The blinking cruise control light in a Subaru indicates that the cruise control has been disabled due to a check engine light being present. The vehicle’s dynamic stability control light may also come on.
Subarus have a safety feature where the cruise control light blinks when there is an active check engine light, preventing the use of cruise control. This is to alert the driver that there may be an issue with the vehicle that needs attention.
One common cause for this issue is a faulty Cruise Control Cancel Switch located near the brake pedal. If the cruise control light blinks and the cruise control does not work, it is recommended to have this switch checked. Overall, when the cruise control light blinks in a Subaru, it is essential to address the underlying issue indicated by the check engine light.
Common Causes
The blinking cruise control light in a Subaru can be caused by various issues. Understanding the common causes of this problem can help in diagnosing and resolving the issue effectively.
Cruise Control Cancel Switch
The Cruise Control Cancel Switch is a common culprit for the blinking cruise control light in Subaru vehicles. Located near the brake pedal, this switch can malfunction, causing the cruise control system to be disabled and triggering the blinking light.
Diagnostic Trouble Code (dtc)
Another potential cause of the blinking light is the presence of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) related to the vehicle’s engine or cruise control system. These codes can provide valuable insights into the specific issues triggering the malfunction.
Impact On Vehicle Functionality
A blinking cruise control light in a Subaru can have a significant impact on the functionality of the vehicle. When the check engine light comes on, it triggers the cruise control light to start blinking. This indicates that the cruise control has been disabled, and it also disables the dynamic stability control of the vehicle.
Disabled Cruise Control
When the cruise control light is blinking in a Subaru, it means that the cruise control system is no longer operational. This can be a frustrating experience for drivers who rely on cruise control for long drives or to maintain a consistent speed. Without functioning cruise control, the driver has to manually adjust the speed and cannot rely on the convenience and comfort provided by the cruise control feature.
Disabled Dynamic Stability Control
In addition to disabling the cruise control, the blinking light also indicates that the dynamic stability control of the Subaru has been disabled. Dynamic stability control is a safety feature that helps to maintain stability and control of the vehicle during sudden maneuvers or when driving on slippery surfaces. With this feature disabled, the driver has to rely solely on their own skills and reflexes to maintain control of the vehicle.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are experiencing issues with a blinking cruise control light on your Subaru, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the problem.
Resetting The System
To reset the cruise control system in your Subaru, follow these steps:
- Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
- Wait for a few minutes before restarting the vehicle.
- Press and hold the cruise control button for 10 seconds to reset the system.
Disconnecting The Battery
If resetting the system does not solve the issue, you can try disconnecting the battery to reset the cruise control system:
- Locate the battery in your Subaru’s engine bay.
- Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal of the battery.
- Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery and leave it disconnected for about 10 minutes.
- Reconnect the negative terminal and tighten the nut securely.
Community Discussions
Subaru Enthusiast Forums
Within Subaru enthusiast forums, owners share experiences about the blinking cruise control light issue on their vehicles, offering insights and potential solutions.
Reddit Threads
On Reddit threads dedicated to Subaru owners, discussions around the blinking cruise control light problem are common, with users sharing troubleshooting tips and experiences.
Professional Advice
In this section, we will provide you with professional advice regarding the blinking cruise control light in your Subaru. We will share insights from dealerships and recommendations from mechanics to help you understand and address this issue effectively.
Dealership Insights
When it comes to the blinking cruise control light in your Subaru, dealerships have some valuable insights to offer. According to experts, the cruise control light starts blinking when the check engine light is triggered. This indicates that both the cruise control and the vehicle’s dynamic stability control have been disabled for safety reasons.
Dealerships suggest that the most common cause of this issue is a faulty Cruise Control Cancel Switch located near the brake pedal. It is important to note that the cruise control will not work and the light will blink with the word “SET” if this switch is malfunctioning.
In order to rectify this problem, dealerships recommend visiting a certified Subaru service center to have the Cruise Control Cancel Switch inspected and replaced if necessary. Their experienced technicians have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose and fix the issue accurately.
Mechanic’s Recommendations
To further shed light on this issue, let’s take a look at some recommendations from mechanics. They emphasize that the flashing cruise control light is a safety feature designed to prevent the use of cruise control when there is an active check engine light.
Mechanics suggest that if you notice the blinking cruise control light, it is crucial to address the underlying check engine light concern. Ignoring it can lead to potential damage to your vehicle and may result in expensive repairs down the road. They advise scheduling an appointment with a reliable mechanic or Subaru specialist to diagnose and resolve the check engine light issue.
Once the check engine light problem is resolved, the cruise control light should stop blinking, indicating the restoration of normal functionality.
In conclusion, if you encounter a blinking cruise control light in your Subaru, it is important to take it seriously and seek professional assistance. Whether you visit a dealership or consult with a mechanic, addressing the underlying check engine light concern is key to restoring the proper functioning of your cruise control system. By following this professional advice, you can ensure a safe and smooth driving experience in your Subaru.
Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes
When the cruise control light blinks on your Subaru, it is an indication that there might be an issue with the system. Understanding Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) is critical to diagnosing the problem and resolving it effectively.
Interpreting Dtcs
Diagnostic Trouble Codes are alphanumeric codes generated by the onboard diagnostics system of your vehicle. These codes provide valuable information about the specific issue that triggered the warning lights.
When you encounter a blinking cruise control light, it is essential to retrieve the DTCs using a diagnostic scanner to determine the underlying problem. Once you have the codes, you can reference the manufacturer’s documentation to interpret and understand their meanings, enabling you to pinpoint the exact issue affecting your Subaru’s cruise control system.
Impact On Cruise Control Function
The blinking cruise control light in your Subaru is not just a visual nuisance; it also indicates a functional impairment of the cruise control system. When the check engine light is illuminated and accompanied by a flashing cruise control light, it implies that the cruise control function has been disabled as a precautionary measure due to the detected issue.
Understanding the impact of the Diagnostic Trouble Codes on the cruise control function is crucial in determining the necessary repairs or maintenance needed to rectify the problem and restore the system’s normal operation.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your Subaru’s cruise control system. By conducting regular system check-ups and proactive component replacement, you can prevent potential issues and ensure the smooth functioning of your vehicle’s cruise control system.
Regular System Check-ups
Regularly inspecting the cruise control system as part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine is essential. This involves checking for any signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or damaged components. Conducting visual inspections and diagnostic tests can help identify any potential issues before they escalate, allowing for timely maintenance and repair.
Proactive Component Replacement
Proactively replacing critical components within the cruise control system can help prevent unexpected failures. Components such as the cruise control cancel switch and brake pedal switches should be inspected and replaced if necessary to avoid issues such as a blinking cruise control light. Additionally, ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicle’s dynamic stability control is crucial to the overall performance of the cruise control system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Subaru Cruise Control Light Flashing?
When the check engine light comes on, the Subaru cruise control light blinks, indicating that the cruise control is disabled.
Why Is My Cruise Control Set Light Blinking?
The blinking cruise control light on a Subaru indicates that the cruise control has been disabled due to an issue with the vehicle. This can be caused by a bad Cruise Control Cancel Switch located near the Brake Pedal. When the check engine light is on, the cruise control system gets disabled.
Why Is The Cruise Light Blinking On My 2005 Subaru Forester?
The blinking cruise light on your 2005 Subaru Forester indicates that the cruise control has been disabled. This may be due to a faulty Cruise Control Cancel Switch located near the brake pedal. When the check engine light comes on, it disables the cruise control system.
What Does It Mean When The Cruise Light Is Blinking On A 2006 Subaru Outback?
The blinking cruise light indicates the cruise control has been disabled due to the check engine light.
Why Is My Subaru’s Cruise Control Light Flashing?
The cruise control light blinks when the check engine light is on, indicating the system is disabled.
Conclusion
When the check engine light comes on in your Subaru, the cruise control light will start blinking, indicating that the cruise control has been disabled. This is a safety feature to ensure that the vehicle’s dynamic stability control is also disabled.
The most common cause for the blinking cruise control light is a faulty Cruise Control Cancel Switch located near the brake pedal. It’s important to address this issue to ensure the proper functioning of your cruise control system.
