Check Engine Light With Cruise Control Flashing Wrx
You're driving your WRX and suddenly, the dreaded check engine light comes on. The worst part is, your cruise control light is flashing too. What does this mean? Is it serious? Can you still drive the car? In this article, we'll dive into the causes, diagnosis, and repairs for a check engine light with cruise control flashing on your WRX.
What Does the Check Engine Light with Cruise Control Flashing Mean?
When you see the check engine light (CEL) come on with the cruise control light flashing on your WRX, it's a signal from the car's onboard diagnostic system (OBD) that something is wrong. The flashing cruise control light is an indication that the car's computer has put the cruise control system into a fail-safe mode to protect it from potential damage.
The CEL and flashing cruise control light could be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from minor to major. Some of the more common causes include:
- Loose gas cap
- Failing oxygen sensor
- Failed catalytic converter
- Faulty mass airflow sensor (MAF)
- Bad spark plugs or ignition coils
- Malfunctioning electronic throttle control (ETC)
Diagnosing the Problem
To diagnose the issue, you'll need to use an OBD-II scanner to read the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the car's computer. DTCs are alphanumeric codes that indicate which system or sensor is experiencing a fault. Once you have the codes, you can start to narrow down the possible causes of the problem.
If you don't have an OBD-II scanner, you can take your car to a mechanic or an auto parts store, and they can read the codes for you. Some auto parts stores will even loan you a scanner for free.
Fixing the Issue
The course of action to fix the issue will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Here are some possible fixes:
- If the CEL and flashing cruise control light are caused by a loose gas cap, simply tightening it may solve the problem.
- If the issue is a failed oxygen sensor, you'll need to replace the sensor.
- If the catalytic converter has failed, it will need to be replaced.
- A faulty MAF sensor or malfunctioning ETC will need to be repaired or replaced.
- If the issue is bad spark plugs or ignition coils, you'll need to replace them.
It's important to have the underlying cause of the CEL and flashing cruise control light properly diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could result in more severe problems down the line, leading to more costly repairs.
Preventing Future Issues
To prevent future issues, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance of your WRX. This includes:
- Regular oil changes
- Replacing air and fuel filters as needed
- Replacing spark plugs at recommended intervals
- Checking and maintaining proper tire pressure
- Ensuring all fluids are at proper levels
By following these maintenance guidelines, you can keep your WRX running smoothly and minimize the risk of the CEL and flashing cruise control light appearing again.
Conclusion
A check engine light with cruise control flashing on your WRX can be a concerning issue, but it's important to stay calm and properly diagnose the problem. By using an OBD-II scanner to read the codes stored in your car's computer, you can pinpoint the underlying cause of the issue and decide on the appropriate course of action to fix it. Regular maintenance is key to preventing future problems and keeping your WRX running smoothly. If you're not comfortable diagnosing or repairing the issue yourself, take your car to a trusted mechanic to ensure proper repairs are made.