I have a 2005 Legacy Outback, 3.0 L Boxer 6. The cruise control won't operate becasue the CEL comes on and shuts it off. Dealer tells me code is P1844, which means a valve body in the transmission, and their estimate to replace it is $1400. My question is, is this a repair I should only trust to the dealer, or can any worthy repair shop handle it?

I would only trust a shop that specializes in Subaru repair. It would be a good idea to find an independent Subaru shop and get a second opinion.

Unless the tranny has had meticulous care and/or recent fresh fluid put in, I'd be tempted to try 3 drain/fill/drive/repeat cycles - and maybe some Lucas or CRC trans-max type additives before spending $$$$$.

 

maybe the valve is just gummed-up

With an estimate of $1400, is that to replace the tranny? I would bolt in a used tranny for a lot less money. I like Texan's advise about doing 3 drains and refills of ATF with an additive to see if that fixes the problem.

 

However thinking about this................................I always thought that the cruise control system is vacuum operated, and not interactive with the transmission, but maybe that is not true with newer cars. However, if still simply vacuum operated, then I don't see how working on the tranny can fix the cruise control problem. If that is the case, then the CEL for the tranny is a separate problem.

Newer cars deactivate the cruise control when the CEL is on.

another way to proceed would be to post a new thread asking for a shop suggestion near Worthington. maybe someone knows of a soob experienced independent mechanic that could offer a second opinion.

Newer cars deactivate the cruise control when the CEL is on.

 

Any idea what year they started deactivating cruise on a CEL?

If you're going to use an additive use Lubegard, best stuff out there

Edited December 6, 201312 yr by luko

Any idea what year they started deactivating cruise on a CEL?

 

I'd guess that started with the new generation in 05. My 05 does it but my friend's 03 doesn't.

Any idea what year they started deactivating cruise on a CEL?

Not sure exactly. I would have to guess most manufacturers started doing that around 2000.

It depends on what the CEL is on for. If it's kicking the cruise off, it's because the computer thinks the issue is bad enough to not be able to set it.

 

Looks like you can try a drain and fill on the transmission with a new filter (located in the wheel well in reforming of the driver front tire behind the fog light) but if that doesn't work, probably will need a new valve body or a transmission. Found this while searching the forums.

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/p1844i-118383.html

on some cars, cruise and traction control , maybe other stuff, will deactivate.

 

it does seem like around 05 is when this kinda started.