How to replace the dashboard cruise control switch in a 2003 Honda Civic

Cruise control is a nice feature to have. If the cruise control switch on your dashboard -- the one that's just a button that lights up when you push it -- goes bad, you won't be able to turn cruise control on. However, replacing that switch is an easy task. All you need is a new switch, a Phillips screwdriver, and the instructions in this article. (For instructions on replacing the steering wheel-mounted cruise control switch, see this post instead.)

When purchasing a new switch, be sure to get the correct switch for your model Civic. Auto Zone sells the switch for a 2003 two-door Civic (part #SW7007) as well as the switch for the '03 four-door model (SW6998). These switches used to cost around $25 each; now they're probably $30-40.

Once you have the new switch, the whole process shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. First, open the pull-down storage compartment located by the driver's left knee. With this compartment open, you should see a screw that is now exposed. Remove this screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

The whole compartment will now be loose and wobbly with the screw out. Gently pull the compartment down and out, toward you, to expose the back side of the three switches that sit above the compartment. You may have to wiggle it a bit, but you should be able to pull it out far enough to get at the back of the switches.

The cruise control switch is the left-most of the three switches. To remove it, you'll first need to disconnect its connector. Remove the gray connector from the blue terminal by pushing in on the tab located on the right side of the connector and pulling the connector away from the switch. Once the connector is out, you can remove the switch itself by pushing in on the two tabs on the switch -- one on the top and one on the bottom -- and then pushing the switch forward, toward you, and out of the panel.

To install the new switch, slide it into the panel from the back, so that the two tabs lock into place. Then attach the connector, with the tab on the right side. That, too, will lock into place. Now you can push the whole panel back into place against the dashboard and secure it with the screw.

The new switch is now installed. All that remains is to start the car and make sure the switch comes on and the cruise control functions.

(Originally published on Helium.com,  May 2012)