What does it mean when the CRUISE MAIN light is on in an Accord?

[LaElliana]

The CRUISE MAIN light in an Accord illuminates when the cruise control is activated. Cruise control refers to a system that automatically maintains the vehicle's speed without the need to press the accelerator pedal, allowing the car to travel at a constant speed. The method to use cruise control is: 1. When the vehicle speed is above 40 mph, press the CCS button on the left side of the steering wheel to activate it; 2. Use the RES and SET buttons to fine-tune the speed, enabling speed adjustments; 3. Press the brake pedal or the CCS button on the left side of the steering wheel to deactivate it. The principle of cruise control is: the cruise control module compares the pulse signal from the vehicle speed sensor with the set speed and issues commands to the servo mechanism to adjust the throttle opening, either increasing or decreasing it, so that the vehicle always maintains the set speed.

[LeHeidi]

I drove my previous Accord for eight years, so I'm very familiar with the cruise light. When the CRUISE MAIN light is on, it means the cruise control system is activated, and you can press the SET button at any time to set the speed and start cruising. However, if this light is on but the cruise isn't working, the problem might be with the vehicle speed sensor—it could be dirty or interfered with, or a blown fuse might have caused a circuit break. Once, my light was on but the cruise didn't work, and it turned out the sensor under the front grille was covered in mud; cleaning it fixed the issue. Also, pay attention to the car's brake switch; poor contact there can also prevent the cruise from activating. If you encounter this situation, check these components first. If that doesn't help, take it to a professional shop for diagnosis to ensure safe driving. Don't worry about the car suddenly accelerating—the system is designed intelligently and won't act recklessly. I recommend having technicians test the cruise function during regular maintenance to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

[ReedDella]

As a neighbor who also owns an Accord, I can tell you that the CRUISE MAIN light being on is actually a good thing—it means the cruise control is ready to go. To activate it, first make sure this light is on, then set your speed. However, if the light is on but the cruise control isn’t working, common reasons include the vehicle speed not meeting the required threshold or the system detecting a potential hazard. For example, a false alarm from the tire pressure sensor can temporarily disable it. I once encountered this issue because the trunk wasn’t fully closed—so check all door statuses. The related fuse in the fuse box might also be blown; its location is usually under the driver’s seat, and the manual provides a diagram—replacing it isn’t difficult. Another possibility is aging buttons or wiring, especially in older cars where connections can loosen. Gently wiggle the connectors to see if functionality returns. Avoid attempting resets in the rain to prevent electric shock—safety first. A quick pre-drive test can help detect issues early, keeping maintenance costs low.

[LeviLee]

We discussed the CRUISE MAIN light in our car enthusiast group. This light is just a startup signal - when illuminated, it means the cruise control is on standby and ready for use without issues. However, if the cruise control doesn't respond when activated, there are several points to check: Common causes include blocked radar sensors (e.g., snow accumulation preventing distance scanning, which automatically disables cruise control), or faulty ABS wheel speed sensors providing inaccurate readings that trigger system shutdown. Once my light was on but non-functional - inspection revealed rainwater had caused lens mold affecting judgment, and cleaning solved it. For control module crashes, restarting the vehicle usually helps; occasionally using diagnostic tools to read codes provides more precise identification. Pay attention to the brake pedal switch - if worn out, it may send false signals causing cruise failure (a minor part replacement fixes this, don't let it escalate). When testing on highways, maintain low speeds to minimize risks.