How do you turn on cruise control on a 2011 Ford Fusion?
To turn on cruise control in a 2011 Ford Fusion, activate the system with the steering-wheel controls (or a column stalk if your trim uses it), then set your desired speed and maintain it with minimal pedal effort.
The 2011 Fusion typically provides cruise control via steering-wheel mounted controls, with a stalk option on some base trims. This guide covers both configurations, along with how to adjust speed, cancel, and resume. Always check your owner’s manual for your exact trim and options, as labels and placement can vary.
What cruise control does and why you might use it
Cruise control maintains a steady vehicle speed without the driver needing to keep the accelerator pressed. It’s especially helpful on long highway drives, helping with fatigue and consistent fuel use. The standard setup in the 2011 Fusion is a fixed-speed cruise control, not adaptive cruise control, unless your vehicle has a factory upgrade.
How to enable cruise control on a 2011 Ford Fusion
Steering-wheel controls (most models)
Before listing the steps, note that most trims place the cruise controls on the left side of the steering wheel with common labels such as ON, OFF, SET/COAST, and RESUME. If your labels differ, the functions are the same.
- Turn on the cruise system by pressing the ON or CRUISE button. The cruise indicator light will illuminate in the instrument cluster.
- Accelerate with the accelerator pedal to your desired speed.
- Set your speed by pressing SET or SET/COAST to lock in the current speed.
- To adjust speed while cruising, use RES/ACCEL to increase speed or SET/COAST (or the respective +/- controls on your model) to decrease. Hold briefly to change quickly.
- To cancel without turning the system off, press CANCEL or tap the brake pedal; the system will disengage but may retain your last set speed for quick resume.
- To resume the previously set speed after a cancellation or brake, press RESUME or the corresponding RES button.
- To turn cruise control off completely, press OFF or the OFF button (or CRUISE OFF) if provided.
Controls can vary by trim or optional equipment. If you don’t see these exact labels, consult your owner’s manual or check for a slightly different arrangement on your steering wheel.
Cruise control via a steering-column stalk (base or older trims)
Some 2011 Fusion base models or older builds may use a column stalk for cruise control instead of wheel-mounted switches. The general sequence remains similar, but actions are performed with the stalk rather than dedicated buttons.
- Activate cruise by turning ON via the end of the stalk or the ON/OFF switch on the stalk.
- Accelerate to your desired speed using the gas pedal.
- Set the speed by pushing the stalk toward SET or by selecting SET on the stalk’s control function.
- Adjust speed using the stalk in the same direction for acceleration (RES/+) or deceleration (SET/-) as labeled on the stalk.
- Cancel by braking or by pushing the stalk to CANCEL if available; resume with RESUME when ready.
- Turn the feature off completely by switching OFF on the stalk or via the wheel controls if your model supports it.
If your Fusion doesn’t respond as described, or you don’t see a cruise indicator in the dash, stop and consult the owner’s manual or contact a Ford dealer to verify your specific trim’s controls.
Summary
In most 2011 Ford Fusions, cruise control is activated with a steering-wheel control labeled ON or CRUISE, then set with SET. You can adjust speed with RES/ACCEL or SET/- depending on trim, cancel with the brake or CANCEL, and resume with RESUME. Some early or base trims use a steering-column stalk instead of wheel controls, but the overall workflow—turn on, set speed, adjust as needed, cancel, resume—remains the same. Always verify your exact configuration in the owner’s manual.
