2008 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.

Recent Posts

How to Warm Engine Without Block Heater?

Starting problems are almost inevitable during winter, especially with older cars, and that's why they come fitted with block heaters to help keep the engine warm. While modern vehicles would start...

Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Engines: Which Is Better for Your Needs?

2-Stroke and 4-Stroke engines are two of the most common engines you'll find on many large applications. However, smaller applications also use them. While their usefulness cannot be over-emphasized,...

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

• 1990 to Present Legacy, Impreza, Outback, Forester, Baja, WRX&WrxSTI, SVX

2008 Subaru Outback Cruise control flashing light

• cruise control not working

By Wyn , September 25, 2015 in 1990 to Present Legacy, Impreza, Outback, Forester, Baja, WRX&WrxSTI, SVX

• Reply to this topic
• Start new topic

Recommended Posts

Hi all.  Let me begin by saying that I am a die hard Subaru fan.  I am a single mom with 2 kids and I need my 2008 Outback to last for at least 300K miles.   ( I bought her used.) I take good care of her.  I keep the oil changes up.  Whatever she needs I do my best to financially take care of.  Currently, my cruise control stopped working and the light blinks.  I just paid to replace the brake pads, rotars , oil change and had the transmission flushed.  (When I bought the car a year ago, I was told that the brakes and rotars were brand new lol)  It's all good.  Still love here.  Anyways, the expense of having to fix the cruise is a little out of my reach.  I would like to try and fix it myself before I have to trek through the midwest in winter to see my family with the kids and dog in tow.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Welcome to the USMB, Wyn.  You've found a great resource here.

But you posted in the wrong place!  Go back to the main page and post your questions in the "New Generation Forum."  Good luck.

pnwoutback08

The cruise control light flashing means your throwing a cel code" check engine light". I would take it to a Auto Zone and let them read the codes on the ECU" Engine Control Module" to see if there are any codes, or if you know a good and I always say find a Good Subaru only mechanic if possible to read or see if there are any codes and go from there. Let us know what they find.

I'm going to move your thread to the new gen forum.

Is the check engine light on also?

If no, Does the check engine light work when you turn the key On?

Are any other warning lights on such as ABS?

• 2 years later...

Our 2008 Outback has this same issue, no cruise control, flashing cruise light, but no CEL and no codes...drove 10 hour trip yesterday without cruise......Very annoying, guessing it has something to do with the electronic throttle.....I really miss the old throttle cAbles, as they simply worked.... So any info on this problem would be appreciated....

I rerouted the wire loom going to the throttle body & erg stuff a couple nights ago, as it was twisted and binding pretty badly, straightened it out and plugged it all back in, now it's running smoother than it had since we've had it, and the cruise control is working again.

Definitely worth trying, as it cost nothing but soon of my time.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

×   Pasted as rich text.    Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.    Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.    Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

• Insert image from URL
• Submit Reply
• Existing user? Sign In
• Online Users
• Leaderboard
• All Activity
• Subscriptions
• Create New...

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Technical Forums and Vehicle Assistance
• General Troubleshooting and Technical Help

2008 - Blinking cruise and engine light on?

• Add to quote

Hi everybody, I'm sure you've had this question before but, my daughter's 2008 Subaru Forester has a blinking cruise control light and the check engine light has come on. Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time 👍  

I see that this is your first post, so welcome! We're glad to have you here. The only answer is to get the code read. Anything else would be a guess. It's usually a free service at the national auto parts stores. But first, be sure the gas cap is tight!  

Just an FYI: When an "error" (or code) occurs and the Service Engine Soon (or CHECK ENGINE) light comes on, the computer automatically disables Cruise. That's why it is blinking. A lot of auto-parts stores will check what code happened and can also clear the code for you. Make sure you write down what the code was and report it back over here. We might be able to provide some help with figuring out what to do next. Make some phone-calls to find out who can check and clear codes for you (for free)  

That^ or buy an OBD2 scan tool. This cheap OBD2 scanner is used in conjunction with an android phone, using a free app. Other readers work with both droid and iphones. Amazon will help you find what you need. Stick it in the glove box because you're likely to need it periodically on a 2008. Since all you're doing is reading codes, it will do you fine.  

GuusV explained it well - the cruise light comes on since it has been disabled. I know I got freaked out when I first saw the cruise control idiot light but it goes down easier once the relationship between a check engine code and the cruise control system is understood. The rationale is if something is wrong with engine status then the cruise control should not be used. In my case I had a check engine for a catalytic converter problem which does seem to have anything to do with cruise control. Once I fixed the original problem the cruise control would work as expected.  

Yes. It's the same with many of the other lights that flash when a CEL condition is detected. Subaru doesn't want anything automatic to go on when there is a problem somewhere. Those lights don't necessarily have anything to do with the actual problem. The only answer is to get the code read.  

• ?            
• 193.4K members

Top Contributors this Month

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• Technical forums
• Problems & DIY Maintenance

Cruise control light blinking

• Add to quote

Hello all. New to forum, Just bought a 2005 outback 3.0R sedan. Has 175K and cruise control light blinks, along with check engine light. Other than that, the car runs great and feels solid. Any one with insight to a fix would be greatly appreciated!  

wheel bearing speed sensor issue. probably had new hub bearings installed that are not OEM Have your codes read (most autopart stores read for no charge) then report back the codes before you go any further into repairs.  

try scanning for codes: nothing may show up on the on board scan tool but its worth a try. some codes will require a more elaborate scan tool  

Thanks for the replies! Will try the code reads.  

I had good luck with NAPA bearings. (Rebranded SKF)  

Have the code read and re post. The Cruise stops operating ( i think for all codes) if the CEL light is on.  

This is correct- cruise control is disabled and marked by a blinking indicator light whenever the check-engine light is on. Keeps the car from potentially destroying itself.  

I highly suggest reading the owner's manual with special attention to warning lights: whenever a CEL is on, the cruise blinks (and is disabled). Standard operating procedure with Subarus.  

• ?            
• 194.6K members

Top Contributors this Month