Why is my cruise control not working on my Honda?

If your Honda's cruise control is not functioning properly, there could be several potential causes. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons why cruise control may fail to work and provide guidance on troubleshooting and resolving the issue.

Common Reasons for Cruise Control Failure

There are a few key reasons why your Honda's cruise control may not be working as expected:

• Faulty Cruise Control Switch: The cruise control switch, located on the steering wheel or turn signal stalk, may be malfunctioning. This can prevent the system from engaging or disengaging properly.


• Brake Pedal Switch Issue: The brake pedal switch, which signals the cruise control system to disengage when the brake is pressed, could be faulty. This can cause the cruise control to disengage unexpectedly.


• Electrical System Problems: Issues with the vehicle's electrical system, such as a blown fuse or wiring problems, can disrupt the cruise control's functionality.


• Software or Computer Glitches: In some cases, a problem with the vehicle's computer or software can cause the cruise control to malfunction.

It's important to note that the specific causes may vary depending on the make, model, and year of your Honda vehicle.

Troubleshooting and Resolving Cruise Control Issues

If your Honda's cruise control is not working, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check the Cruise Control Switch: Ensure that the cruise control switch is functioning properly. Try engaging and disengaging the system to see if it responds as expected.


2. Inspect the Brake Pedal Switch: Check the brake pedal switch to ensure it is not stuck or malfunctioning. You may need to replace the switch if it is faulty.


3. Examine the Electrical System: Check for any blown fuses or wiring issues that could be affecting the cruise control system. Consult your Honda's owner's manual or a professional mechanic for guidance on locating and replacing any faulty components.


4. Perform a Software or Computer Diagnostic: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have a professional technician diagnose any software or computer-related problems that could be causing the cruise control malfunction.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the underlying cause of your Honda's cruise control not working. If the issue persists or you are unsure of the root cause, it is recommended to consult a qualified Honda mechanic for further assistance.

How do I reset my cruise control?

How to Reset Adaptive Cruise Control

1. Step 1: Consult Your Vehicle's Owner's Manual.
2. Step 2: Start Your Vehicle.
3. Step 3: Access the ACC Menu.
4. Step 4: Select 'Reset' or 'Default'
5. Step 5: Press and Hold the Reset Button.
6. Step 6: Confirm the Reset.
7. Step 7: Monitor System Reset.
8. Step 8: Verify ACC Reset.

What is the main cause of cruise control not working?

Common reasons for cruise control not working include a blown fuse, a faulty brake light switch, or a bad speed sensor. Other issues can be related to electrical problems, such as damaged wiring or a faulty cruise control switch, or a Check Engine light being on. For adaptive cruise control, a dirty camera or sensors can also be the cause. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common reasons why cruise control might not be working: 58sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Feb 24, 2025
Common causes

• Blown fuse: A blown fuse will interrupt the electrical current to the cruise control system, preventing it from working. 
• Faulty brake light switch: The cruise control system is designed to disengage when you press the brake pedal. A faulty switch can send a continuous "brake" signal, or the cruise control may not work if it can't detect the brake pedal being pressed. 
• Bad speed sensor: The speed sensor provides information to the cruise control system. If it malfunctions, the system will stop working because it doesn't have accurate speed data. 
• Electrical issues: Damaged or loose wiring, or a faulty cruise control switch on the steering wheel, can prevent signals from being sent correctly, as can a problem with the vehicle's main computer or electronic control module. 
• Check Engine light is on: A problem with the engine or a related system will often automatically disable the cruise control as a safety precaution. 
• Dirty or blocked camera/sensors (Adaptive Cruise Control): If you have adaptive cruise control, dirt or obstructions on the front-facing camera or radar sensors can prevent the system from working correctly. 
• Vacuum leak (older vehicles): Some older cars use a vacuum-operated system. A leak in this system can cause the cruise control to fail. 

This video demonstrates how to check the brake light switch: 57sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · Oct 7, 2019

Why is my cruise control not working on my Honda Accord?

A Honda Accord's cruise control may not work due to a faulty brake pedal switch, a blown fuse, a problem with the cruise control button or switches on the steering wheel, or issues with the cruise control module itself. To diagnose the problem, start by checking simple things like the fuse and switches, as they are easier and cheaper to fix, and progress to more complex components like the speed sensor or cruise control module if the problem persists.
 
Common causes and solutions 
This video demonstrates how to diagnose and fix the cruise control on a Honda Accord: 59sJesseDabz ATXYouTube · Mar 14, 2023

• Brake pedal switch: A malfunctioning brake pedal switch can prevent cruise control from engaging because it incorrectly signals that the brake pedal is being pressed. 
  • Solution: Check the switch for proper function, or try a simple fix like adding a penny with tape to the brake pedal arm to properly engage the switch, as shown in this YouTube video. 
• Blown fuse: A blown fuse for the cruise control system will cause it to stop working completely. 
  • Solution: Inspect the fuse box for a blown fuse labeled "CRUISE" or similar and replace it with one of the correct amperage if needed. 
• Steering wheel buttons/combination switch: The buttons on the steering wheel or the combination switch assembly can become faulty, either intermittently or completely failing. 
  • Solution: The combination switch may need to be cleaned or replaced entirely if the buttons are not working correctly, as shown in this YouTube video. 
• Speed sensor: A faulty speed sensor can provide incorrect information to the cruise control system, causing it to malfunction. 
  • Solution: Have the speed sensor tested and replaced if it's found to be faulty. 
• Cruise control module: The cruise control module itself can fail, which is a more expensive and complex repair. 
  • Solution: This part may need to be diagnosed and replaced by a professional. 

Other potential issues

• Dirty or malfunctioning cameras: If your Accord has adaptive cruise control, dirty or malfunctioning cameras in the front of the car can prevent the system from working. 
  • Solution: Clean the camera lenses and if the problem persists, have them inspected by a technician. 
• Clock spring: In some models, a faulty clock spring in the steering wheel can affect cruise control and horn operation. 
  • Solution: Have a mechanic inspect and replace the clock spring if it's faulty. 

What to do next 
This video explains how to inspect the cruise control module on a Honda Accord: 57sBig Dog50001 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 22, 2018

1. Check the easy things first: Inspect the fuse and test the brake pedal switch, as these are the most common and easiest to fix. 
2. Test the switches: Use a multimeter to check the continuity of the cruise control switches on the steering wheel. 
3. Consider the advanced components: If the fuse and switches are working, the problem may lie with the speed sensor or the cruise control module. 
4. Consult a professional: For complex issues or if you're not comfortable with the diagnosis, take your Accord to a qualified mechanic or dealership for further inspection and repair. 

How do I know if my cruise control fuse is blown?

There are two places on the back side of each fuse to probe; if the test light does not light on both sides of the fuse you will find that the fuse is most likely blown. If the test light does not light on either side of the fuse; you will need to look in the owner's manual to see what that circuit feeds.