda dealer for model-specific guidance.
Safety and best practices
Always use cruise control under safe conditions. Keep both hands on the wheel and stay focused on traffic. Cruise control is a convenience feature and not a substitute for driver attention. Turn it off in rain, snow, heavy traffic, or on winding roads where you may need frequent braking and acceleration.
- Use cruise control only on highways or long, straight stretches with light traffic when weather and road conditions are favorable.
- Do not rely on cruise control in poor weather or on rough roads where loss of vehicle control could occur.
- If you’re using ACC, ensure you leave enough following distance to react if traffic slows suddenly. Adjust the distance setting as needed.
Always refer to your owner’s manual for precise instructions tailored to your car’s year and trim, as labels and button placements can vary.
Model variations and where to look in your manual
Honda standardizes many controls, but there can be small differences by model and year. If you can’t find MAIN, look for ON or CRUISE on the steering wheel, or consult the manual. Some older or specialty trims may use a stalk behind the steering wheel instead of wheel-mounted controls.
Summary
Turning on cruise control in a Honda typically involves activating the system with the MAIN button on the steering wheel, setting your speed with SET, and adjusting with RES/+. You can cancel with the brake or CANCEL, and resume with RES. For ACC, you’ll also manage a following-distance setting. Always check your specific model’s manual for exact instructions.
