How to Turn Cruise Control On: A Clear, Safe Guide for Most Cars

To turn cruise control on, switch the system on (often labeled ON or MAIN), accelerate to your desired speed (typically above 25–30 mph or 40–50 km/h), then press SET; you can usually adjust with +/– and cancel with CANCEL or by pressing the brake. This feature maintains a steady speed to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency on open roads, but controls vary by vehicle, so the exact buttons and minimum speeds can differ.

What Cruise Control Does—and the Types You’ll See

Cruise control keeps your car traveling at a set speed without using the accelerator. Traditional systems maintain speed only, while Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) also uses radar/cameras to automatically slow and accelerate with traffic. Both types typically have steering-wheel buttons or a stalk with ON/MAIN, SET/–, and RES/+ controls, plus CANCEL. Adaptive systems add following-distance controls.

Where to Find the Controls

Most modern vehicles place cruise controls on the steering wheel; older models may have a stalk on the steering column. The symbols and labels help you identify what each button does across different makes and models.

The following list highlights the most common labels and icons you’ll encounter on cruise control systems and what they mean.

• ON or MAIN: Powers the cruise system (an indicator usually lights up in the cluster).
• SET or SET/–: Stores your current speed and begins maintaining it; often also decreases speed in 1–5 mph (or km/h) steps.
• RES or RES/+: Resumes the last set speed after canceling; often also increases speed in small steps.
• CANCEL: Temporarily pauses cruise without turning the system off (braking also cancels).
• Distance icon (stacked bars or car-with-waves): Adjusts following distance for Adaptive Cruise Control.
• Speedometer icon or “CRUISE” light: Confirms the system is on or actively controlling speed.

Once you can identify these controls, you’ll be able to activate and fine-tune cruise control confidently in most vehicles.

Step-by-Step: Turning On Traditional Cruise Control

The steps below walk you through engaging a standard (non-adaptive) cruise control system in a typical vehicle.

1. Ensure conditions are safe: use on a clear, straight road at a steady speed, and obey all speed limits.
2. Press ON or MAIN: look for a cruise indicator to illuminate in the instrument cluster.
3. Accelerate to your target speed: most systems require roughly 25–30 mph (40–50 km/h) or higher.
4. Press SET: the car will hold your current speed; remove your foot from the accelerator.
5. Adjust as needed: tap RES/+ to increase, SET/– to decrease; hold for larger changes.
6. Cancel or turn off: press CANCEL or lightly brake to pause; press ON/OFF or MAIN again to fully turn the system off.
7. Resume: press RES/+ to return to your last stored speed when conditions allow.

These steps cover the majority of vehicles; if your car behaves differently, consult the owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Step-by-Step: Turning On Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Adaptive Cruise Control adds distance-keeping to traditional speed hold. The following steps explain how to activate ACC and set your preferred following gap.

1. Prepare the vehicle: ensure sensors (front radar, camera) are unobstructed and your windshield is clear.
2. Press MAIN or the ACC button: look for an ACC icon (often a car over a speedometer) in the cluster.
3. Reach cruising speed: drive at or above the system’s minimum activation speed.
4. Press SET: the system will maintain speed and manage gaps to traffic ahead.
5. Choose following distance: use the distance button to cycle through gap settings (often 3–5 levels).
6. Adjust speed with RES/+ and SET/–: the system will target your set speed when the lane ahead is clear.
7. Cancel, brake, or turn off as needed: braking or pressing CANCEL disengages control; MAIN or ON/OFF powers it down.

ACC can reduce fatigue in traffic, but you must remain attentive and ready to brake; it’s a driver aid, not autonomous driving.

If It Won’t Turn On or Set: Common Causes

Sometimes cruise control refuses to activate or hold speed. The items below summarize the most frequent reasons and how to address them.

• Speed too low: raise your speed above the system’s minimum activation threshold.
• Warning lights active: check engine, ABS, or traction control faults can disable cruise.
• Brake/clutch switch issue: a stuck switch makes the system think you’re braking or depressing the clutch.
• Sensor problems (ACC): blocked radar/camera, dirty windshield, heavy rain/snow, or direct sun glare.
• Seatbelt/door status: some cars require belts fastened and doors closed to engage.
• Steep grades or sharp curves: the system may decline to set if conditions are unsuitable.
• Trailer or tow mode: certain vehicles disable cruise when towing or in special drive modes.

Clearing the cause—such as cleaning sensors or addressing a warning light—usually restores function; if not, a professional diagnostic may be needed.

Safety First: When and How to Use Cruise Control

Cruise control is best for steady-speed driving on dry, open highways. The following guidelines help you use it responsibly and avoid risky situations.

• Use on clear, straight roads with light, predictable traffic.
• Avoid use on slippery surfaces (rain, ice, snow), steep hills, or winding roads.
• Keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road; be ready to brake at any time.
• Match your set speed to posted limits and conditions; don’t “set and forget.”
• For ACC, choose a conservative following distance and expect cut-ins.
• Know your cancel/override: braking or CANCEL should be intuitive.
• Re-engage only when conditions clearly allow.

Used appropriately, cruise control can reduce fatigue and help maintain legal speeds, but it never replaces attentive driving.

Notes for Manual Transmissions

On vehicles with a clutch, pressing the clutch typically cancels cruise. You may need to be in a higher gear at a steady engine speed for the system to engage. Re-set or resume after shifting when safe.

EVs and Hybrids

Electric and hybrid vehicles may use regenerative braking to maintain downhill speed; deceleration feel can differ from gasoline cars. Some models blend regen with friction brakes for smoother control—this is normal.

Lane-Centering and “Assisted Driving” Features

Lane keeping or lane-centering is often paired with ACC but is a separate feature that must be enabled individually. Even when engaged, you must steer and monitor the road; these systems are driver assistance, not self-driving.

Quick Troubleshooting and Best Practices

If cruise control seems inconsistent, the following quick checks can help you restore proper operation and ensure predictable behavior.

• Verify tires are properly inflated and matched; uneven sizes can confuse speed sensors.
• Clean the windshield area in front of cameras and the grille emblem covering radar.
• Check for recent changes: towing, roof racks, or bumper damage can affect sensors.
• Update vehicle software if your manufacturer provides over-the-air or dealer updates.
• Consult the owner’s manual for symbol meanings and model-specific activation steps.

These simple steps resolve most issues; if problems persist, a technician can read diagnostic codes to pinpoint faults.

Bottom Line

Turn cruise control on by pressing ON/MAIN, reaching your desired speed, and pressing SET; adjust with RES/+ or SET/–, and cancel with CANCEL or the brake. For adaptive systems, also select a following distance. Always use cruise control only when conditions are safe, and stay ready to take full control immediately.

Summary

Cruise control maintains a chosen speed to reduce driver workload. Activate the system (ON/MAIN), set your speed (SET), adjust (+/–), and cancel with the brake or CANCEL; ACC adds following-distance control. If it won’t engage, check minimum speed, warning lights, sensor visibility, and switch status. Use only on suitable roads and remain attentive—cruise is assistance, not autonomy.

How to tell if cruise control is on?

You can tell cruise control is on by looking for a specific dashboard indicator light, which typically changes color to show its status (often white when on and inactive, green when active and a speed is set). Many vehicles also display the set speed on the instrument cluster. 
1. Look for a Dashboard Indicator Light 

• Symbol: Find the cruise control symbol on your dashboard, which may look like a speedometer with a car on top or an arc with a triangle. 
• Color:
  • A white or yellow/orange light usually means the system is on but in standby, waiting for you to set a speed. 
  • A green light indicates the system is active and maintaining a set speed. 

2. Check the Instrument Cluster for the Set Speed 

• When cruise control is active, your vehicle will display the set speed on the dashboard.

3. Observe Vehicle Behavior

• Your car will maintain the set speed automatically. 
• If you take your foot off the accelerator, the car will hold the speed, and you can then press a “cancel” or “resume” button to adjust it up or down. 

For Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) 

• Vehicle Detection: ACC uses sensors to detect vehicles ahead and can match their speed or bring your car to a stop.
• Color Change: The indicator may also change to blue when you are actively accelerating or accelerating to a set speed to follow a vehicle, and then revert to green once the speed is matched.
• Following Gap: A separate button allows you to adjust the following distance.

How do you activate cruise control?

To activate cruise control, press the dedicated ‘CRUISE’ or ‘ON’ button on your steering wheel, accelerate to your desired speed, and then press the ‘SET’ button. You should see an indicator light turn green, confirming that the system is active and maintaining your speed, allowing you to safely lift your foot from the accelerator. 
Detailed Steps to Activate Cruise Control

1. Locate the Controls: The cruise control buttons are typically found on your steering wheel. 
2. Turn the System On: Press the button labeled ‘CRUISE’ or ‘ON’. A white indicator light or icon will appear on your dashboard, showing the system is ready. 
3. Accelerate: Drive at the speed you wish to set for the cruise control. 
4. Set the Speed: Press the ‘SET’ button. The indicator light will change to green, confirming that the system has set the current speed and is now active. 
5. Lift Your Foot: You can now safely remove your foot from the accelerator pedal, as the vehicle will maintain the set speed. 

Important Considerations

• Check Your Dashboard: The indicator light changing to green is your cue that the system is engaged and working. 
• Keep Feet Near Pedals: Always keep your feet near the brake and accelerator pedals in case you need to disengage the system quickly. 
• Safe Conditions: Avoid using cruise control in heavy traffic, inclement weather, or on winding roads where constant driver attention is required. 
• Check Your Manual: Specific functions and button placements can vary between vehicles, so always refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instructions. 

How do you use the cruise control switch?

Cruise Control – Using Cruise Control

• Switching Cruise Control On. Press ON.
• Canceling the Set Speed. Pull CAN or tap the brake pedal.
• Resuming the Set Speed. PullRES.
• Press OFF when the system is in stand by mode, or switch the ignition off. Note: You erase the set speed when you switch the system off.

Why isn’t my cruise control turning on?

Your cruise control won’t turn on due to potential issues like a blown fuse, a faulty brake light switch, a bad cruise control switch, a malfunctioning vehicle speed sensor, or electrical problems such as broken wiring. Other common causes include a Check Engine Light, a worn clutch switch (for manual transmissions), or, with adaptive cruise control, a dirty or obstructed camera. 
Simple Checks You Can Do

• Check Speed Threshold: Ensure you’re driving above the vehicle’s minimum speed, usually around 35-40 mph, before attempting to engage cruise control. 
• Inspect Brake Lights: If the brake lights aren’t working, the cruise control system, which is linked to the brake light switch, will be disabled. 
• Check the Fuse: Locate your vehicle’s fuse box and check the fuse for the cruise control system. Replace it if it’s blown. 
• Test the Cruise Control Button: Press the cruise control button to see if the dashboard light comes on. If not, the switch may be worn out. 
• Inspect for Damage: Look for any physical damage to the cruise control buttons, lever, or wiring. 
• For Manual Transmissions: Check if the clutch switch is correctly positioned; a misaligned switch can prevent cruise control from engaging. 

More Complex Causes

• Faulty Brake Pedal Switch: This switch can fail, even if brake lights work, preventing cruise control from functioning. 
• Vehicle Speed Sensor: A malfunctioning speed sensor can send incorrect data to the cruise control module, deactivating the system. 
• Check Engine Light: A problem indicated by the Check Engine Light might also trigger the deactivation of cruise control as a safety measure. 
• Dirty or Obstructed Camera (Adaptive Cruise Control): If your vehicle has adaptive cruise control, a dirty, frosted, or snow-covered windshield can block the camera, causing it to disengage. 
• Electronic Issues: Electrical problems, including damaged wiring or loose connectors, can prevent the system from receiving power. 

When to See a Professional
If these simple checks don’t resolve the issue, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic. They can use an OBD scanner to read error codes and diagnose more complex problems with the vehicle’s sensors or control modules.