I have a 2002 CR-V EX …188,000 miles and runs like a dream.
jreid: “the same mountainbike” makes perfect sense.
I have a “shop” manual for 2002-2004 CR-Vs that I bought online for peanuts, and it shows (see below):
Perhaps you should buy one and try the simple diagnostics (it almost always works for me).
Cruise Control Actuator Cable Adjustment
Cruise Control Actuator Test
Cruise Control Actuator/Cable Replacement
Cruise Control Circuit Diagram
Cruise Control Communication Circuit Troubleshooting
Cruise Control Component Location Index
Cruise Control Main Switch Test/Replacement
Cruise Control Set/Resume/Cancel Switch Test/Replacement
Cruise Control Symptom Troubleshooting
Cruise Control Unit Input Test
Good Luck!
Bob