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)

How to replace the steering wheel cruise control switch on a 2005 Honda CR-V

Replacing a faulty steering wheel-mounted cruise control switch in a 2005 Honda CR-V is a very easy task.  If you already have a replacement switch, the whole procedure should take less than 10 minutes, and the only tool you'll need is a standard-size Phillips screwdriver.

If you need to buy a replacement switch, your local Honda service center should be able to order one for you, or you can buy one online from an auto retailer.  Be sure to get the steering wheel-mounted switch, rather than the dashboard-mounted one.  Amazon sells the switch in both colors -- SW6975 for black and SW6976 for taupe -- but there is no picture so you have to trust that you're getting the right switch.  AutoZone.com stocks the cruise control switch in both black and taupe, but you'll need to pick an AutoZone location near you to see pricing details.

Make sure the CR-V is off before removing the old switch.  The switch, located on the right side of the steering wheel, is held in place by two screws.  These screws are side-mounted, and you can remove them from the right side with a Phillips screwdriver.

Once the screws are out, the switch is only attached by its wires and connector.  Gently pull the switch away from the steering wheel to make enough room to remove the connector, but there isn't a lot of slack in the wires, so getting your hand in there can be a tight fit.  (Don't pull too hard on the wires, but if you gently work them you can create a little more slack.)  There is a tab on the back side of the green connector, toward the front of the vehicle -- push in on this tab and then pull the switch and the connector away from each other.

To install the new switch, attach the green wire connector to the yellow terminal on the switch so it snaps in, then push the switch in place against the side of the steering wheel.  Secure it with the two screws, and then you're done.  Next time you're out driving, test the cruise control buttons (Set, Resume, and Cancel) to make sure the switch works as it should.  If the buttons don't work and they didn't work before you replaced the switch, either you don't have the connector in all the way, or you have a wiring problem or a problem with your cruise control itself.

(Originally posted on Helium.com, April 2012)