Loading

How to turn on cruise control on Ford Escape 2016?

To turn on cruise control in a 2016 Ford Escape, activate the system with the ON control, then set your desired speed with SET after you reach it. You can adjust speed using RES/+ or SET/−, cancel with the brake or CANCEL, and turn the system off with OFF.


Controls location and what to look for


The cruise control controls on the 2016 Escape are typically located on the left side of the steering wheel. Depending on trim, you may have a small stalk on the steering column or a cluster of buttons on the left spoke. A CRUISE indicator on the instrument cluster lights up when the system is active.


Follow these steps to enable and set your speed:



  1. Start the engine and accelerate to a safe speed above the minimum threshold (usually about 25 mph / 40 km/h).

  2. Press the ON button or switch to activate the cruise control system until the CRUISE light appears on the instrument panel.

  3. Continue to accelerate to your desired cruising speed.

  4. Press SET to lock in the current speed. The vehicle will maintain that speed without you needing to keep the accelerator pressed.

  5. To increase or resume speed, press RES/+. To decrease speed, press SET/− (or use the minus control if available).

  6. To cancel temporarily, press CANCEL or tap the brake pedal. To turn off completely, press OFF or switch the system to OFF.


When engaged, a cruise control indicator on the dashboard confirms the system is maintaining your set speed.


Safety tips and best practices


Use cruise control only when road conditions are safe and you can take over at any moment. It’s best on highways or long, open stretches with light traffic and clear weather.



  • Stay alert and ready to intervene by braking or pressing CANCEL if you need to slow down or stop.

  • Avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic, on wet or icy roads, or on winding roads with many curves.

  • Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust the set speed as needed for changing traffic conditions.

  • Be mindful that on hills the vehicle may speed up or slow down to maintain the set speed; be prepared to intervene if necessary.


Using cruise control can improve comfort and fuel efficiency, but it does not replace driver attention or safe driving practices.


Troubleshooting: what to do if cruise control won’t engage


If the system won’t engage, ensure the engine is running, the ignition is in RUN, the cruise indicator is not flashing, and there are no warning lights indicating a fault. Confirm you are above the minimum speed, and that you are not depressing the brake pedal. If problems persist, consult the owner’s manual or a Ford service center.


Note: The 2016 Escape may have slight variations by trim; if your instrument cluster uses different labels (for example, CRUISE, ON/OFF, SET, RES), follow those instructions for activation and adjustment.


Summary: Turning on cruise control in a 2016 Ford Escape involves activating the system with ON, setting your speed with SET after reaching the desired speed, and using RES/+ or SET/− to adjust. Use it on appropriate roads and stay attentive to road conditions and traffic.

How to activate cruise control on Ford?


You can toggle the system on this way. And then you can push up to set your speed you can push down to set your speed.



How to set cruise control on 2016 Ford Focus?


  1. Press On on the cruise control switch on your steering wheel. *
  2. Drive at your desired speed.
  3. Press Set.
  4. Take your foot off the accelerator.



How to turn on cruise control on Ford Escape?


And then understanding the hybrids. This is specifically the plug-in hybrid. But it's going to work the same regardless of the hybrid that you're in for the Escape.



How to use cruise control on a 2016 Ford Escape?


Press up on "RES" to set your cruise control - you can then push the joystick up and down to increase or decrease your speed. The button to the top left to the "RES" button sets the adaptive cruise control. Continue clicking this button until you're cruising at the desired distance behind the vehicle in front of you.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.