cruise control blinking subaru

Why is Subaru Cruise Control Light Flashing on My Car Dashboard?

Driving can be fun, but long-distance driving can be fatiguing as you keep pressing the gas pedal to keep the car going at your desired speed. Thankfully, cars now feature cruise control — a system that lets drivers set a desired speed and relaxes their feet when traveling a long journey.

You can activate the system by pressing the cruise control button and the vehicle will keep you at the current speed. So you don’t have to depress the gas pedal to keep the car running. Cars with advanced cruise control systems use sensors at the front bumper to detect vehicles ahead of them and keep the car at a distance to prevent collision.

Like other system components, the cruise control does have issues. And these issues are common with Subaru cars. Most Subaru owners complain of Subaru cruise control light flashing on the dashboard as they drive.

Why does my Subaru cruise control light keep flashing?

The most common reason why the cruise control light is flashing on your Subaru is due to an electrical or mechanical problem. Remember, when the light is flashing, the cruise control system is disabled, so don’t try to turn it on because it won’t work.

In some other cases, the cruise control light may be flashing due to a defective or loose gas cap, a blown fuse for the cruise control, a failing brake pedal switch, or a defective vehicle speed sensor. Let’s have an in-depth look to see how these issues could cause cruise control light flashing on Subaru Outback and other Subaru models.

Blown fuses

The cruise control system consists of several electrical systems protected by a fuse. The fuse can blow up if there’s an electrical power issue, preventing the key components from failing. If that happens, it will disable the cruise control system. In some cases, the car computer will start flashing the cruise control light on the dashboard to notify you that there’s an underlying issue that needs urgent attention.

If you suspect the fuse is blown, replace it and see if that fixes the cruise control system and clear the blinking light on the dashboard.  If that resolves the problem but the fuse blows in no time and the light starts blinking again, you have other electrical issues. Contact your mechanic for a thorough diagnosis.

Defective speed sensor

The vehicle speed sensor is one of the essential components of the cruise control system. When you activate the cruise control, the onboard computer collects information from the speed sensor to know when to increase and decrease the engine speed.

The vehicle speed sensor is mounted at the tail end of your transmission, and if it malfunctions, the cruise control light will start blinking on the dashboard. The speed sensor is needed to ensure that the speedometer and the odometer work correctly, and without it, the cruise control system will be affected.

If you notice the cruise control light flashing and check engine light is on, check the vehicle speed sensor. A bad speed sensor triggers the check engine light and disables the cruise control system. This sensor cannot be repaired. So, if it is the root cause, the only solution is to replace it with a new one.

Loose gas cap

Believe it or not, the gas cap plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s overall functionality. The gas cap can affect the performance of the cruise control system. For instance, in Subarus, a loose gas cap can cause the cruise control light to blink as you drive. It can also trigger the check engine light to pop on the dashboard. So, a loose gas cap can cause the Subaru Forester check engine light with flashing cruise control to pop on the dashboard.

Faulty mechanical component

If you own an older Subaru car, the cruise control light could be flashing due to a faulty mechanical component. In older models, the cruise control system has a cable, connecting the throttle to an air actuator, which regulates the cable to keep the vehicle at the set speed settings.

If any of the mechanical components go bad, it can disable the system and trigger the blinking light on the dashboard.

Malfunctioning brake pedal switch

Under perfect conditions, the brake lights shine as you depress the brake pedal. There’s a component attached to the brake pedal — the brake pedal switch, which tells the brake lights to light up as you depress the pedal.

If the switch goes bad, the brake lights won’t know when you step on the brake pedal. But aside from this, a bad brake pedal switch can also affect the cruise control system.

When you activate the cruise control system, the system will deactivate and switch to manual mode whenever you step on the brake pedal. If the switch malfunctions, it may send wrong signals to the cruise control system, telling it the brake pedal is always depressed, preventing the cruise control system from turning on.

System malfunction

If your Subaru check engine light is flashing along with the cruise control light and the brake pedal switch, fuses, and vehicle speed sensors are good, you have a problem somewhere in the cruise control system.

To determine the root cause of the malfunction, you need a mechanic to diagnose the vehicle. The mechanic will inspect all cruise control components and may plug in a scan tool to pull out all the error codes in the vehicle.

It’s okay for the cruise control light to be on when you activate it, but if the light comes on when you are not using the cruise control, or the light starts blinking when you activate it, there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. In most cases, a flashing cruise control light on Subaru is accompanied by the engine warning light.

What to do if your Subaru cruise control light flashing?

Whenever the Subrau cruise control light starts flashing on the dashboard, the cruise control has malfunctioned or disabled. Hence, do not turn on the cruise control system. If the light starts flashing after getting gas, locate a safe spot and pull over. Check the gas cap and re-tighten it. It could be you did not secure the gas cap properly.

If that do not solve the problem, drive straight to your mechanic and have them diagnose and fix the problem.

Does the cruise control stop working when check engine light is on?

If the onboard computer detects a problem with your transmission or the engine, it will display the check engine light and disable certain vehicle functions, like the cruise control system, to prevent further damage until you address the issue.

Let’s be clear here; this does not mean that the PCM must disable the cruise control whenever it detects an issue with the engine or transmission. It will only disable the system if the issue is causing unstable engine performance.

Subaru Outback check engine light flashing, cruise control, and traction control light blinking can all come up due to engine performance issues. Contact your mechanic to proffer solutions to the problem. 

Final Words

To be precise, the flashing Subaru cruise control light shows there is a mechanical or electrical problem in your car. The cruise control light should be green and steady when you turn on the system. But if the light is flashing, turn off the cruise control until you address the problem.

If you are a DIYer, you can fix the issue yourself. But if you are not, contact your mechanic or dealership. The solution can be easy, quick, and quite affordable.

Osuagwu Solomon

Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyer’s guides, and car and tools comparisons.

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Subaru cruise control light is flashing. Possible causes

Have you ever noticed your Subaru’s cruise control light flashing? It can be quite disconcerting. Don’t worry, it’s probably nothing serious.

In this article, you’ll learn what could be causing the flashing light and how to fix it. We’ll also discuss some other issues related to cruise control, so you can be better prepared if something similar happens in the future.

Key Takeaways

• The flashing cruise control light in a Subaru could be caused by various issues such as a faulty brake switch, malfunctioning speed sensor, or blown fuse.
• Other potential causes include a failing brake pedal switch, traction control system issues, malfunctioning mechanical components, and failed control module, sensor, or switch issues.
• Throttle actuation problems and dirty or malfunctioning cameras (in the case of adaptive cruise control) can also lead to a flashing cruise control light.
• Before visiting a service center, there are a few solutions to try such as replacing the brake switch, replacing the gas cap, disconnecting the positive battery cable and stepping on the brake pedal, and using an OBDII reader for diagnostic information. However, if the issue persists, it is recommended to visit an authorized Subaru service center for professional diagnosis and repair.

A brief explanation of the issue

If you’re driving a Subaru with cruise control, you may have noticed that the light on the dashboard is flashing . The flashing cruise control light can be caused by a number of issues, including:

• A faulty brake switch
• An electrical fault in the vehicle
• A malfunctioning cruise control system
• A loose or faulty connection in the wiring harness.

Troubleshooting the issue requires an experienced mechanic to diagnose and repair.

Causes of Flashing Cruise Control Light

If your Subaru’s cruise control light is flashing, it may be due to a malfunctioning speed sensor. This sensor is responsible for detecting the speed of the vehicle and relaying that information to the cruise control system. If the sensor is not working properly, it can cause the cruise control light to flash.

Another potential cause of a flashing cruise control light is a blown fuse. The fuse that controls the cruise control system may have blown, preventing it from functioning properly. Checking and replacing the blown fuse can resolve this issue.

A failing brake pedal switch can also be a culprit behind a flashing cruise control light. The brake pedal switch is responsible for detecting when the brake pedal is depressed, which is necessary for the cruise control system to disengage.

If the switch is failing, it may not properly detect when the brake pedal is pressed, leading to a flashing cruise control light.

Lastly, an issue with the traction control system can cause the cruise control light to flash. The traction control system is closely linked to the cruise control system, and if there is a problem with the traction control system, it can trigger the cruise control light to flash.

It is important to note that these are just potential causes and that a proper diagnosis should be done by a qualified technician to accurately identify the issue and determine the appropriate solution.

Malfunctioning speed sensor

You’re likely noticing your Subaru’s cruise control light flashing because the speed sensor is malfunctioning. This could cause a variety of issues such as:

• Reduced fuel economy
• Poor acceleration
• Unstable speed control
• Erratic RPMs.

It’s best to have the speed sensor inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently.

Another possible cause of the Subaru cruise control light flashing is a blown fuse. A blown fuse is a sign that the circuit is overloaded and can’t handle the current running through it. In this case, the cruise control system may be shorting out and the fuse must be replaced in order to fix the issue.

Failing brake pedal switch

If the brake pedal switch has failed, it can also be the cause of the Subaru’s cruise control light flashing. The brake pedal switch is a safety feature that helps the cruise control system recognize when the brakes are being applied.

A malfunctioning switch can cause the cruise control system to not work properly, resulting in the light flashing.

Regular inspections of the switch can help identify any problems before they become dangerous. Replacing the switch when necessary can help ensure the cruise control system is working correctly and the flashing light isn’t a cause for alarm.

Traction control system issues

Besides a failing brake pedal switch, another potential cause of the Subaru’s cruise control light flashing is a malfunctioning traction control system. Here are four common culprits:

• Faulty wheel speed sensors
• Worn control unit
• Low tire pressure
• Damaged brake pedal switch.

A malfunctioning traction control system can cause the cruise control light to flash, so it’s important to have it checked by a professional to ensure safe driving .

Malfunctioning mechanical components

Apart from a faulty brake pedal switch, malfunctioning mechanical components can also be responsible for your Subaru’s cruise control light flashing. This includes a problem with the throttle control motor, the cruise control switch, the brake light switch, the cruise control actuator, and the ECU.

Malfunctioning of any of these parts can lead to a flashing cruise control light, and it’s important to get the issue resolved quickly as it can adversely affect the performance of your vehicle.

Failed control module, sensor, or switch issues

Aside from the mechanical components, a failed control module, sensor, or switch can also cause your Subaru cruise control light to flash. If any of these components fail, the cruise control light will start to flash. Here are a few common sources of this issue:

• Electrical connections wearing away
• Corroded wiring
• Malfunctioning switches
• Burned out control module.

It’s important to have your car checked by a qualified mechanic to determine the exact cause of the flashing light.

Throttle actuation problems

Frequently, issues with throttle actuation can also be the culprit behind a Subaru’s flashing cruise control light. When the cruise control light is flashing, it usually means the throttle actuator is in need of service. It can be caused by a malfunctioning throttle position sensor , a bad throttle body, or a faulty electronic throttle control unit.

In any of these cases, the throttle needs to be repaired or replaced. Proper troubleshooting is essential to identify the source of the issue and to ensure a proper repair.

Dirty or malfunctioning cameras (adaptive cruise control)

Continuing on from issues with throttle actuation, dirty or malfunctioning cameras can also be a cause of Subaru’s flashing cruise control light. Reasons include:

• Obstructions blocking the camera’s view
• Damaged camera lens
• Malfunctioning of the camera’s hardware
• Problems with the car’s software.

Dirt, grime, and corrosion can also be factors in camera failure. Be sure to have a professional check the camera’s condition to avoid further issues.

Solutions for Flashing Cruise Control Light

If you’re having trouble with your Subaru’s flashing cruise control light, don’t worry. There are several solutions you can try to get your car back to normal.

• Hook up an OBDII reader to get valuable information.
• Visit the service center at your nearest authorized Subaru dealer.
• Check or replace the brake switch.
• Even disconnect the positive battery cable for 10 minutes and step on the brake pedal for a minute.

Hook up an OBDII reader to get valuable information

Once you’ve hooked up an OBDII reader to your Subaru, you can start to get some valuable information that can help you solve why the cruise control light is flashing. It can:

• Show any trouble codes
• Help you diagnose electrical problems
• Diagnose the engine light
• Provide you with data about your vehicle’s performance.

With this information, you can get a better idea of why your cruise control light is flashing and how to fix it.

Visit the service center at your nearest authorized Subaru dealer

If you’re still unsure what the issue is after hooking up an OBDII reader, then you may want to consider visiting the service center at your nearest authorized Subaru dealer.

The staff at the center have the expertise to diagnose and repair any issues with your vehicle, and they’ll be able to provide you with insight into why the cruise control light is flashing.

They may even be able to suggest a repair or adjustment that can resolve the issue.

Taking your car to the service center is the best way to get the right advice and a quality repair.

Check/replace brake switch

Carrying on from the previous suggestion, the next solution might be to check or replace the brake switch, as it can sometimes be the source of the cruise control light flashing.

To do this, here are 4 steps to follow:

• Find the brake switch and disconnect the wires.
• Check the continuity of the switch with a multimeter.
• If the switch is defective, replace it with a new one.
• Reconnect the wires to the switch and test the cruise control light.

Disconnect the positive battery cable for 10 minutes and step on the brake pedal for a minute

Once the gas cap has been replaced, another solution to try if the cruise control light is still flashing is to disconnect the positive battery cable for 10 minutes and step on the brake pedal for a minute.

To do this:

• Find the positive battery cable.
• Unhook the cable and wait 10 minutes.
• Re-connect the cable.
• Step on the brake pedal for a minute.

This should reset the cruise control light and get your Subaru back on the road.

Final Words

It is important to check why your Subaru’s cruise control light is flashing in order to avoid any potential issues.

Taking the time to diagnose the cause of the flashing light will ensure that your car runs smoothly and safely.

Importance of checking the issue

It’s essential to get your Subaru checked as soon as possible if the cruise control light is flashing. Ignoring the issue could potentially lead to a more serious problem, such as:

• A malfunction in the car’s braking system.
• Damage to the car’s electronic components.
• An unexpected increase in fuel consumption .
• Unintended acceleration.

If you notice the cruise control light flashing, don’t hesitate to take your car to the nearest mechanic. Failing to address the issue can have costly consequences.

Be sure to get your car checked out as soon as possible.

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Subaru Cruise Control Light Flashing – Main Causes

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Engine Control Unit

Malfunctioned speed sensor, faulty fuse, a problem with the solenoid valves, the catalytic converter is failing, an issue with the gas cap, a problem with plug wires, faulty battery.

Driving continuously without stopping to rest can drain your energy and even harm your car. But these problems have been solved for Subaru by introducing a cruise control system .

This system enables you to set the engine to a certain speed, thus saving you energy since you won’t have to hit the accelerator now and then.

It also warns you that specific components in the car have malfunctioned by producing a  flashing light .

But what exactly are these components that make the Subaru cruise control light start flashing? Let’s take a look!

Are you using a Subaru 2005 or a newer model? If so, then you should pay attention to the light.

It is because these Subaru models are equipped with an engine control unit. This unit diagnoses problems in your car and relays them to you by sending a code.

This code is usually accompanied by a check engine light or flashing light from the cruise control system.

There are about 200 codes in these Subaru models, and each one of them indicates a certain level of problem in the car.

Therefore, the flashing light does not necessarily have to worry you since they are merely communicating an issue in the car, which may not be serious at all.

To fix the flashing light or check the engine light caused by an engine control unit, you will first check what the code means.

If the code implies a less severe issue that you can quickly fix, then do so and proceed to delete the code using an OBDII reader.

If the code indicates that your Subaru has a severe problem, then tow it to the mechanic, who will fix the issue.

The cruise control system is linked to a speed sensor that controls how it functions. The sensor relays a signal to the control system to increase or reduce the car’s speed.

However, this sensor can malfunction, thus making the control system not register any of your commands.

It will be shown by the check engine light coming on or the Subaru cruise control light flashing.

The speed sensor is an essential component that needs immediate fixing when faulty. It is because an issue with this sensor can affect the functioning of the car’s speedometer.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to repair a damaged speed sensor: hence you will have to purchase and install a new one.

Fuses safeguard the electrical components in a cruise control system. They act as shields that, when damaged, allow very little or no current to reach the control system.

It will make the cruise control light flash until the issue has been corrected.

Luckily, you can quickly fix the problem by replacing the damaged fuse.

However, if the lights continue flashing, it means that the issue is beyond the fuses, and you will have to check the other components in the cruise control system.

Your car’s engine has solenoid valves that control the flow of fluids such as oil. It does so by providing the pressure that pumps the fluid.

These solenoid valves can malfunction due to low fluid or extreme electric current. They will cause the check engine to come on when faulty, making the cruise control light flash.

Try topping up the fluid to its correct amount to sort out this problem.

But if the solenoid valves have malfunctioned due to electric spikes, the only way to resolve the issue is by replacing the damaged components.

The Subaru models have been designed to alert you whenever there is a problem with the powertrain system.

Therefore, a failing catalytic convertor usually makes the cruise control light flash. In most cases, this light is accompanied by a check engine light coming on.

Many things can make the catalytic converter fail. They include a failing fuel injector, wrong fuel mixture, a problem with the check valve, an issue with the oxygen sensor, etc.

So, it would be best to diagnose the exact problem first before deciding to replace or repair it.

If the cruise control light is flashing and the check engine light is on, then the chances are high that your Subaru Forester has an issue with the gas gap.

The gas cap plays a vital role in the engine. For instance, it maintains pressure and holds the gas fumes in the fuel tank.

In most cases, the gas cap is loose, thus letting out the gas. It happens when you refuel the car and fail to tighten it correctly.

To know if the gas cap is causing the issue, try starting the car after refueling it while observing the check engine and cruise control lights.

If the check engine light comes on right away, it confirms that the gas cap is loose. You can then replace the gas cap with a new one.

A problem with plug wires can also make the check engine light come on and consequently cause a flashing light in the cruise control system.

The plug wires supply the spark plugs with voltage, which will, in turn, ignite the air and fuel in the combustion chamber, thus making the engine run.

Therefore, if the plug wires malfunction, the engine will supply low power to the Subaru car. The check engine will sense this problem and alert you by turning on its light.

If the flashing light or the check light is accompanied by reduced speed, it is more likely that the plug wires are faulty.

You can then check the plug wires to confirm that they are causing the issue. If your findings are positive, it would be best to replace them since worn plug wires are difficult to repair.

Even though the Subaru battery has been designed to last for a long time, specific mechanical issues can make it malfunction.

Also, as the battery gets old , the amount of voltage it supplies reduces. Therefore, if you are using an old model of Subaru, its battery may have gone faulty.

A faulty battery will cause the engine to misfire, making the check engine light come on and the cruise control system start flashing. Fortunately, it is easy to diagnose a faulty battery.

All you have to do is check if the battery can charge your phone. If your phone’s battery percentage does not go up, you have a bad battery that you should replace.

The cruise control and check engine light play an essential role in your Subaru. For instance, when the cruise control light starts flashing, it tells you there is an issue with your car.

Such problems may include a faulty battery, loose gas cap, damaged fuse, faulty brake pedal, etc. Therefore, it is vital to heed the two components to ensure that your car functions well.

It is possible that the issue causing the lights to come on is minor and can easily be fixed by simply following your Subaru manual. Hence, you can check it for a solution before visiting the mechanic.

With comprehensive experience in writing exceptional quality articles and blogs about cars and related stuff, Daniel is one of the finest bloggers and a hardcore car lover we have. He is an ASE certified technician with an across-the-board experience of 10 years in the industry. He could not help tinkering with anything he got his hands on from a young age, which led to his remarkable career in the automotive repair industry.

When he is not under any hood, you can find him on the water or in the woods to pursue his passion for hunting and fishing. He has been writing for multiple sectors and is a regular contributor to several publications.

He currently owns a Nissan 300ZX TT and a Pearl Yellow but plans to upgrade it to 550 HP. His favorites include the Koenigsegg CCX and Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 VT, but for him, the Ferrari 360 Spider is one of the sexiest cars that exists to date.

Being an avid world traveler, he has spent most of his time analyzing the automotive markets, latest technology, and local favorites to enhance his knowledge base. He is currently living in North Caroline, where it’s all about food and coffee and, of course, cars.

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2016 Crosstrek flashing cruise control icon and steady check engine light on at 99K miles

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So my 2016 Crosstrek hit 99K miles 2 days ago. Its CPO to 100K miles so I'm very close to the warranty expiring. The day after rolling 99K the check engine light came on and the flashing cruise control icon came on. First off, I'm trying to eliminate any possible minor issues. I had a mechanic do a general scan of error codes and it came up as a possible "valve misfire". Unfortunately, I forgot to get the exact code for it. I contacted the dealership and they said if the car hasn't had the spark plugs changed it could be that. I haven't had the car tuned up (incl. spark plug changed) since I purchased it 14 months ago. But wondering if the mechanic's code of a "valve misfire" is more related to the engine than spark plugs? I've been holding off on getting the car placed for a tune-up service because I'm currently short on funds. So I'm trying to minimize the losses as much as I can and seeing where I should first start in troubleshooting this issue. Obviously, if it's an engine/drivetrain issue I'm covered through the warranty. By the way, would this include any emissions issues as well? As for the flashing cruise control light.. from what I've read not many Subaru owners seem to know why this comes on along with the check engine light. If anyone has had experience with this and got it resolved I would greatly appreciate some guidance. I'm hoping for more "FixIt" answers than the "warning lights" going away on its own. ??  

Valve misfire?I never heard of that.I think you mean cylinder misfire.This would also have a number saying what cylinder is misfiring.If they haven't been changed yet then I would say it's about time for a set of spark plugs even if that's not the cause.The most common cause for a misfire is a bad coil which plugs on to the spark plug.To find out what the issue is,rescan the codes to see which cylinder is misfiring.Remove the coil from that cylinder and replace it with the coil that's easiest to get to and place the other coil where that one came from.If the misfire changes cylinders then the coil is your problem.Good luck.  

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Home & renters insurance, car repair estimates, read car content, jerry data & research, why is my cruise control light flashing on my subaru legacy.

I love my Subaru Legacy! However, the other day, the cruise control light kept flashing and I had no idea what it meant. I can’t find the owner’s manual, so I’m at a loss of what to do or what the problem is. Why is my Legacy’s cruise control light flashing?

• A faulty speed sensor
• A blown fuse that’s connected to your cruise control system
• Up to 194 other onboard diagnostic codes set off by a flashing cruise control dashboard light

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2010 - CEL, traction control light, and cruise light all just came on?

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2010 forester, under 15,000 miles, driving home from work when the check engine light, traction control light and cruise light come on?? The cruise light flashing ?? Didn't feel any difference in the drive... tried the " turn it off and on" but lights still there...Going to drop it off at Subaru....which I wish was open later...  

Check the gas cap. Had this happen on my 4runner and it was due to the gas cap being loose. Tighten the gas cap, disconnect the battery, wait 10 seconds, reconnect the battery and you should be good to go.  

lilredrambler said: 2010 forester, under 15,000 miles, driving home from work when the check engine light, traction control light and cruise light come on?? The cruise light flashing ?? Didnt feel any difference in the drive..tried the " turn it off and on" but lights still there...Going to drop it off at Subaru....which I wish was open later... Click to expand...

Many auto parts stores will/can now read the code/s that trigger the check engine light. I would suggest swing by one and see what the code points to, that will give you/us an idea as to the issue. Sadly this is all the dealer will likely do too.  

DW got the same symptom this morning. Any explanation from suby dealer?  

We are having the same problem (2011 with 600 miles), but our also stuttered as if it were going to stall. It is at the dealer now. They replaced the Cam sensor, but it is still having the problem. They need to call for help in the morning...not too good for building confidence...  

These lights just mean an error code is stored, it doesn't give you any idea what might be wrong. You need to get the code read if you want to have any idea what the problem is, none of us can help just by knowing that the light is on (it could be anything from a major engine failure to the gas cap being loose)  

CEL light, TC light and blinking cruise control light Hi guys, I'm new to the forum but I have been following it for over a year and helped my decision to buy a Forester. Just had the cel tc and cruise lights come up. I've owned 3 cars before the foz but never ever had the cel come on, not a good feeling. After reading the comments on the forum I went ahead and checked the fuel cap and then the inlet wiring. Worked a treat and the lights are gone. Thanks very much for the info. I'm heading off now on a fire trail for a drive with the new yoko geolander at-s I put on the front yesterday.  

If I read that right, it's not usually recommended to replace just two tires on an AWD vehicle. Unless of course the other two were fairly new also. The difference in OD between old and new tires could cause driveline component issues.  

I had this issue about a week ago. I had the code read and it was p0171 system to lean. Which is a generic code that could be any number of things. One of the things it could have been was dirty fuel injectors. It would sputter and feel like it was going to stall. Unplugged the battery and added stp fuel injector cleaner and octane booster and filled the tank up. No issues since. I'm thinking dirty fuel injector or injectors. Sent from my mind using ninjutsu telepathy  

There is a similar thread somewhere on here. My 2009 X did the same thing, tried the gas cap which worked for a while, but on third time replaced the fuel pressure sensor in the gas tank. No issues since. The most annoying part for me was that cruise control doesn't work when this starts. Twice, the car just started slowing down....  

Exact thing happened to us last night CEL + Traction control light steady + blinking/fading cruise control light in my 2012 Forester. Car was running fine otherwise. The very accommodating Subaru dealer in Waterloo, Iowa got us right in and followed the diagnostic steps the computer showed and found it required a software update. That made everything all right and it was all covered under warranty.  

I agree about the tread differences as a cause of driveline issues. But that was all I could afford at the time. I now do have the same tires all round. On a side note I did replace the injectors and front O2 sensor due to engine issues, but still not rectified. I'm experiencing high negative long term fuel trims.  

I would like to share my experience with the issue. I believe my problem has been solved (for now) and wanted to share in case it works for anyone else. I bought my 2012 Forester with about 65 000 km on it already. The issue did not arise until more recently, maybe around 75 000 km. I was driving on the highway, and seemingly randomly, the check engine light, traction control light, and flashing cruise control light all came on at once. Apart from no longer being able to use cruise control (which I hadn't been), I couldn't notice any other symptoms with regards to performance. However, the lights alone do cause quite a dreadful feeling. I managed to borrow a friend's code reader and learned of the P0171 System Too Lean error code. After reading this forum, I decided that since the actual check engine light was not flashing but solid, it wasn't so serious that I should drive straight to a mechanic. In the interest of saving money on a garage's guesswork, I went to the internet for help. The first, cheapest option, was to top up the fuel and make sure the fuel cap was clicked on tightly. Having already returned the code reader, I needed to reset the lights and error code in order to tell whether the problem was actually resolved. I disconnected the battery for about a minute in order to accomplish this. I am not a confident mechanic, so even simple things like this make me uneasy. I have found carcarekiosk.com to be very straight-forward and helpful. (I also used this site to change my bulbs.) After driving something less than 200 km, the CEL, traction light, and flashing cruise light came back on. So, the next least expensive thing to try was STP fuel injector cleaner dumped into a fresh tank of gas, which I purchased at a gas station. I had read someone solved their issue with this code earlier in this thread. And I reset the code. Having dealt with check engine lights in my previous vehicle and now in this “new” one, I decided to get my own code reader. I ordered the Veepeak Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner for Android off of Amazon for around $25 CAD. It has turned out to be very worthwhile. I use it with the free Torque Lite app, which allowed me to read that it was again the P0171 System Too Lean code, and then reset the code. And now I am prepared to see any future codes immediately, since the code reader is cheap enough I’m comfortable leaving it in my center console. By this point, I had discovered another symptom. On at least two occasions, when I was initially starting the Forester, it struggled quite a bit to start. I actually pumped the gas a little bit to get it started. Within another 200 km. The lights came on again. Same code. The next least expensive option was to clean the Mass Air Flow Sensor. It seemed to make sense based on what I had read in this and other forums (although much of it was a bit over my head). I bought some cleaner for around $10 at Canadian Tire, and found some instructions on a website I unfortunately cannot seem to find now. But it is a very easy piece to access. Making sure not to let it touch any other surfaces (with gloves and goggles equipped) I gave the interior and exterior several quick blasts of the cleaner. Then I let it thoroughly dry before replacing it. It has now been nearly 1000 km of driving, so I’m considering the problem to have been resolved. Bearing in mind that the code reader wasn’t a necessary purchase, this only cost me about $20 for the injector cleaner and MAF sensor cleaner. I shudder to think what I could have spent at the dealership…  

Problem fixed I had the same problem with all of these dash lights coming on. I purchased a new gas cap from Amazon and reset my computer by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Problem solved for almost a year now.  

Did you even check what the code was?  

I just had this occur. 2017 Forester 2.5 engine. First cold day since purchase, in June, -7 C. Was in the garage over night at a temp of 11 C. Light snow falling,upon starting got the christmas tree of fault lights as described in first post. Operation seemed normal. Ran a few errants and lights went off after the 3rd or 4th start. Code reader gave 0073 as the fault code. If it occurs again I will see the dealer. Cheers Doug  

Halifax is right. I had the same thing happen to my 2015 Forester XT. While driving 60 mph I slammed on the brakes as hard as I could when a deer ran in front of us. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree and stayed that way until the fourth or fifth restart. Funny thing is that last start was when I was heading to the dealer. It's been two years and it hasn't happened again. The dealer told me it had something to do with ABS.  

I had the same problem 3wks ago after an oil change on my 2017 Forester 2.0XT. All the warning lights came about 3hrs after the oil change. I took it back and service dept said it need computer update and that cleared it. Well the following weekend the exact same thing happened. This time they said that the oil from the oil change was filled too high and that was causing it. So they drained and refilled to spec. So far no further issues. But I have been dealing with this same local service dept through 3 previous Subarus and I have to say that Subaru needs to step up the training on their service depth. Maybe it's just my local one, but they are hard pressed to diagnose and fix anything other then an oil change, and now they are screwing that up.  

('09-'13) Check engine light, traction control light, and cruise light, hot weather I've had this problem intermittently for the last 3 years. It happens on hot days temp >28C (85F) when the gas tank level is below quarter tank. Car drives OK however unable to fill gas tank. What ever the problem, it clears itself if temperature falls for a few days or a battery disconnect. Must be some sensor that goes whacky on hot days. I have yet to read an interesting fix for the problems since the CEL, TCL and cruise control flashing seem to a catch all for any problem on the Fozzy So for a quick fix, pull battery cable for a few seconds...  

Had the check engine light with traction control and blinking cruise control light. Car began shuttering when accelerating. Replacing the gas cap did not work. Had the codes pulled: P301, cylinder miss fire. Replaced ignition coil, didn’t work. Replaced the spark plugs and cables, spark plugs 1 and 4 looked bad. Car is driving great and lights have cleared.  

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Check Engine Light / Cruise Control Light / Brake Light....

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2013 Outback 3.6R Limited with the Backup Camera Screen Display. No Eyesight. Approximately 44,300 miles. My wife was driving the vehicle earlier this afternoon when the amber "Check Engine" message on the dashboard illuminated solid, the amber Cruise Control icon on the dashboard illuminated solid, and the red "Brake" message on the dashboard began flashing. She immediately called me from the road to report it. I had her pull over into a parking lot, shut down the ignition and remove the key for 60 seconds, and then restart the vehicle. No change in the dashboard display after doing so. She was about 15 miles from home so I told her to drive home carefully since the ABS may not be fully functioning. She arrived home safely without any further issues. I will allow the vehicle to sit overnight before I check it with my iCarsoft i903 scan tool tomorrow. During the nearly three years of our ownership, this is the first time the vehicle has turned on any warning lights. Is anyone familiar with this combination of warning lights? If so, what problem does it usually indicate? Thanks in advance for any assistance or direction you can provide.  

Vehicle is operating as designed. CEL = ALL the lights in most modern autos, trying to get people to pay attention. Find code, post or search here.  

Note: The amber Vehicle Dynamics Control icon on the dashboard is also illuminated solid.  

is that the VDC action light (the car with the slippery road). ? or the VDC off light ? (like its out of service and not going to save you)  

Update: I started the engine this morning to see if all dashboard warning lights from yesterday's incident would return. They indeed did. I shut the engine off and turned the key to the ACC ON position. I plugged in my iCarsoft i903 scan tool and scrolled through the various modules that it was able to communicate with. Here are the results: Engine: No DTCs. Transmission: No DTCs. Brakes: C0057 "VDC interrupted due to EGI reason." I successfully cleared the code. SRS: No DTCs. Tire Pressure System: No DTCs. Parking Brake: C0231 "ECM failure." I successfully cleared the code. I turned the ignition switch off, removed the key, disconnected my scan tool, then started the engine. All previous dashboard warning lights from yesterday's incident immediately illuminated again. I welcome your advice.  

^^ It is indeed "the car with the slippery road". Thanks for your interest. Any ideas?  

abs / speed sensor/ etc. is disconnected or damaged, baked or twisted. such would make the VDC want to work all the time trying to correct what does not need to be corrected.  

What were the weather conditions when she was driving? Wet? Did she go through a big puddle? I'm poking around in the FSM and it looks like both may be related to poor connections between ECM and the brake controller modules. You may need to lift the vehicle, remove the fuel tank protector (I think that's the large plastic shield back there, and locate the parking brake module. You'll see the parking brake wires going out to each wheel from the controller. Check the electrical connections and look for moisture and/or rust. I think that's where I would start....  

OBDad, Thanks for your input. The weather yesterday afternoon was dry. She does not recall splashing through any puddles. She did, however, cross over some railroad tracks not long before noticing all the dashboard warning lights. Not an excessively jarring railroad crossing (she says), in fact it is one that she has crossed over several times before in this vehicle during the past couple of weeks. Any idea exactly where the parking brake module is located, and what it looks like? I am all for putting the rear end up on jack stands and crawling underneath to see what I can find, but it always helps if I know exactly what I am looking for before I begin.  

Thanks for your additional input. I have a CD that I bought off of ebay a couple of years ago for about $15. It was advertised as the 2013 Legacy/Outback service manual. The primary problem with this CD is that it is not indexed or tabbed, so in order to use it I must scroll through more than 6,200 pages looking for the particular information I need. Sometimes I have been able to find what I am looking for, and sometimes not. But it always requires hours of page-by-page searching. I have had only a couple of minor issues with this vehicle since purchasing it in early November 2015 so I have not had much reason to utilize this CD (and given its extreme hassle factor, I am glad about that). Most of us here know that our vehicles are essentially rolling computers and without a strong and fully capable battery, it is quite common for a number of spurious and unrelated warnings and codes to be randomly thrown once the battery dips below the necessary voltage required to properly function (not just to start the engine, but to properly run all the vehicle's systems and modules). Because my vehicle (built in April 2013) still has its factory battery, I decided to put a CTEK charger on it and see if a proper charge will cause these warnings and codes to disappear. Probably a long shot, but you never know unless you try. I will report back once the CTEK has finished putting what I hope will be a full charge on my battery. In the meantime folks, please keep your ideas and suggestions coming. They are much appreciated.  

now is also a good time to check tire pressures, look / listen for stuck brakes and wheel bearings slowing the wheel speed on one or more corners. such may cause or exacerbate problems that you have.  

eagleeye, If you suspect a faulty wheel speed sensor or harness, why has the vehicle not thrown a faulty wheel speed sensor / harness code? I presume the wheel speed sensors are mounted somewhere on the hub carriers. Can anyone tell me exactly where? Once you jack up the vehicle and pull the wheels, are they immediately visible and obvious?  

never had one go bad on my car. so I am stuck reading / searching here. there was someone on here a few days ago with a bad one from some work done at a shop, and the 2nd shop with the aligment rack found a sensor put in wrong causing the car to think ONE of the front wheels was turned 90 degrees. making the VDC want to work work work. ____ is a EGI a ECU ?  

Not certain of course, but I doubt if EGI is another acronym for the ECU. And no shop has touched my vehicle since I had new tires mounted by my trusted Discount Tire shop in December 2016.  

Unfortunately, charging the battery with a CTEK unit (it reached 12.77 volts before the CTEK unit finished charging) had no impact on the dashboard warning messages and icons. So it appears that a failing factory battery is not the issue.  

Update: After an extremely helpful phone conversation with the service department at my local Subaru dealership this morning, they believe my issue is caused by a failing brake pedal switch. While they see more failures of this particular component in Foresters and Crosstreks, my symptoms (the combination of warning lights and messages) seem to point to that switch. What is most interesting is that my wife's 2006 Jaguar XK8 is now on its third brake pedal switch. It is a known issue on these cars and when they fail after about five years, the messages "Check Rear Lights" and "Cruise Not Available" begin to flash on the XK8 dashboard message screen. I was talking with one of my Jaguar forum buddies last night and he suggested that my Outback may be calling out its brake pedal switch as well. A new Outback brake pedal switch (part no. 83370AA001) is about $47 at my local dealership parts department. I think it is worth rolling the dice, replacing the switch, and seeing if that fixes my issue.  

Before you spend a lot of money, consider this. I had nearly the same thing happen to me suddnly last week when I was about 250 miles into a road trip. Cruise suddenly stopped working, CEL, AT (CVT) Temp warning and flashing brake light. I stopped and checked everything. Could find nothing wrong and no drivability problems, except no cruise control. Started back up, and still had all lights. Stopped again on a slight incline. Checked function of parking brake, and it functioned properly. Crawled under car and felt the transmission housing, and it didn't feel warm, checked wheel hups and axels, and found nothing warm. Started up again and AT Temp warning reset, but still had flashing brake, cruise light and CEL. Drove about another 30 miles after searching GPS and finding a Subaru Shop. Thought about gas cap. Stopped and removed gas cap, which seemed tight. Replaced gas cap and still had 3 lights. Drove another ten or so miles and made last turn before Subaru Shop, and then somewhere between 0.6 miles to destination and 0.2 miles to go, all lights went out. Stopped and talked to service writer, and before I got to the removed and replaced gas cap, she asked if I tried that. When I told her about the reset just befor I pulled in, she said it was probably fixed so just drive it. I just got back from my trip and another 900 miles with no lights or problems! Vehicle had never done this before. I guess it just needed to have the tank "burped"! Might not be your problem, but easy and cheap enough to check.  

Thanks for the information on burping the gas tank cap. I did that yesterday morning to no avail - all dashboard warning lights stayed on afterwards. I filled up the gas tank this morning, so that was yet another gas tank cap burp. Again, no change to the dashboard warning lights. I purchased a new brake pedal switch this afternoon. I plan to install it after the remnants of Hurricane Michael pass through our neck of the woods during the next couple of days. And the weather should be much cooler as well. I found a YouTube video of a guy replacing the brake pedal switch on a 2005 Impreza. It looks almost identical to the setup in my 2013 Outback 3.6R. As long as I can get my gorilla-sized hands up into the tight spaces underneath the drivers side dash where this switch is located, I should be able to do the job. I will report back on whether or not the new brake pedal switch indeed fixes my issue.  

Update: My next-door neighbor and I replaced the brake pedal switch last evening. It made no difference. All of the same dashboard warning lights and messages remained even after I cleared the OBDII codes again and took the vehicle for a test drive.  

Update: Diagnostics at the local dealership is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I will report back with the details. Other than a warranty claim regarding loose body side molding and a recall regarding the windshield wiper motor shield, this is the first dealership service requirement in nearly three years of ownership.  

Update: The Subaru dealership says that my passenger front air/fuel oxygen sensor (part no. 22641AA53A) has failed. They read a P0031 OBDII code although my iCarsoft i903 scan tool (specifically made for Subaru, Nissan, and Infiniti) did not. But I would not think that a simple oxygen sensor fault would light up all the various warning messages and icons on the dashboard. The dealership claims "that is to get your attention". What that really does is make diagnosis considerably more difficult, especially for us DIY guys. The dealership does not have the part in stock. It has been ordered and they will call me when it arrives to schedule its installation. The best news is that it is covered by the vehicle's 7-year / 70,000-mile emissions system warranty and the replacement part / labor will only cost me a $50 deductible. We shall see if this indeed fixes my issue when the part arrives early next week.  

My 3.6 went Christmas Tree on me a few months ago after a schedule service. All it was was a vacuum hose on the front of the engine had not been replaced..............  

Do you remember which vacuum hose was the culprit, and exactly where it was located?  

Directly behind the alternator and runs from a sensor into the front and center of the manifold. Hope that makes sense.  

Thanks for the information. I will try to remember that for future reference. I assume this particular vacuum hose was disconnected as part of the service performed on your vehicle and the tech did not reattach it securely so it eventually fell off, causing your dashboard to light up with warning messages.  

It is where they pumped Upper Cylinder Head Clear into the manifold.  

An air fuel oxygen sensor will definitely put the car in “limp mode” as the emissions system could be way out of spec and causing major pollution problems (although it is unlikely that the emissions were changed at all). If you look into the history of the engine trouble codes (engine warning light in the dashboard) you find that they were originally implemented to warn drivers of emission problems. Of course they now cover a huge variety of devices and symptoms and this is why we need a code reader to diagnose what the trouble code and reset any that are triggered. Seagrass  

Update: The new oxygen sensor arrived at the dealership yesterday. I have an appointment on Wednesday morning for the replacement job. Hopefully that will resolve all dashboard warning messages and icons. We shall see.  

Update: The new front air/fuel oxygen sensor was installed by the dealership this morning. It did indeed fix the issue, so all of the pesky dashboard warning messages and icons disappeared once the P0031 OBDII code was cleared. All is well, especially having to pay just $50 for the job.  

On the service manual software you mentioned. Control + F key gives a word search option.  

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