Enabling Cruise Control without hardware changes complete

Is there any downside to have the ECU reprogrammed to enable cruise without first having installed the stalk and made the necessary connections to use it?

In short no!
Dennis

One possible downside is that there will be no way for the owner to verify that the cruise control programming change was actually properly installed.

When the parts are finally installed...
If it works... great.
If it doesn't work... is it a hardware or software problem?

Personally I would wait until all the parts are installed.

vic

Both Vic and Dennis are correct.
Since the additional hardware is only a switch, the system won't know it's not there
(hmmm... lemme go check that (there are two switches))(see update below)

As Vic said, the only "down-side" of programming before installing is the inability to test it ... but

If time/circumstances/money say "program it now, install it later", i'd certainly do the programming now.
(added: with qualms ... see below)

update:
Here is the switch schematic: (2006)


It's drawn in the "hands are not touching the switch" configuration.

Notice how one set of contacts *are* connected ... the "Off" to the 12v supply.

That's to avoid "electrical noise" turning ON cruise control accidentally.
BUT ... also notice the full-width switch across the top ... that's another belt-and-braces signal ...
It may sense (from "noise") that (let's say) "resume" has been pressed ...
...but it should not *act* upon that until "verify" has *also* made contact.

So, with no hardware, you *are* sailing in a slightly ambiguous ocean, but there is/are some provision for the ECM to cross-check what it's seeing.

I'd still probably be willing to "program first", but i'd try to stay aware of *watching* for "how'd it get into cruise?" behavior afterwards.

--dick