Check Engine And Cruise Light Flashing Subaru
Subaru is one of the most popular car brands in the United States, known for their reliability, safety, and performance. However, like any other car, Subarus can experience problems and malfunctions from time to time, including the check engine and cruise control lights flashing simultaneously. If you are a Subaru owner and this has happened to you, you may be wondering what it means and what you should do next. In this article, we'll explore the possible causes of the check engine and cruise control light flashing in your Subaru, and what steps you can take to diagnose and fix the problem.
What Does It Mean When the Check Engine And Cruise Control Lights Flash?
The check engine light is a warning light on your dashboard that indicates there is a problem with your vehicle's engine or emissions system. The cruise control light, on the other hand, indicates that the cruise control system is engaged and ready to maintain the set speed of your vehicle. When both lights are flashing simultaneously, it usually indicates that there is a problem with the engine control system, which could also affect the performance of the cruise control system. This could be a serious issue, so it's important to take it seriously and diagnose the problem as soon as possible.
What Are The Possible Causes Of The Check Engine And Cruise Control Lights Flashing In Your Subaru?
There can be a number of possible causes for the check engine and cruise control lights flashing in your Subaru. Here are some of the most common:
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is an essential component of your vehicle's emissions system. It measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gases and sends information to the engine control module (ECM) to adjust the air/fuel mixture. If the oxygen sensor is not functioning properly, the ECM cannot accurately adjust the mixture, which can cause the check engine light to turn on and the cruise control system to be disabled.
Loose Gas Cap
Believe it or not, a loose or faulty gas cap can also cause the check engine and cruise control lights to flash in your Subaru. The gas cap is an essential part of your vehicle's fuel system, and if it's not properly sealed, it can lead to a drop in fuel pressure, which can trigger the check engine light and affect the performance of the engine control system.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is another critical part of your vehicle's emissions system. It reduces harmful pollutants in the exhaust gases by converting them into less harmful ones. If the catalytic converter is not functioning properly, it can cause the check engine light to turn on and the cruise control system to be disabled.
Faulty Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is responsible for producing the high voltage needed to ignite the fuel in the engine. If the ignition coil is not functioning properly, it can cause misfires in the engine, which can trigger the check engine light and affect the performance of the engine control system.
Faulty Throttle Position Sensor
The throttle position sensor measures the position of the throttle valve and sends information to the ECM to adjust the air/fuel mixture. If the throttle position sensor is not functioning properly, it can cause the ECM to receive incorrect information, which can trigger the check engine light and affect the performance of the engine control system and the cruise control system.
What Should You Do If The Check Engine And Cruise Control Lights Flash?
If the check engine and cruise control lights are flashing in your Subaru, the first and most important thing you should do is to take your car to a qualified Subaru mechanic or dealership for diagnosis and repair. They will be able to use specialized diagnostic tools and software to identify the problem and recommend the best course of action.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do on your own to try to diagnose the problem:
- Check your gas cap and make sure it's properly sealed.
- Check your engine oil level and condition.
- Check your air filter and replace if necessary.
- Check your battery and alternator for any issues.
However, it is important to remember that these are just temporary solutions and they may not fix the underlying problem. Always consult with a professional mechanic before attempting any repairs yourself.
Conclusion
If you see the check engine and cruise control lights flashing in your Subaru, don't panic. This is a common issue that can be caused by a number of factors, including a faulty oxygen sensor, loose gas cap, faulty catalytic converter, faulty ignition coil, or faulty throttle position sensor. The most important thing you can do is to take your car to a qualified Subaru mechanic or dealership for diagnosis and repair. You should also try to diagnose the problem yourself by checking your gas cap, engine oil level and condition, air filter, battery, and alternator.
By taking the necessary steps to diagnose and fix the problem, you can ensure that your Subaru continues to run smoothly and safely for years to come.