How do I turn on cruise control?

Turn on cruise control by pressing the system’s on switch, then accelerate to your desired speed and press SET to lock that speed. If your car has adaptive cruise control, you’ll also choose a following distance for the system to maintain behind traffic.

Understanding Cruise Control and Its Variants

Cruise control is a driver-assist feature that helps maintain a steady speed without continuous throttle input. Standard cruise control locks in a speed you select, while adaptive cruise control uses radar or camera sensors to keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead by adjusting your speed automatically. Many modern vehicles offer both modes, accessible from the same controls with different labels.

Standard vs Adaptive Cruise Control

Standard cruise control keeps a fixed speed once engaged, ideal for long, straight highway driving. Adaptive cruise control can slow down or speed up to maintain a set following distance, and may display the gap on the instrument cluster when active.

Step-by-Step: How to Activate Cruise Control

Use these steps as a practical guide. Some vehicles label controls differently, so consult your owner's manual if needed.

1. Find the cruise control controls on your steering wheel, stalk, or turn signal lever; common labels include ON/OFF, SET, RES (resume), CANCEL, and +/- for speed adjustments.


2. Power the system on by pressing the ON or MAIN button, or sliding the switch to the ON position.


3. Accelerate to the speed you want to maintain. This is your target cruising speed.


4. Press SET (or SET/+) to lock in that speed. The vehicle will maintain the current pace.


5. To change speed while engaged, use the + or - controls, or press RES to resume a previously slowed speed after a temporary reduction.


6. Disengage the system by braking, pressing CANCEL, or turning the system off with the OFF/MAIN control when you no longer want to maintain speed.


7. To return to your previously set speed after disengagement, press RES or gently accelerate until the desired speed is reached, and then press SET again if your system requires it.

In cars equipped with adaptive cruise control, you’ll also set a following distance using a dedicated distance button or lever. The system will adjust your speed to maintain that gap relative to the vehicle ahead, within the limits of road conditions and system capability.

Safety and Best Practices

Even with cruise control engaged, you remain responsible for driving. Use cruise control on open highways with clear lanes and light traffic. Ensure sensors and cameras (if equipped) are clean, and be prepared to take manual control in rain, snow, fog, or icy conditions. Keep a safe following distance and stay attentive to the road ahead.

Before using cruise control, check the manual for your model’s specifics and always adapt usage to road, weather, and traffic conditions. A momentary lapse in attention can be dangerous even with automation engaged.

• Use cruise control primarily on highways and long, straight stretches where traffic is light and predictable.


• Ensure the windshield and sensors (if installed) are clean and unobstructed for ACC to function reliably.


• Avoid cruise control in heavy traffic, on winding roads, or during rain, snow, fog, or ice where braking and steering input may be required.


• Remember that adaptive cruise control does not replace driver vigilance; you must monitor the road and be prepared to brake or take manual control if necessary.


• Know how to disengage quickly by braking or pressing CANCEL in case of unexpected hazards.

For more precise instructions, refer to your vehicle’s owner's manual or contact the manufacturer’s support line. The exact control layout can vary significantly between makes and models.

Summary

Cruise control helps reduce fatigue on long highway drives by maintaining a steady speed, and adaptive cruise control can manage distance behind other vehicles. Activate the system with the steering-wheel controls or stalk, accelerate to your chosen speed, and press SET to lock it in. Use RES to resume after a pause and Cancel or brake to disengage. Always stay attentive and adapt usage to road and weather conditions. If in doubt, consult your car’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Why is cruise control not turning on?

If your cruise control won't turn on, common causes include a blown fuse, a faulty brake light switch, or other electrical issues like a bad connection or a problem with the steering wheel controls. A "check engine" light on your dashboard can also disable cruise control, and it's worth checking vehicle speed sensors or, in older vehicles, vacuum hose leaks. 
Simple checks and fixes

• Check the fuse: A blown fuse is a common culprit. Consult your car's manual to locate the cruise control or related fuse and replace it if it's blown. 
• Inspect brake lights: A malfunctioning brake light switch is one of the most frequent reasons for cruise control to fail. Check if your brake lights work correctly; if not, the switch is likely faulty. 
• Test the brake light switch: This switch is designed to deactivate cruise control when you hit the brake. If it's stuck, it can prevent the system from ever turning on. For manual cars, a similar switch is on the clutch pedal. 
• Check the cruise control button: If the dashboard light doesn't come on when you press the cruise control button, the switch itself may be worn out or have a bad connection. 
• Look for a "Check Engine" light: If this light is on, it can signal an engine or transmission problem that disables cruise control as a safety measure. You may need to get the vehicle scanned for codes. 

This video demonstrates how to check and fix a common cause of cruise control issues: 58sGaren & EllieYouTube · Mar 25, 2017
Advanced checks (if you're comfortable) 

• Use an OBD scanner: A scan tool can read error codes from the computer, which can pinpoint a faulty sensor or module without the "check engine" light being on. 
• Inspect wiring: Look for any obvious signs of damage to wiring harnesses or connectors, especially around the steering wheel controls. 
• Check speed sensors: Malfunctioning or dirty speed sensors can prevent the system from engaging correctly. 
• Inspect vacuum hoses (older vehicles): If your car is older, a leak in a vacuum-controlled cruise control system can cause it to fail. Inspect the hoses for cracks or damage. 

How do I turn cruise control on?

To turn on cruise control, press the "ON" or "CRUISE" button on your steering wheel, then accelerate to your desired speed and press "SET". The system will engage and maintain that speed, allowing you to take your foot off the accelerator. 
Step 1: Activate the system 

• Find the cruise control buttons, usually on your steering wheel. 
• Press the "ON" or "CRUISE" button to turn the system on. A light or icon will typically appear on your dashboard to show the system is active and ready. 

You can watch this video to learn how to activate cruise control: 55sMick Drives CarsYouTube · Nov 1, 2023
Step 2: Set your speed 

• Drive the car at the speed you want to set (some cars require a minimum speed, like 25-40 mph). 
• Press the "SET" button. The car will now maintain that speed automatically. 

Step 3: Adjust and cancel 

• Adjust speed: Use the "+/RES" and "-/SET" buttons to increase or decrease your speed while cruising. 
• Cancel: Press the "CANCEL" button or tap the brake pedal to temporarily disengage cruise control. 
• Resume: Press the "RESUME" or "+/RES" button to return to your previously set speed. 

Where is the cruise main button located?

Turning the cruise-control system on — generally via a button on the steering wheel — causes the Cruise Main message to display on the dashboard. This doesn't mean that you can now take your foot off the accelerator pedal. It means the system has been activated and is ready to have its speed set.

How to tell if cruise control is on?

You can tell if cruise control is on by checking your dashboard for an indicator light, which often changes from white or amber to green when the speed is successfully set. The icon typically looks like a speedometer, sometimes with a car symbol or chevrons in front of it, and will show a "Set" indicator when the speed is locked in. 
This video demonstrates how to check cruise control indicators on a car's dashboard: 57sEden Motor GroupYouTube · Sep 5, 2023
Dashboard indicator light 

• "Main" or "On" light: A "main" or "cruise" light will usually turn on to show the system is powered on, but this does not mean a speed has been set. 
• "Active" light: The light will often turn green to indicate that cruise control is active and set at the current speed. 
• Other colors: A white or amber light can mean the system is on and ready, but not yet active. 

Steering wheel or stalk controls 

• On/Off button: First, press the "On" or "Cruise" button to power the system. A corresponding symbol will appear on the dashboard. 
• Set button: While at your desired speed, press "Set." A "Set" indicator or the main light will change to confirm the speed is locked in. 

Other clues

• Engine speed: When cruise control is active, your engine will maintain a steady speed, and you will not need to use the accelerator pedal. 
• Speed display: Some systems show the set speed on the dashboard or a head-up display. 
• Adaptive cruise control: This advanced system may show a symbol with a car and chevrons, and will adjust your following distance based on the vehicle ahead.