ForrestB

After searching threads, I'd like to add "on/off throttle transition," "hesitation," "jerking," and TPS (throttle position sensor) as key words.

I'd really appreciate knowing if other members with '05 Outback Ltd (non-turbo) models are having problems with "surging" at freeway speeds. This annoying problem is most noticable when the car has the cruise control on and there is light torque on the engine or light accelerator pressure ... especially, for instance, when cresting a hill and beginning the downhill slope. I also notice a "jerk" sensation with cruise off when I very lightly apply throttle pressure on level grades. I'm not talking steep hill grades either ... just normal interstate grades that all commuters in the Seattle area experience. It feels to me like the throttle mechanism is opening and closing too much as the cruise searches for the right amount of throttle to keep speed constant. It's so bad that I have to turn the cruise control off until I reach a level spot on the interstate ... which essentially makes use of the cruise control useless for most of my daily commute. This is really an annoying problem for a new $30,000 car ... so much so that if I could get out of this car without losing my shirt I would ... hmmm, now I kind of wish I'd bought the Passat instead. BUT ... I'll be patient for a bit until Subaru has a chance to address this issue and fix it for us. There are many threads here related to similar problems ... and as suggested, I've tried cleaning TBS contacts, clearing the cpu ... driving "easily" until the computer can establish new parameters etc ... all to no avail. The car still surges. If this is a common problem with 05 models ... please let me know so perhaps we can get Subaru to fix it for us. I hope that if we can speak with a clear and unified voice on this problem, and get the word out over the internet that there IS a problem, we may get a meaningful response and a FIX. The "official" response from Subaru customer service that I was given yesterday regarding this problem was: 1). Subaru does not recommend using cruise on downhill slopes, and 2). They are not aware of surging problems on this new generation of car. Hmmm ... sounds like Subaru is either in denial or trying to cover up this problem to me! Thanks all ... looking forward to any responses, suggestions, thoughts about what is going on here with my car etc. ForrestB

I think my cruise control surge may be related to your hesitation? It seems as though the throttle mechanism opens and closes too much with low torque and light pedal pressure ... dunno. Hmmm ...

I'd sure appreciate your comments on any surging problems you may or may not encounter with your new Outback. Mine has a noticable surge when the cruise control is engaged ... particularly when cresting a hill and beginning the downhill grade. Thanks ....

I called Subaru's customer service number today about this AWFUL surging (bucking, hesitation, jerking) problem and their official advice was: 1). "We don't recommend that drivers use their cruise control while going downhill," and 2). We are not aware that any surging problems are present in the 05 models. WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Ummmmmm ... well, isn't that what a CRUISE CONTROL is for? Oh no, based on this answer, I fear this is going to be a problem that plagues this car and Subaru will NOT fix it. LISTEN, this surge is OBVIOUS on regular interstate grades ... I'm not talking steep grades here ... just regular, normal commute grades on the freeway! You know ... like normal Seattle area highways. Should I have purchased the Passat? Hmmmmmm ... based on my experience with this car so far, y'all should give the Passat some serious consideration! ... to be continued as things develop ...

I also have this problem with my 05 Outback Limited. The surge is really noticable just as I crest a hill and begin the downhill grade. It seems as though the cruise is searching for the correct speed ... maybe opening and closing the throttle too much each time. The rusult is a very bad surge that requires me to turn off the cruise until I reach level ground again! What's the point of even having a cruise that works like this? It's REDICULOUS! This is a very annoying problem for a car that's brand new ... I find it really hard to believe Subaru would sell a car with this kind of OBVIOUS problem without having a fix for it. REALLY sloppy engineering ... and I'm very disappointed to have to deal with it! Trips to the dealer ... service advisors ... Subaru really messed up here! I've read a bunch of threads here about similar surging issues ... cleaned contacts, reset the cpu ... the car still does it. HMMMMMMM I'd really appreciate any advice other members can offer about this problem before I begin the dealer service department ordeal trying to get this BRAND NEW $30,000 car to cruise smoothly! ForrestB