What button is cruise control?
In most cars, cruise control is activated with a button showing a speedometer icon (often with an arrow) or labeled CRUISE or MAIN, typically located on the steering wheel; you then use SET/− to engage your current speed, RES/+ to increase or resume, and CANCEL or the brake to disengage. The exact layout varies by make and model, and some vehicles use a stalk behind the steering wheel or include extra buttons for adaptive cruise distance.
Contents
Automakers place cruise control on either the steering wheel or, less commonly in older designs, on a separate stalk behind the wheel. Newer cars group all driver-assistance controls together on one spoke, while legacy layouts may split functions across multiple buttons or a dedicated lever.
– Steering wheel: Most 2010s–2025 vehicles place CRUISE/MAIN, SET/−, RES/+, and CANCEL on the right or left spoke.
– Stalk/lever: Common on older Toyota/Lexus and some Mercedes-Benz models—look for a small lever labeled SET/RES.
Regardless of placement, an indicator in the instrument cluster (a green or white speedometer icon or “CRUISE”) confirms when the system is on or actively holding speed.
What the icons and labels mean
Automotive controls use standardized symbols where possible. Recognizing these helps you identify cruise control even if your car’s labels differ or use icons only.
- Speedometer icon: Indicates cruise control. Often shows a circular gauge; sometimes an arrow points at it.
- Speedometer with a car and bars: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with following-distance control.
- CRUISE or MAIN: Powers the cruise system on (standby). Does not set speed by itself.
- SET/−: Activates cruise at current speed and lowers set speed in small increments.
- RES/+ or RESUME/+: Resumes previously set speed or raises the set speed.
- CANCEL or CNL: Pauses cruise without turning the system off. Braking also cancels.
- DISTANCE or a car with chevrons: Adjusts following gap for adaptive cruise.
- MODE or LIM: Toggles between cruise control and a speed limiter (LIM holds you below a top speed but doesn’t maintain speed).
If your car shows both CRUISE and LIM, ensure CRUISE (not LIM) is selected to maintain speed automatically.
While labels vary, most cars use a familiar set of buttons to operate cruise control. Here’s what they typically do once the system is enabled.
- On/Off or MAIN: Arms or disarms the cruise system. A dash icon illuminates when armed.
- Set/−: Press to lock in your current speed; hold to decrease several mph/km/h.
- Res/+ (Resume/+): Press to resume the last set speed or to increase speed; hold to ramp up faster.
- Cancel (CNL): Temporarily pauses cruise; brake pedal also cancels.
- Distance: For ACC, cycles through following gaps (short/medium/long).
- Mode: Switches between ACC and standard cruise, or between Cruise and LIM (speed limiter).
If your controls are unlabeled, the instrument cluster often shows on-screen prompts matching your button presses, confirming the function.
Brand and layout examples
Because the question often arises from different car designs, here are common patterns you might see across major manufacturers.
- Toyota/Lexus (older): Small stalk behind the wheel marked SET/RES; newer models move controls to the wheel with a speedometer icon and “Mode/Distance.”
- Honda/Acura: MAIN button enables systems; use SET/−, RES/+, CANCEL, and a distance button for ACC.
- Ford: Left or right spoke cluster with ON/OFF, SET+, SET−, RES, CNCL; some models include LIM.
- BMW/MINI: Left spoke with SET, RES, LIM, and a distance button for ACC; mode toggles between cruise and limiter.
- Mercedes-Benz: Older cars had a separate stalk; newer use left-spoke buttons with SET/RES and distance control.
- Volkswagen/Audi: Wheel buttons labeled SET, RES, CNL, and distance; MODE to toggle ACC.
- Tesla: Recent models use steering-wheel controls and touchscreen prompts; look for “Traffic-Aware Cruise Control” (TACC) indications and use the right-side control per the on-screen instruction.
If your vehicle differs, look for the speedometer icon and check the driver display for “CRUISE,” “ACC,” or a green speedometer symbol when the system is active.
Use this quick, safe check—while parked—to identify the correct control and what your instrument panel displays.
- Power on the ignition (engine running or accessory mode).
- Press the button with a speedometer icon or the one labeled CRUISE or MAIN.
- Look at the instrument cluster for a white or green speedometer icon or the word CRUISE; this means the system is armed.
- Locate SET/− and RES/+; these are the speed control buttons used while driving.
- If you see LIM, press MODE to switch to CRUISE so the system maintains speed rather than limiting it.
Once identified, practice locating these buttons by touch so you can operate them without taking your eyes off the road.
Safety and usage tips
Cruise and adaptive cruise can reduce fatigue but must be used appropriately. Keep these best practices in mind.
- Use on open, dry roads at steady speeds; avoid in heavy traffic, sharp curves, or poor weather (rain, snow, ice).
- Know the minimum activation speed; many cars require around 25–30 mph (40–50 km/h).
- Adaptive cruise is not autonomous driving—stay attentive and keep hands on the wheel.
- Brake to cancel immediately if conditions change; use CANCEL or turn the system off when not needed.
- On steep hills, expect speed variation; downshift or adjust set speed as needed.
Using cruise conservatively and attentively helps maintain safety while easing long drives.
If your cruise indicator won’t appear or the system won’t set speed, a few common causes are easy to check.
- Vehicle speed too low: Accelerate above the minimum set speed and try again.
- Warning lights active: ABS/ESC, check engine, or radar sensor faults can disable cruise/ACC.
- Obstructed radar/camera (ACC): Clean the front radar cover and windshield area for the camera.
- Brake switch issue: A faulty brake light switch can prevent cruise engagement.
- Seatbelt/door/parking brake: Some cars require belts fastened, doors closed, and parking brake released.
If the system still won’t engage, consult your owner’s manual or have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes.
Summary
The cruise control button is usually on the steering wheel and marked by a speedometer icon or labeled CRUISE/MAIN. Press that to arm the system, then use SET/− to lock your current speed, RES/+ to resume or increase, and CANCEL or the brake to disengage. Adaptive cruise models add a distance button and sometimes a MODE toggle to switch between cruise and speed limiter. Check your instrument cluster for confirmation and your owner’s manual for model-specific details.
How to enable cruise control?
To enable cruise control, first press the “On” or “Mode” button to activate the system, then drive to your desired speed, and finally press the “Set” button to lock in your speed, allowing you to take your foot off the accelerator. The system is typically located on your steering wheel or a control stalk behind it, and an indicator light will illuminate on your dashboard to confirm it’s ready.
This video demonstrates how to enable cruise control in a Ford vehicle: 59sCars With SteveYouTube · Jun 17, 2025
Step-by-step guide:
- Find the controls: Locate the cruise control buttons, usually on your steering wheel or a stalk behind it.
- Turn the system on: Press the master “On” or “Mode” button to put the system into standby mode. A green cruise control icon or message will appear on your dashboard.
- Drive to your desired speed: Accelerate to a steady speed, typically on a highway.
- Set the speed: Press the “Set” button (or sometimes the “+” button) to activate cruise control at your current speed.
- Release the accelerator: You can now remove your foot from the accelerator pedal, and the car will maintain the set speed.
Key Buttons You May Encounter:
- On/Off or Mode: Activates or deactivates the cruise control system.
- Set (+): Sets the current speed and increases the set speed.
- Resume: Returns to the last set speed after the system has been disengaged.
- Cancel: Disengages cruise control without turning the system off.
- (-) or Down: Decreases the set speed.
Important Tips:
- Safety First: Only use cruise control on highways or other roads with low traffic, avoiding use in heavy traffic, hazardous weather, or busy city streets.
- Always Stay Alert: Keep your eyes on the road and your foot near the pedals, as you will still need to manually disengage the system by braking or using the cancel button.
- Check Your Owner’s Manual: The exact buttons and operation can vary by vehicle make and model.
This video explains the basic controls and tips for using cruise control: 57sMick Drives CarsYouTube · Nov 1, 2023
Which symbol is cruise control?
The cruise control symbol is typically a speedometer icon or an arc with a vehicle silhouette that illuminates on your dashboard or head-up display when the system is activated. It may appear in different colors, with green indicating an active, set speed, while white or amber can show it’s on but inactive or experiencing a temporary issue. For Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which adjusts speed based on traffic, the symbol may also include a small vehicle icon or car-shaped lines.
Common Cruise Control Symbols
- Basic Cruise Control: A speedometer icon with an arrow pointing to the set speed.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Often a speedometer with a vehicle icon on top or an arc with a triangle or car through it.
- Color-Coded Status:
- Green: System is on and actively maintaining your set speed.
- White/Amber/Yellow: The system is enabled but not actively setting the speed, or there’s a temporary issue.
- Red/Flashing: Indicates a problem with the cruise control system that requires professional attention.
What to Look For
- Dashboard/Head-Up Display: Opens in new tabThe symbol will appear on the instrument panel or a head-up display if your vehicle is equipped with one.
- Buttons/Stalk: Opens in new tabLook for buttons or a control stalk on your steering wheel or steering column with a speedometer or cruise control icon on it.
Important Considerations
- Consult Your Manual: For specific details on your vehicle’s cruise control system and its symbols, refer to your car’s owner’s manual.
- System Malfunction: If the symbol is illuminated red, flashing, or other warning lights are on, it signals a potential issue with the cruise control system.
- Sensor Obstructions: For ACC systems, a blocked radar sensor due to dirt or debris can cause a malfunction, requiring you to clean the sensor’s surface.
How do I know if my car has cruise control?
To check if your car has cruise control, look for buttons or a stalk on your steering wheel or steering column with symbols like “CRUISE,” “SET,” “RES,” or a speedometer icon. If you find these, you can then consult your car’s owner’s manual to learn how to activate and use the specific system.
Steps to Check for Cruise Control
- Inspect the steering wheel and column: Opens in new tabLook for any buttons or a lever on the steering wheel itself or on the steering column, which is the part of the steering column that connects the wheel to the dashboard.
- Identify cruise control buttons: Opens in new tabThe controls will often be labeled with words like “CRUISE,” “SET,” “RES” (resume), or “CANCEL”. A speedometer icon is also a common indicator.
- Check the owner’s manual: Opens in new tabIf you’re unsure, the most reliable method is to check your car’s owner’s manual, which will detail all the features your car is equipped with.
What to Look For
- Steering Wheel Buttons: Opens in new tabMany cars have buttons on the steering wheel for controlling cruise control.
- Stalk Lever: Opens in new tabSome older vehicles or specific models might have a stalk or lever on the steering column, similar to a turn signal or windshield wiper control.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Opens in new tabSome modern vehicles also feature adaptive cruise control, which uses radar or cameras and may have a different set of controls or indicators.
If you find these features, your car likely has cruise control. You can then refer to your owner’s manual to find the specific instructions for your vehicle’s system.
Where is the cruise control button?
The cruise control button is typically located on the right side of the steering wheel or on a control stalk behind the steering wheel, often near the turn signal lever. Look for a button with the cruise control symbol (a speedometer with an arrow) or simply labeled “CRUISE” to turn the system on.
This video demonstrates the typical location and functions of cruise control buttons on a steering wheel: 44sEden Motor GroupYouTube · Sep 5, 2023
Common locations and symbols:
- Right side of the steering wheel: Many cars, including some Toyota and Kia models, place the cruise control buttons on the right-hand side of the steering wheel.
- Control stalk: In other vehicles, especially some Toyota models, the controls are on a stalk that protrudes from the steering column, often on the lower-right side.
- Symbol: The icon for cruise control is a speedometer with an arrow, but it can sometimes just say “CRUISE”.
How to use it:
- Turn the system on: Press the button to activate the cruise control system. A light or symbol will appear on the dashboard to confirm it’s in standby mode.
- Set the speed: Accelerate to the desired speed and then press the “SET” or a “+” button to lock in the speed.
- Adjust speed: Use the “+” and “-” buttons to increase or decrease the speed.
- Deactivate: Press the brake pedal, the “CANCEL” button, or the “OFF” button to turn it off.
You can watch this video to learn how to operate cruise control, including setting the speed and using the buttons: 38sHyundaiUSAYouTube · Dec 16, 2023
Important tips:
- Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions, as features and locations can vary by model.
- Be aware that some systems are designed to automatically brake if the vehicle in front of you slows down (adaptive cruise control).
