Are you wondering why your cruise light is flashing in your Subaru Outback? It can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the issue. But don’t worry, we are here to help you understand the possible reasons behind this problem.
Firstly, let’s understand what the cruise control system does. The cruise control system in your car allows you to maintain a steady speed without having to press down on the accelerator pedal constantly. It’s a handy feature that can make long drives more comfortable and less tiring.
Now, let’s examine some of the reasons why your cruise light may be flashing:
1. Faulty Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch is an essential component of your Subaru Outback’s cruise control system.
If this switch fails, it can cause the cruise light to flash. This happens because the car’s computer is programmed to disengage the cruise control when it detects that brakes are being applied. If the brake light switch is faulty or damaged, it may send incorrect signals to the car’s computer and cause the cruise light to flash.
2. Speed Sensor Malfunction
Another common reason for a flashing cruise light is a malfunctioning speed sensor.
The speed sensor tells the car’s computer how fast it’s moving and helps maintain a steady speed while using cruise control. If there is an issue with this sensor, it may cause incorrect readings and trigger the flashing of your cruise light.
3. Vacuum Leaks
Vacuum leaks are often responsible for issues with various systems in cars, including cruise control systems.
A vacuum leak can cause low pressure in the engine area, which can affect various sensors and hoses that are part of your car’s subsystems like EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) or EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). This can lead to malfunctioning of different systems, including the cruise control system.
4. Electrical Issues
Lastly, electrical problems can also cause your cruise light to flash.
Loose or corroded wires, blown fuses, and malfunctioning relays are common culprits. These issues can interfere with the signals sent to your car’s computer and cause a flashing cruise light.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your cruise light is flashing in your Subaru Outback, it’s most likely due to one of the above reasons. It’s essential to address this issue as soon as possible because malfunctioning cruise control systems can be potentially dangerous.
Identifying the problem could be challenging and requires proper diagnosis from an experienced mechanic. We hope this article has provided you with some insight into what may be causing your flashing cruise control light in your Subaru Outback.