2013 subaru outback cruise control light flashing

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 Outback

Brake, check engine, cruise control lights blinking

• Thread starter tolima1
• Start date May 5, 2022
• May 5, 2022

In my outback 2013, the brake, check engine, and cruise control light started blinking after changing the battery. So I took the car back to the place where the battery was replaced, and they told me that the problem was the catalytic converter ( code P0420) and had nothing to do with the battery? Before spending extra money on a repair that could not be necessary, any ideas? Thanks  

• May 7, 2022

I am not making any assumptions here, but did you recently get fuel? Forgetting to get the cap tight CAN cause all those indications Could also be (what I recently experienced in my 15 Forester, doing the same things, a small leak in a vacuum line. EVERYBODY wants to sell you a new converter - be wary. Have a suby shop check it too.  

• May 10, 2022

i have a 2009 impreza obs. that had that same code and lights. it is the catalytic converter. what i did was replace my o2 sensor first, and reset the computer (unplug battery). if the lights dont come back on, it was just the o2 sensor. if they come back on, replace the cat and reset the computer again and your issue is fixed. i did both myself, very easy fix just a few bolts. hope this helps!  

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Subaru Brake Light Flashing And Traction Control Light: Why?

Modern Subaru models are quite well-equipped, ensuring drivers will instantly recognize the car’s technical problem when there is one.

The brake light/ traction control light is a part of this inclusive system, hence the importance of learning the meanings and indicators of their messages.

My experienced team has compiled a detailed guide behind a Subaru brake light flashing and traction control light being turned on. Keep scrolling.

What Is The Brake Light and Traction Control Light on Subaru Cars? 

What Is The Brake Light?

Brake lights on Subaru are indicators that will light up to alert you whenever there are issues with the car’s braking system.

Though the designs may vary across different Subaru series, these lights are usually represented by exclamation marks within a circle, enclosed by the caption “Brake system” or “Brake.”

What Is The Traction Control Light?

Unlike brake lights, the TC lights might have different meanings depending on the shown image/icon. Observe carefully: 

• If there is a car image paired with a skid mark: the TC is just doing its intended job ( controlling the traction ) as a safety feature, in order to keep danger at bay.
• If there is a triangle with lines cutting through it: the traction control system is experiencing problems.

Regardless of which case you fall into, both these lights will pop on the car’s dashboard.

Take extra caution when the light blinks and your car refuses to accelerate: it indicates the TC feature is in use, meaning your car has just lost its grip around sharp curves, wet pavements, or similar terrains.

For a more thorough breakdown, tune in to the next section.

Why Is The Subaru Brake Light Flashing And Traction Control Light Turned On? 

If both lights are turned on, keep an eye out for these possible culprits: temporary traction loss, the TC system being turned off, faulty steering wheel position/wheel speed sensors, ABS malfunction, and broken TC/ABS modules .

Temporary Traction Loss

As briefly discussed, a temporary traction loss is among the most popular reasons behind TC/ brake light flashing Subaru .

This is extremely common during trips through loose gravel, heavy rain, or snow. 

Even just one moment of lost traction will push the system into action, prompting the light to blink and inform you that its TC feature is in operation.

Most of the time, the Subaru flashing brake light and TC light are nothing to be worried about.

However, if other warning indicators are also activated simultaneously with them, the traction loss might be more serious than you would think.

It would be best to take your car to a dealer for repair and further traction inspection.

TC Systems Are Turned Off

Another possible reason behind the blinking lights might be that you have accidentally turned off the system.

Sure, the default design is to keep the TC on all the time, but most drivers can easily disable it by pressing the button.

Hence, before heading to an automobile center for help, take one second to locate the “TC off” dash button near your steering wheel and press it.

If that fails to turn off the light, you can continue your trip to a Subaru technician or consider other reasons in the list.

Faulty Steering Wheel Position/ Wheel Speed Sensors 

No traction control/braking system on Subaru cars can do well without steering wheel position/ wheel speed sensors .

They ensure the Subaru cars & trucks can safely run in opposite directions of the wheel without losing control and grip.

When one or both of those sensors fail, the TC/braking light will illuminate to inform you.

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) Malfunction

In Subaru, the TC and braking ABS systems work very closely with each other and even use identical control modules.

Long story short: potential issues with the ABS also lead to problems with the traction controls, especially when the TC feature tries to engage your emergency brake to steer off a skid.

So when both TC and ABS lights come on, your car might either suffer low brake fluid levels or bad brake pedal sensors.

Broken ABS/TCS Control Module

That’s quite self-explanatory; when the module controlling both the ABS and TC systems is broken or malfunctioning, both the ABS and TC warning lights will turn on to send warnings.

Even other lights will be activated, too, such as:

• Subaru outback check engine light and brake light flashing
• Oil temp lights
• Dash lights
• Cruise control lights
• Fuel warning light flashes
• Tire pressure warning lights
• Operation indicator lights

In that case, only a fool would choose to ignore these driveability issue.

Bring your car to repair shops immediately to confirm what is going on with these Subaru check engine brake traction control cruise light features.

For more symptoms of bad ABS modules and ABS codes, click here .

Can I Keep Driving My Subaru For A Long Period of Time Without Fixing These Lights? 

No. Unless it is the indicator lights themselves that malfunction (which you could never know until having them properly checked), then ignoring them/refusing to address the problems would be a foolish move.

These lights indicate critical issues with the traction control/braking systems, both of which play a huge role in ensuring the car’s performance and safety.

Even with just one of them malfunctioning, your vehicle stability control, steering capabilities, and fuel efficiency will be severely compromised, leading to higher risks of road hazards/accidents on slippery roads or in poor weather.

Take your car to professional service departments / auto repair shops as soon as you can.

And if you cannot do that yet, at least stop driving and pull the car somewhere safe. Keeping driving will not do anyone good, trust me.

FAQ Section: Quick Questions and Quick Answers

Can Brake Light Switch Affect Traction Control? 

Yes. As mentioned, Subaru’s braking and TC systems are quite closely interconnected.

Do not be surprised if faulty braking switches can also trigger the TC lights – along with the brake light flashing Subaru outback .

Can Traction Control Cause Power Loss? 

Yes. The Subaru’s vehicle speed sensor will detect whether any drive wheel spins more than the rest (a signal of loss of traction).

Once receiving the data, Subaru’s computer will apply parking brakes or reduce power on that wheel.

Since the relationship between TC and ABS systems is tight, problems with either of the two will lead to the Subaru brake light flashing and traction control light being activated.

Diagnose the issue based on my guide above, and write to me if you still need more help with your Subaru outback flashing brake light check engine and traction control.

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2013 - Traction control light on, cruise light flashing?

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I have the traction control light on and cruise light flashing. and the cruise doesn't work. I've googled and found that there are many reason for this ranging from fuel cap to PCU. I've checked codes and it has nothing stored related to any traction control. Just a misfire code I'm working on diagnosing as well. Engine is running fine. I would think a wheel speed sensor could be the most common issue, but wouldn't my code reader see that? On my Honda SUV the same light is on and it does throw a wheel speed sensor code and I am able to read it with my cheap reader. But I'm sure there are differences btw honda and subaru codes for this kind of thing. The only thing I've done so far is replace the fuel cap because some people said that fixed their issue, but not mine. I didn't have any codes related to the fuel cap but needed a new one anyway due to the retainer strap broken off. Any help is appreciated!  

Often a code will disable various systems that might potentially be affected by the problem that actually caused the code. It's frequently a safety measure, just in case. That turns their lights on. Lots of lights light up. We call it 'the Christmas tree'. Concentrate on the misfire code, P030x I assume? They can be hard to track down.  

As @bbottomley said, concentrate on your misfire code. When that's gone, I'll bet $100 that the other lights go off.  

I may take that bet just because if I do then you’ll be right for sure! I’ve replaced the engine and I’m pretty certain the misfire code along with the traction control and cruise lights never changed. I’m not 100% sure on the misfire code because I never read codes before. But the check engine light was on before engine swap. I reused all the sensors from the original engine but have no sensor codes. So it was basically a long block swap.  

Subaru overdoes it in disabling cruise control and VDC, etc., for any CEL such as a bad gas cap. Idiotic IMHO.  

Jdf60 Hmmm.. You had a CEL on before the swap and if you never cleared the CEL codes, you may just have a red herring problem. I'd suggest you clear the CEL codes (most code readers can do this) and it might just solve your problem. i.e. the problem just might be recorded from the prior engine, and the ECU still remembers that if the disconnected battery didn't clear it. As was mentioned, Subaru turns off about everything when anything goes wrong... Good luck.  

DragonSubie7 said: Jdf60 Hmmm.. You had a CEL on before the swap and if you never cleared the CEL codes, you may just have a red herring problem. Click to expand...

DragonSubie7 said: Anything (just about) is possible, ... Click to expand...

What code are you seeing? The normal misfire code is P030x, where x indicates the cylinder involved. Typical reasons that we've seen here, in order of increasing complexity, are plug wires, plugs, coil, injectors.  

bbottomley said: What code are you seeing? The normal misfire code is P030x, where x indicates the cylinder involved. Typical reasons that we've seen here, in order of increasing complexity, are plug wires, plugs, coil, injectors. Click to expand...

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Check engine warning light and flashing cruise control icon

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My 2015 Crosstrek has less than 1500k on it.......what the freaking hell does this warning mean? All it says in the owner's manual is to avoid driving at high speeds and get your vehicle into a Subaru dealership ASAP  

Pattyboy said: All it says in the owners manual is to avoid driving at high speeds and get your vehicle into a Subaru dealership ASAP Click to expand...

Hey pal, we had that same issue on our cross country expedition with only 15k on the car and it ended up being the Oil Control Valve. Apparently they swapped them ( they made it seem like there is only 2 ) from side to side and the issue fixed its self. Over 15k miles later and its working just fine.  

Had the same issue. Cel, flashing cruise control icon and awd icon came on and then disappeared two days later. Took it to the dealer... Computer error code P000b showed up... They replaced the oil control valve and bank 1 exhaust OSV...we'll see if it that works. Car only has 2500 miles..  

I am having a similar issue. I have my ABS, Traction Control and Hill Assist light on (stay on) and the car will not come out of park (unless I use the manual override) and cruise is disabled. In addition, the AT OIL TEMP light flashes after driving for a while along with the Cruise indicator light. Does any one know what this issue is or how they fixed it?  

This means the brake light switch needs replaced  

For anyone reading my reply, I just received the Check engine warning light and flashing cruise control icon, today, my 2014 XV is at 45k now. What should I do? Its Thanksgiving holiday in Canada and Subaru is closed till Tuesday. When my XV was at 35k, engine overheated and one of the cylinder head popped. Why is this car getting so much issues.  

As a guy stated earlier until you get off you wallet and pick up a code reader your just looking at idiot lights on your dash and posting that on a forum. Once you know what is causing the alarm then you can start fixing the problem.  

Had check engine light (steady, not flashing) & flashing cruise control light come on yesterday. 2015 limited CVT with 26K miles. Started/stopped/started multiple times & would not go off. This afternoon started with remote start & lights still on. Got out & checked gas cap but it was tight & wouldn't have been the problem anyway since lights came on before filling up yesterday. Then I put it in reverse, lurched back a little, then died. Of course I laughed & said sh.., forgot to put key in ignition. So restarted & back to normal. Check engine & cruise lights are out. Damn I'm a good mechanic! I'll keep an eye on it.  

Yesterday after loading up with groceries and starting home we got these: At Oil Temp, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Eyesight disabled and probably more. Called the dealer and they told us we should be good to drive it in. We did and we quickly got our groceries transferred to a loaner Desert Khaki XV and got them home. While I'm not thrilled about our three month old car giving all these warning lights, I do have to hand it to our dealer getting right on it and getting us home safely through the snow. I'll update as I'm given info.  

Did this get resolved? I've got the same thing.  

less than 300km! Bought brand new Crosstrek 2016 two days ago. Now Check engine =flash cruise. Tried to play with a gas cap with no luck. But after driving few dozen km it's gone. Any ideas? Thanks.  

Well, a lot of people seem to be reporting variations of lights coming on, some with potential solutions, and others, well... unknown. Two things comes to mind: (1) Have any of you been playing with your own OBD data readers? Some (Bluetooth) dongles have seem to triggered errors that trigger some of these lights. (2) If you're unsure, and haven't been using your own OBD dongles, I'd get it checked by a mechanic. Different combinations of lights illuminating does not always mean what the lights indicate... I've also noticed many of the posters in this thread have posted 1-2 posts on these forums, so... :welcome: Welcome to the forum!  

I've had a cel light several times, every time it has been for a crank position sensor. Subaru seems to think that changing the oil is the fix.....so they change the oil every time. Still have issues now and again. Not sure what to think  

mine happen @ 19200, brought to the dealership, according to them bad signal to the throttle body, need to be ordered and replace. Good thing i have the extended warranty to cover everything, plus a rental. fine with me  

FWIW, this is a very old thread and none of the posters have been active here in years so I don't think you'll get any replies. Let us know what the dealer says.  

I had this happen to my 2016 crosstrek and the code was reading P0300, random misfire. The guy at the auto parts store recommended changing the spark plugs as a starting place. I cleared the code and the lights went out for now.  

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JDM LED Tail lights.

Corr Performance

TWP said: Valenti Japan just launched their Subaru BR series Full LED tail lamps Clear color and smoked color are in stock and ready to ship now Pls pm for detail Sincerely, Panson Click to expand...

Bags said: Are these a simple plug in replacement or is there some wiring that would need to be done? Click to expand...

Corr Performance said: sent you a PM. thanks. Click to expand...

Still have Smoked and Clear 2 colors available for BR. Smoked color only available for BP. Sincerely, Panson  

andy00 said: Hallo I mast have for my Subi Outback 2011 in Smoked I live in Switzerland Is that possible? Regards Andy Click to expand...

Pkg sent today!! Smoked and clear chrome are in stock. Sincerely, Panson  

devilzdriver

i have an 07 obw is there any still left? If so how much?  

devilzdriver said: i have an 07 obw is there any still left? If so how much? Click to expand...

I'm interested Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App  

michelley said: I'm interested Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App Click to expand...

Any smoked available still for Gen 4? And can I get pricing info plz? thanks in advance!  

NITRO said: From Moscow, Russia Does your company make or re-sell these? I like!!! The best aftermarket LED's I have ever seen. techled.ru Click to expand...

Attachments

slcOBGuy said: Any smoked available still for Gen 4? And can I get pricing info plz? thanks in advance! Click to expand...

Scoobie13 said: NITRO said: From Moscow, Russia Does your company make or re-sell these? I like!!! The best aftermarket LED's I have ever seen. techled.ru Click to expand...

Dont you need to wire in a resistor to eliminate the fast flashing of turn signals? Do you have smoked for a 2008? Any pictures of a black Outback with smoked? How.much shipped Pittsburgh pa 15239?  

I have these on my '13 OB. Love them. Good price. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUBARU-OUTB...Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e833b39c5&vxp=mtr Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App  

PALP8NU said: Dont you need to wire in a resistor to eliminate the fast flashing of turn signals? Do you have smoked for a 2008? Any pictures of a black Outback with smoked? How.much shipped Pittsburgh pa 15239? Click to expand...

LEDs I love NITROs tail lights, How much to have those done for a 2011 legacy?  

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