How do you set cruise control on a Ford Flex?
You turn on cruise, accelerate to your desired speed, and press Set to lock it in. Use the +/- controls to adjust, brake or Cancel to disengage, and OFF to completely turn it off. If your Ford Flex has adaptive cruise control, you can also set a following distance from the car ahead.
Controls and where to find them
The cruise control system on most Ford Flex models is managed from the left side of the steering wheel. Depending on the year and trim, you’ll see a cluster of buttons or a small stalk labeled for ON/OFF, SET, RES, and CANCEL. Some models present these as discrete buttons on the wheel, while others place a compact lever behind the wheel. If your Flex has adaptive cruise control, you’ll also find a distance or gap control to adjust how closely you follow the vehicle ahead.
Standard cruise control
These steps outline how to use non-adaptive cruise control on typical Ford Flex models.
- Start the engine and ensure you are driving at a speed above the minimum threshold (usually around 25 mph / 40 km/h).
- Press the ON button or switch to activate the cruise system. A cruise indicator should illuminate on the instrument cluster.
- Accelerate to the speed you want and press SET (or SET/−) to lock that speed in.
- To adjust speed while cruising, press RES/+ to increase or SET/− to decrease. In some models, tapping will change speed in small increments; holding may change speed more quickly.
- To cancel cruise without turning the system off, tap the brake or press CANCEL. To turn the system off completely, press OFF or the cruise OFF button.
- If you ever need to resume a previously set speed, press RES/+. If you’ve canceled but not turned off cruise, pressing RES/+) will return you to your maintained speed.
When standard cruise control is active, the instrument cluster will display the active set speed and a cruise indicator, confirming that the system is maintaining your chosen velocity.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
If your Flex is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, you can maintain a set speed while also keeping a safe following distance from slower traffic ahead. Use these steps if ACC is installed in your model.
- Enable ACC by pressing the ON button, then accelerate to your desired speed and press SET to lock that speed in.
- Use the Distance control (often shown as a button with bars or a gauge) to select a following distance setting. The current distance will be shown on the instrument cluster.
- To adjust speed while ACC is active, use RES/+ to increase or SET/− to decrease. ACC will automatically slow down or speed up to maintain the chosen distance, within traffic conditions.
- Brake or press CANCEL to temporarily disable ACC; press OFF or turn off to deactivate the system completely.
With ACC engaged, the system monitors the road ahead and can brake or accelerate as needed to maintain the chosen gap, subject to traffic and road conditions. Always stay attentive and be prepared to intervene if necessary.
Tips and caveats
Not all Ford Flex models have adaptive cruise control, and control layouts can vary by year and trim. If you’re unsure which features your vehicle has, consult the owner’s manual or check the switch labels on your steering wheel. Always ensure you are in control and ready to brake, especially in heavy traffic, rain, or icy conditions.
Summary
Setting cruise control on a Ford Flex involves turning the system on, reaching your desired speed, and pressing the Set button to lock that speed in. Use RES/+ and SET/− to adjust, and brake or CANCEL to disengage. If your Flex is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, you can also choose a following distance and let the system adapt your speed to traffic, with the same basic controls for turning the feature on and off. Always refer to your specific model’s manual for exact button layouts and capabilities.
How do I turn on cruise control on my Ford?
If you go down. Instead. You can hit the brake in order to pause your speed.
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.
What is the active cruise control on a Ford?
Turn on the system using the cruise control button, usually located on the steering wheel. Set your desired speed, and the system will maintain it while monitoring the distance to the vehicle ahead. If traffic slows down, ACC will automatically reduce your speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Does the Ford Flex have adaptive cruise control?
The Ford Flex has adaptive cruise control as well. The cruise control system on the Ford Flex has a collision warning feature as well.
