Subaru Cruise Control Light Flashing: Quick Fix Tips
A flashing cruise control light on your Subaru means there’s a problem. It needs fast action for safe driving. Since 2005, Subaru cars have had a light to warn drivers about issues.
This could be anything from small to big problems. The system uses 196 specific diagnostic codes. They help find what’s wrong quickly.
Here, we’ll share simple tips to fix common issues with Subaru cruise control. Start by checking simple things like a loose gas cap. Then check the speed sensors and use an OBD-II scanner.
These steps can save you time and money. If you ignore the flashing light, it might cause bigger problems. Fixing these issues later could be expensive.
About 30% of problems come from bad sensors. Quick checks can stop big repairs in the future. Subaru recommends checking your cruise control every 15,000 miles to keep it working well.
Now, let’s look into why your cruise control light might be flashing. We’ll show ways to fix these problems.
What is The Subaru Cruise Control System?
The Subaru cruise control lets drivers keep a steady speed without having to keep pressing the gas. This makes long drives less tiring.
The system needs a cruise control switch, electronic controls, and speed sensors to work. Knowing how cruise control works is important for fixing any issues.
Subaru cars made after 2005 have a special light for the cruise control that warns drivers about problems. A green light means everything is working fine.
But a light that’s amber, yellow, or orange shows there might be an error or the system is waiting. Sometimes, small glitches cause the warning light to turn on.
Turning the car off and on again usually fixes this. But, if the light comes back, there might be a bigger issue that needs looking into.
| Light Color | Indication |
|---|---|
| Green | Cruise control is on and active |
| Amber/Yellow/Orange | Standby mode or system error |
Also, the Subaru cruise control system uses different error codes to identify problems. Codes like P0525 and P0582 talk about issues with the cruise control switch.
Problems with the engine can make the cruise control light flash. Getting your car checked every 15,000 miles helps keep the system working well.
Common Causes of Subaru Cruise Control Light Flashing
A flashing cruise control light on your Subaru suggests a few possible problems. It’s important to know what might be causing this so you can fix it quickly.
Let’s look at some common reasons:
- Gas Cap Issue: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause fuel pressure issues. This problem may turn on the warning light.
- Faulty Speed Sensors: These sensors keep track of your car’s speed. If they fail, your cruise control might stop working, lighting up the warning signal.
- Electrical Problems: Any damage to wires or blown fuses can mess with your cruise control. This leads to the light flashing.
- Engine Performance Issues: If there’s trouble with the engine, the cruise control light may flash. This is linked to your car’s diagnostic system. It shows you need to check your Subaru’s engine soon to avoid cruise control issues.
To avoid problems, it’s good to keep an eye on these common issues. Doing regular checks on your Subaru helps keep the cruise control reliable.
It’s best to get a maintenance check every 15,000 miles or during your usual car service.
cruise control light flashing Subaru: What Does It Mean?
When your Subaru’s cruise control light starts flashing, it means there’s a problem. It’s a sign of possible cruise control issues that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The light can come on for many reasons, like gas cap troubles, speed sensor problems, or serious engine issues. This warning light is seen in all Subaru models from 2005 onwards.
Often, it shows up with the Check Engine Light (CEL). If both are flashing, it might mean your engine is misfiring. This can really affect how your car runs.
It’s crucial to catch these signals early to avoid more trouble and high repair bills. A loose or damaged gas cap might be the issue, affecting fuel pressure.
Faulty speed sensors can also shut down the cruise control and turn on the warning light. Even electrical problems, like bad wiring or blown fuses, can cause the light to flash.
To keep everything working right, check your cruise control system every 15,000 miles.
Identifying Subaru Cruise Control Issues
It’s key to know the warning signs of Subaru vehicles for keeping the cruise control system working well. A big sign is the cruise control light flashing in cars made after 2005.
This often means there’s a problem in the system. When you see this light, also check if the Check Engine Light (CEL) is on. Both lights flashing might mean there’s an engine issue.
Problems with speed sensors greatly impact how the cruise control works. If these sensors aren’t working right, the system might turn off and the warning light will come on.
Subaru diagnostics have shown that electrical problems, like bad wiring or fuses, can also cause the light to flash. Watching all dashboard lights closely helps keep your car running smoothly.
A flashing cruise control light might also mean there’s a problem with the gas cap. If it’s loose or damaged, it can mess up fuel pressure readings and set off the warning light.
It’s a good idea to get your Subaru’s cruise control system checked every 15,000 miles or during usual car services to avoid these problems.
Inspecting The Gas Cap Tightness
A loose or broken gas cap can often fix a flashing cruise control light in your Subaru. Checking the gas cap’s tightness regularly helps avoid unneeded trouble codes in your vehicle’s diagnostics.
When refueling, make sure to check the gas cap. Ensuring it is tight keeps your car running well. It also lowers the chance of warning lights from fuel pressure issues.
If you run into issues with your Subaru’s gas cap, remember these tips:
- Check if the gas cap is properly tightened.
- Inspect for any visible damage or wear on the gas cap that might prevent a proper seal.
- Be aware that a malfunctioning gas cap can trigger the cruise control light to flash due to its effect on fuel pressure readings.
By focusing on keeping the gas cap tight, you might solve a cause of the cruise control light issue. This leads to a better drive in your Subaru.
Checking For Faulty Sensors
When your Subaru has cruise control issues, checking for faulty sensors is key. These sensors can mess with how your car’s systems work, especially the cruise control.
They tell your car’s speed to the cruise control, and when they’re off, problems arise. An OBD-II scanner works great for finding sensor issues.
This tool shows fault codes that point to the bad speed sensors. A quick scan can spot problems fast, allowing for quick fixes.
Subaru cars have 196 diagnostic codes that help find cruise control problems. Regular upkeep stops many sensor issues before they start.
It’s good to check your Subaru’s speed sensors every 15,000 miles. If you ignore sensor troubles, you might lose cruise control, see warning lights, and face other issues from electrical or engine problems.
Watching these key parts closely keeps your car reliable. Fixing faulty sensors early stops more problems.
Like fuel pressure issues from a bad gas cap, which also turns on warning lights. Taking care of speed sensors in your Subaru makes for a better drive.
Troubleshooting Subaru Cruise Control Problems
Troubleshooting Subaru cruise control problems means doing systematic checks. This ensures everything works as it should.
For models from 2005 onwards, a flashing cruise control light needs attention. It signals there’s an issue. Start by connecting an OBD-II scanner to your vehicle’s port.
This tool reads fault codes that help spot cruise control problems. Subaru cars have 196 different codes. Each one points to a specific issue affecting cruise control.
Common issues with cruise control include:
- Loose or broken gas cap that messes with fuel pressure.
- Faulty speed sensors disabling cruise control.
- Electrical problems like bad wiring or blown fuses.
- Engine issues that turn on the cruise control warning light.
If both the cruise control and Check Engine Light (CEL) flash, it’s usually bad. This often means there’s an engine misfire. It could really mess up how the vehicle works.
Regular checks, every 15,000 miles, keep the cruise control working right. Being proactive with Subaru diagnostics is smart. It lets you find issues early on.
Don’t ignore the CEL. It could lead to big repair bills. Keeping an eye on your cruise control and acting fast keeps your Subaru reliable.
Subaru Cruise Control Not Working: Possible Solutions
If your Subaru’s cruise control stops working, don’t worry. First, check the on-off switch. It might have been accidentally turned off. Next, look at the car’s fuses.
A simple fuse replacement might fix your cruise control. Checking the throttle and accelerator pedal sensors is key. These sensors are vital for cruise control.
If they’re okay and there’s still an issue, try resetting the cruise control. This might solve simple glitches. For tougher problems, you might need a pro.
Mechanics use special tools to scan your Subaru. They look for problems that affect the cruise control. With around 196 diagnostic codes for Subarus, finding the issue is easier.
Don’t ignore warning signs, like a blinking cruise control light. Regular checks, around every 15,000 miles, keep the cruise control working well. Fixing issues quickly can save you money and hassle.
| Common Causes | Possible Solutions |
|---|---|
| Gas cap issues | Ensure gas cap is securely tightened |
| Faulty speed sensors | Inspect and potentially replace sensors |
| Electrical problems | Check wiring and fuses for damage |
| Engine performance issues | Perform diagnostic check for codes |
Importance of Professional Diagnostics
Getting your Subaru checked by pros is key for spotting deep issues in the cruise control. With high-tech tools, experts can check each part closely.
This helps find any problems right away. Cars made after 1996 use On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) for this. Knowing how these systems work helps fix them better.
It’s crucial to look into cruise control issues soon as they pop up. If the check engine light comes on, it’s telling you there’s a big problem.
Ignoring it might cause more trouble, like overheating or damage to the catalytic converter. There’s more to diagnostics than just fixing current problems.
It helps spot future troubles early, keeping your car reliable and preventing breakdowns. Getting the check engine light checked costs about $88 to $111.
But catching issues early can save you a lot on repairs later. Diagnostics help you deal with small problems before they turn big, keeping your Subaru running longer.
Maintaining Your Subaru’s Cruise Control System
Keeping your Subaru’s cruise control system in good shape is key. Pay attention to sensors and electrical parts during checks.
Following maintenance tips for cruise control can spot problems early. This saves time and money later. Watch out for alerts from the car’s diagnostic system.
These messages can point out maintenance needs or repair issues. A blinking cruise control light means there might be a problem to fix.
Using a detailed Subaru maintenance guide helps keep your cruise control, throttle, and brakes working well.
Regular maintenance makes driving safer and more enjoyable. Keep your Subaru’s cruise control in top shape with regular checks and fixes as needed.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, it’s crucial to fix the flashing cruise control light on your Subaru. Knowing how the cruise control works helps prevent bigger problems.
Regular checks are key to saving both time and money, and they remind us when it’s time for maintenance.
A bad brake pedal switch or a loose gas cap can cause the cruise control to turn off by itself. Staying informed about these issues and repair costs helps you take care of your Subaru.
Doing simple checks and understanding diagnostic codes can keep your cruise control running smoothly.
To keep your vehicle in top shape, focus on regular maintenance every 15,000 miles and watch out for warning lights.
The tips from this guide are great for keeping your Subaru’s cruise control working well. They make your drive better.
FAQs
What does it mean if the cruise control light is flashing on my Subaru?
A flashing cruise control light signals a potential issue within the system. This might prevent safe driving. It’s important to diagnose and address the problem promptly.
How do I troubleshoot Subaru cruise control issues?
Start by checking the cruise control switch to make sure it’s ‘on’. Then, inspect fuses for any blown ones. Look at throttle and accelerator pedal sensors for faults.
If problems keep up, consider using an OBD-II scanner. It checks for diagnostic codes.
Can a loose gas cap trigger the cruise control light?
Yes, a loose or damaged gas cap can mess with fuel pressure readings. This triggers the cruise control warning light. Make sure to regularly check your gas cap’s tightness.
What are common problems associated with Subaru cruise control systems?
Common issues include a faulty gas cap and bad speed sensors. There can also be electrical problems like damaged wiring, and engine performance issues. Each issue can disrupt the cruise control system.
How can I reset my Subaru cruise control light?
Usually, you can’t manually reset the cruise control light without fixing the root issue. After fixing the problem, the light might reset itself after some driving. If it stays on, you might need to see a mechanic.
Are there specific sensors I should check if the cruise control is not working?
Yes, pay special attention to the speed sensors. They’re crucial for telling the cruise control system how fast you’re going. Faulty speed sensors can make the system malfunction.
When should I seek professional diagnostics for cruise control issues?
If simple troubleshooting doesn’t fix the problem, or if you see several warning lights, you should see a pro. They can do advanced diagnostics. This helps find and fix more complex issues in the cruise control system.
