To disable the cruise control system on most Honda models, press the CRUISE MAIN switch to the OFF position. You can also cancel the current set speed by tapping the brake pedal.
Where to find the Cruise Main control
The Cruise Main control is a dedicated switch integrated into the cruise control cluster. It may be labeled CRUISE MAIN or simply MAIN and can be located on the steering wheel itself, on a stalk near the left side of the steering column, or on the dash near the instrument cluster depending on the model and year.
- Common location: a button or switch on the steering wheel hub or left-side stalk labeled MAIN or CRUISE MAIN.
- Some models place a small button on the instrument panel near the speedometer for enabling/disabling cruise.
- Older Hondas may have the cruise control controls mounted on a stalk behind the steering wheel.
Finding the exact placement for your vehicle’s year and trim helps you operate the system quickly while driving.
Steps to Turn Off Cruise Main
Follow these steps to ensure the cruise control system is fully disabled. The process is similar across most Honda models, though wording may vary slightly by year.
- Press the CRUISE MAIN button or switch until the indicator light goes off. This turns the entire cruise control system off.
- If the system is currently engaged, you can also cancel the set speed by tapping the brake pedal or pressing CANCEL; this clears the current speed without turning off the system entirely.
- To re-enable cruise later, press CRUISE MAIN again to turn the system on, then use RES/SET to resume or set a new speed.
Note: In many Honda models braking will automatically cancel cruise control, but turning the MAIN switch off ensures the system cannot reactivate until you turn it back on manually.
Notes and Variations by Model
Honda has refined its cruise control interface over generations, so the exact controls can differ by model and year. Here are common patterns and how to adapt:
Common control layouts by generation
- Recent Civics, Accords, and CR-Vs typically use a steering-wheel–mounted control with a separate MAIN switch to enable/disable cruise. The SET/RES controls are used to set or resume speed once the system is ON.
- Some models place the MAIN button on the left-side dash or near the instrument cluster; the basic logic—MAIN turns the system ON/OFF, while brake or CANCEL cancels the current speed—remains the same.
- In older models, cruise controls may be operated from a stalk behind the steering wheel or a dedicated switch cluster on the dash; the exact labeling can vary but the OFF action is performed by turning MAIN off or using CANCEL/brake to clear a speed.
If you’re unsure of the exact layout for your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual or check the vehicle’s settings screen for cruise control instructions specific to your model year and trim.
Summary
Turning off Cruise Main on a Honda is a quick, two-step process: locate the CRUISE MAIN control and press it to OFF to disable the system entirely, or cancel the current speed by pressing the brake or CANCEL. Re-enable by pressing MAIN again or using RES/SET as appropriate for your model. Always operate with attention to traffic and road conditions.