Definitive First Gen Cruise Control Install

I had a really hard time finding info on adding Cruise Control to my 2002 First Gen Prius-
Lots of conflicting info and nonsense- But it turned out to be very simple- so hopefully this helps someone.

((I have heard 2001 cars might be different? but unsure))

Part No.
08501-47801
Comes with a brand-new steering wheel with the cruise switch installed AND the correct brake pedal switch. I was able to order for about $150.

Order from any Toyota dealer and they should be able to get it shipped in for you in a few days.
I got a better price buying it from the dealer website than they would do at the counter for some reason.

Online it will only show a picture of the switch by itself- saw a bunch of writeups on chopping up the steering wheel- but there is no need to.
I even called the dealer and asked what it came with- they told me it would only come with the switch- ordered anyway and it came with everything needed.

Cars without cruise control have a brake pedal switch with only two contacts- for cruise control the switch has 4. Needed to tell computer to cancel cruise.

To replace the pedal switch- I read about cutting up wrenches and special tools etc. but none are needed if you unscrew the two fasteners holding the panel under the wheel. Pull it down a few inches- I left all wires connected- gives you room to see and room for an open end 14mm wrench just to loosen the set nut. Or use a crow foot wrench.

(Disconnect 12v batt for convenience- I bumped contacts of the switch with the wrench and popped the brake light fuse)
New brake pedal switch goes in and make sure it clicks as the pedal just comes forward.
(Check that the brake lights go on and off with slight pedal movement when done.)
Thread switch in or out to adjust- and lock nut to hold in place.


Next comes the wheel.
This involves removing the airbag at your own risk.

Disconnect HV orange battery disconnect in the trunk- left side of battery pack. (For extra safety)
Rotate and lift up- I used HV gloves. (For extra extra safety).
Then disconnect 12v battery- ensure there is no way the terminals can reconnect by mistake.
Wait at least 90 seconds according to Toyota- or go get a coffee-

--Start with wheels straight ahead and steering wheel exactly in the middle--

Remove two captive t30 screws- plastic trim back of the wheel.
Will release airbag- magnet or slim pliers help pull screws out of hole a bit to free up airbag.
Pull out gently- and disconnect yellow plug- do not stretch the wires or yank- be more gentle than normal.
Once out place the airbag (with the toyota label facing up) out of the way.

19mm socket- remove nut holding steering wheel-
Use steering wheel puller with two long m8 bolts threaded into the wheel-

Spiral cable should be centered correctly (wire system that connects to the airbag) if nothing moves-
However, if it does move- Spin ccw until it stops- then cw 2.5 times- will be clocked correctly for center steering position.


Center new wheel-
Torque to 37 ft lbs
Install airbag- Plug in both the airbag yellow connector and the new white milti-pin connector
Torque torx screws 6.5 ft lbs

Reconnect batteries and test it out

-AJ