Check Engine Light Cruise Control Flashing Subaru Legacy
Experiencing the Check Engine Light (CEL) and the Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy can be a source of worry and confusion for many car owners. However, it’s not uncommon for both warning lights to come on together, as they are usually linked to the same problem. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes and solutions of the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy, how to diagnose the issue, and what to do about it.
What Does It Mean When the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control Are Flashing on Your Subaru Legacy?
The Check Engine Light and the Cruise Control flashing at the same time on your Subaru Legacy indicate that there is a problem with the vehicle’s electronic engine control system. The CEL is designed to alert the driver of any issues with the engine and the Cruise Control is linked to the same system. When both lights are flashing, it means that the vehicle’s computer has detected a fault that could potentially damage the engine, transmission or emissions control system.
Possible Causes of Check Engine Light and Cruise Control Flashing on Your Subaru Legacy
There are several possible causes of the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Bad Oxygen Sensor: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cause the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system and sends this information to the vehicle’s computer to adjust the air/fuel ratio.
- Loose or Damaged Gas Cap: A loose or damaged gas cap is a common cause of the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy. A faulty gas cap can cause a drop in fuel economy and emissions, which can trigger the warning lights.
- Failed Catalytic Converter: A failed catalytic converter can cause the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions, and a failed one can cause an increase in emissions.
- Failed Mass Airflow Sensor: A failed Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor can cause the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy. The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and sends this information to the vehicle’s computer to adjust the air/fuel ratio.
- Bad Ignition Coil: A bad ignition coil can cause the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy. The ignition coil supplies power to the spark plugs and a malfunctioning one can cause misfires and a decrease in engine performance.
- Faulty Fuel Injectors: Faulty fuel injectors can trigger the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy. The fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine and a malfunctioning one can cause poor performance and increased emissions.
How to Diagnose the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control Flashing on Your Subaru Legacy
Diagnosing the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy can take some time and effort, and it’s best to have it diagnosed by a professional mechanic. However, here are some steps you can take to diagnose the issue:
- Check the gas cap: Make sure the gas cap is tight and not damaged. If it’s loose or damaged, tighten it or replace it.
- Check the Oxygen Sensor: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to the oxygen sensor.
- Check the Mass Airflow Sensor: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to the mass airflow sensor.
- Check the Ignition Coil: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to the ignition coil.
- Check the Fuel Injectors: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to the fuel injectors.
- Check for other error codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for other error codes that could be related to the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing.
What to Do When the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control Are Flashing on Your Subaru Legacy
When the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control are flashing on your Subaru Legacy, the best course of action is to take it to a professional mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Ignoring the warning lights could lead to more severe and costly problems down the road.
It’s important to note that the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy are usually not an emergency situation, and you can safely continue driving the vehicle for a short period of time. However, it’s best to have it checked out as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to the engine, transmission or emissions control system.
Conclusion
The Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy can be a sign of a serious problem with the vehicle’s electronic engine control system. There are several possible causes, including a bad oxygen sensor, a loose or damaged gas cap, a failed catalytic converter, a failed Mass Airflow sensor, a bad ignition coil, and faulty fuel injectors. Diagnosing the issue can take some time, and it’s best to have it diagnosed by a professional mechanic. Ignoring the warning lights could lead to more severe and costly problems down the road. If you are experiencing the Check Engine Light and Cruise Control flashing on your Subaru Legacy, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.