To completely turn off Adaptive Cruise Control, press the MAIN button on the steering wheel to disable Honda Sensing and ACC. You can also temporarily disengage ACC by braking or pressing CANCEL, then re-enable when ready.
Adaptive Cruise Control is part of Honda Sensing and helps maintain a set speed and following distance. If you prefer full manual control, this guide covers how to switch ACC off, the difference between a temporary disengagement and a full disablement, and tips for different Civic generations.
Steps to turn ACC off on most Honda Civics
The following quick steps apply to most Civics equipped with Honda Sensing. Use them to disable ACC reliably.
- Locate the MAIN button on the left side of the steering wheel. This button controls Honda Sensing and ACC.
- Press the MAIN button once to turn off Honda Sensing and ACC. The system will disengage and the ACC indicator on the instrument cluster will turn off.
- To temporarily disengage while keeping the system ready to resume, you can press CANCEL or lightly press the brake pedal. The current speed and following distance will be cleared, but the system can be re-engaged quickly.
- To re-enable ACC, press MAIN again to turn the system back on, then use RES/SET to establish a cruising speed if desired.
Disengaging ACC with MAIN fully disables the system, while disengaging with CANCEL or braking only pauses ACC and allows a quick resume later. Always verify the instrument cluster indicators to confirm the system’s status before resuming normal driving.
Model-year variations and what to expect
Newer Civics with Honda Sensing
In recent Civics (roughly from mid-2010s onward with Honda Sensing), the MAIN switch toggles the entire Honda Sensing/ACC package. When OFF, you will typically see the Sensing indicator extinguish on the dash. Re-engage by pressing MAIN again and, if needed, set a speed with RES/SET.
Older Civics or non-Sensing trims
Some older Civics or trims without Honda Sensing rely on traditional cruise control separate from ACC. In those cases, you would use the cruise control switch (often labeled CRUISE) to turn on/off cruise, which does not include adaptive following. ACC-specific steps above apply only to Civics equipped with Honda Sensing.
Tips and safety reminders
Always test ACC status in a safe environment after making any changes. If traffic conditions are changing rapidly, manual control may be safer. When re-enabling ACC, ensure a safe following distance and adjust speed appropriately for road conditions.
Summary
Turning off ACC on a Honda Civic is typically done by pressing the MAIN button on the steering wheel to disable Honda Sensing/ACC, with optional temporary disengagement by braking or pressing CANCEL. Re-enable by pressing MAIN again and, if needed, setting a speed with RES/SET. For older Civics or non-Sensing trims, standard cruise control behaves differently and may not include adaptive features. Always verify indicators on the instrument cluster to confirm the system’s status.