How to replace the steering wheel cruise control switch on a 2003 Honda Civic

In the 2003 Honda Civic, you have two cruise control switches -- the simple button switch located on the dashboard to the left of the steering column, and the cruise control switch mounted on the right side of the steering wheel itself, which allows you to set cruise control or turn it off.  If the steering wheel-mounted switch goes bad, or if you suspect it may be bad, it is a very simple matter to replace the switch.

First you'll need to have a replacement switch.  You can often find a new or used one on eBay, or you can buy a new one from an auto parts store.  AutoZone sells a new switch for $69.99, Amazon sells one for $44.96, and HondaPartsNow sells one for $33.64.  Wherever you decide to get your switch, make sure you are getting the correct one (the steering wheel switch, not the dashboard-mounted switch).  AutoZone lists a switch for the four-door Civic and a switch for the two-door Civic, but they are both the same part.

Before removing the old switch, turn the car off and take the key out of the ignition.  There are two screws holding the switch in place, both located on the right side of the switch.  Remove these screws with a large Phillips screwdriver.

Once the screws are out, the switch will come loose, but it's still attached by a connector.  You'll have to remove the green connector from the yellow terminal to disconnect the switch.  Grasp the green connector and feel on the backside for the release tab -- push this tab in while pulling the switch to the right (away from the connector).  Once you release the tab, the switch should disconnect easily.

Now you can attach the new switch.  Hold the new switch in place and insert the green connector until it locks.  Then position the switch against the side of the steering wheel so that the two screw holes in the switch line up with the holes in the steering column.  Insert one screw and tighten it halfway, then insert the other screw and tighten both screws until the switch is securely in place.

That's all there is to it.  The next time you're on the road, test the cruise control to make sure the switch works -- try all three of the buttons and make sure each one functions the way it should.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, April 2012)