2006 Subaru Outback: Check Engine Light and Cruising Control Flashing
I was driving my 2006 Subaru Outback when the check engine light came on and the cruise control started flashing. I was puzzled and concerned, wondering if something major was wrong with my car.
I pulled over to the side of the road and checked the owner’s manual but couldn’t find any information about what these two issues could mean together. I was about to call my mechanic when I remembered that I had recently seen a forum post about a similar problem.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Problems
The forum post suggested that the problem could be related to the throttle position sensor (TPS). The TPS is a small sensor that monitors the position of the throttle valve and sends this information to the engine’s computer. The computer uses this information to adjust the fuel mixture and timing to match the driver’s desired engine speed.
When the TPS is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the computer, which can cause a variety of problems, including the check engine light coming on and the cruise control flashing. In some cases, a faulty TPS can also cause the engine to stall or hesitate during acceleration.
How to Diagnose TPS Problems
There are a few ways to diagnose TPS problems. One way is to use a multimeter to measure the voltage coming from the TPS. The voltage should be between 0.5 and 4.5 volts with the throttle closed and 4.5 to 5 volts with the throttle fully open.
Another way to diagnose TPS problems is to inspect the TPS for any damage or corrosion. If the TPS is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the TPS is not damaged, you may be able to clean it with a contact cleaner.
How to Fix TPS Problems
If you have diagnosed your TPS problem and determined that it needs to be replaced, you can do so yourself with a few basic tools. The TPS is typically located on the side of the throttle body. To replace the TPS, simply remove the old TPS and install the new one. You will need to adjust the TPS after installing it to ensure that it is sending the correct signals to the computer.
If you are not comfortable replacing the TPS yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic to have it done. The cost of replacing a TPS will vary depending on the make and model of your car, but it is typically in the range of $100 to $250.
Other Possible Causes
While a faulty TPS is a common cause of check engine lights and flashing cruise control lights, there are other possible causes as well. These include:
- Vacuum leaks
- Faulty mass air flow sensor
- Faulty oxygen sensor
- Exhaust system problems
If you have checked the TPS and it is not the cause of your problem, you may need to take your car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed.
Tips for Preventing TPS Problems
There are a few things you can do to help prevent TPS problems, including:
- Regularly clean the TPS with a contact cleaner.
- Inspect the TPS for any damage or corrosion.
- Do not modify the TPS or the throttle body.
- Have your car serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic.
By following these tips, you can help keep your TPS in good working condition and avoid check engine lights and flashing cruise control lights.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing a check engine light and flashing cruise control light in your 2006 Subaru Outback, it is likely due to a faulty TPS. You can diagnose the problem yourself with a multimeter or by inspecting the TPS for damage or corrosion. If the TPS is damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can replace the TPS yourself with a few basic tools or take your car to a mechanic to have it done.
If you are interested in learning more about TPS problems or other automotive repair topics, be sure to check out our blog for more helpful articles.
FAQ
- What is a TPS?
- What are the symptoms of a faulty TPS?
- How can I diagnose a faulty TPS?
- How can I fix a faulty TPS?
- How can I prevent TPS problems?
A TPS is a throttle position sensor that monitors the position of the throttle valve and sends this information to the engine’s computer.
Symptoms of a faulty TPS can include a check engine light, flashing cruise control light, engine stalling, and hesitation during acceleration.
You can diagnose a faulty TPS by measuring the voltage coming from the TPS with a multimeter or by inspecting the TPS for any damage or corrosion.
You can fix a faulty TPS by replacing it with a new one. You can replace the TPS yourself with a few basic tools or take your car to a mechanic to have it done.
You can help prevent TPS problems by regularly cleaning the TPS with a contact cleaner, inspecting it for any damage or corrosion, and having your car serviced regularly by a qualified mechanic.
