What is cruise main on Acura?
Cruise Main is the power switch for Acura’s cruise control system. Turning it on is required before you can engage a set speed with the cruise control.
In Acura vehicles, Cruise Main powers the cruise control module, enabling you to set a steady speed and, on models with adaptive cruise control (ACC), to maintain a following distance from the vehicle ahead. The feature is designed to reduce driver workload on long highway drives, but it should be used only in appropriate conditions and in accordance with traffic laws.
What Cruise Main does
This section explains the core function of the Cruise Main switch and what you can expect once it is activated.
Cruise Main acts as the primary on/off control for the cruise system. When you press or toggle the switch to the ON position, the cruise indicator will typically illuminate on the dash, signaling that the system is ready to be engaged. With Cruise Main active, you can then use other controls to set your speed, resume a previous speed, or cancel the current setting. If you turn Cruise Main off, the cruise system is completely disabled and cannot engage again until you turn it back on.
How to use Cruise Main on Acura
These steps outline the standard procedure to engage and operate cruise control on most Acura vehicles that feature Cruise Main. The steps apply to both traditional cruise control and adaptive cruise control (ACC) models with the relevant controls.
- Locate and press the CRUISE MAIN switch until the cruise indicator appears in the instrument cluster, signaling that the system is powered.
- Ahead of engaging, accelerate to your desired cruising speed.
- Press SET/DEC to lock in the current speed; the vehicle will maintain that speed automatically.
- To resume a previously set speed, press RES/ACC (when the system is not actively maintaining speed). If you need to slow down, use SET/DEC to decrease speed or tap the brake, which typically cancels the current set speed.
- To completely disengage, either press CANCEL, apply the brake, or turn CRUISE MAIN off (if your model uses a separate off control).
In models equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, you can also adjust the following-distance setting after Cruise Main is ON. This controls how closely the car follows the vehicle ahead and is typically adjusted via a dedicated control on the steering wheel or a nearby switch.
Using Cruise Main properly helps you maintain consistent speed and can improve fuel efficiency on highways. Always monitor road conditions and be ready to disengage if traffic or weather requires sudden braking or command input.
Adaptive Cruise Control and distance settings
Many newer Acura models pair Cruise Main with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). ACC automatically adjusts speed to maintain a chosen following distance from the vehicle ahead. The distance setting can usually be changed with a separate control, and the system will accelerate or decelerate within preset limits to preserve safe spacing. Remember that ACC is a driver-assist feature and does not replace the need for attentive driving.
Safety and best practices
Like any driver-assist feature, Cruise Main and ACC require careful use. Always remain attentive, keep your hands on the wheel, and be prepared to take full control if conditions demand it. The system’s performance can vary with road grade, weather, and traffic density.
Note that exact switch placement, labeling, and behavior can vary by Acura model and model year. If you’re unsure how Cruise Main operates in your specific vehicle, consult the owner's manual or contact a dealership for model-specific guidance.
Summary
In short, Cruise Main is the essential power switch for Acura’s cruise control system. Once activated, you can set and maintain a chosen speed, and on ACC-enabled models you can also manage following distance. Proper use involves enabling the system, selecting a speed, and monitoring road conditions to ensure safe driving at all times.
What does cruise main mean?
The "cruise main" light in a car indicates that the cruise control system is activated and ready to set a speed, but a speed has not yet been set. It acts as a "master switch" to turn the system on, so you can then use other buttons to set, resume, or cancel your cruising speed. The "main" light turns on (often amber or white) to show the system is on, while a separate light (often green) illuminates when a specific speed has been set.
This video explains what the cruise main light means: 7sDmitry SapkoYouTube · Aug 31, 2024
What "cruise main" means
- System activated: When you press the "main" or "on" button, the "cruise main" light turns on, showing that the cruise control system is active and waiting for you to set a speed.
- Not yet active: It does not mean the car is automatically maintaining a speed. You must press "set" or a similar button to lock in your speed.
- Safety feature: This two-step process (activate main, then set speed) was added to prevent accidental activation of cruise control.
- Ready to resume: The "cruise main" light will often stay on even after you temporarily cancel cruise control by braking or pressing "cancel". This allows you to quickly re-engage a previously set speed using the "resume" function.
You can watch this video to see how to use cruise control: 0:30tonggeshuocheTikTok · Feb 18, 2024
What is cruise mode on an Acura?
Process. And it's all done using the switches along the right hand side of the steering wheel here so you've got a series of buttons. The one along the top right side turns the system on or off.
What does cruise main mean on an Acura?
In many Hondas, Cruise Main means all systems are go for cruise control. Once Cruise Main is activated, you still need to set your speed.
Does cruise main save gas?
Keep in mind, cruise control is only fuel-efficient when used on flat road conditions that are free from traffic congestion or on even uphill or downhill drives. However, if you are driving on hill conditions that change perpetually or sharp inclines, it is recommended to deactivate the cruise control function.
