Just bought my second Subaru Outback Limited wagon a week ago and I love it. It's a cream puff-leather interior is perfect and most everything works. I'm having a small problem with the cruise control-it won't engage until I've driven the vehicle for about 15 minutes. I'm wondering if there is a vacuum switch involved that only functions when the engine warms up to operating temp, and it may need to be replaced. Has anyone come across this issue? I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

Auto Trans as it's a Limited?

 

Might have a sticking brake switch.

Thanks I'll check that out this morning.

I've seen some problems with the select switch on the wheel when its cold. Pulling the switch apart and cleaning the contacts, then applying fresh silicone grease to the contact plate and pivot joints usually fixes the problem.

thanks for the help. I checked out the brake switch and it functions perfectly. Picked up another brake switch and cruise control switch at the boneyard today, but no luck on finding a keyless remote ecm. I'll try replacing the CC switch. Is there a secret to not blowing myself to pieces disarming the steering wheel mounted air bag? Don't want to end up with a screwdriver through my occipital orbit.

Edited March 29, 201412 yr by Ricardo57

Unhook the battery - , wait about 2 minutes, then hit the brake pedal a couple times. This will drain the capacitors in the airbag module.

Then before working on the wheel, poke under the steering column and unplug the yellow connector.

Edited March 29, 201412 yr by Fairtax4me

Thanks guys-mission accomplished. With no airbag deployment facilitated accessories added to my skull.

With this being a 99......and the fact the cruise does work after a bit of time......I'd guess this to be a speedo issue.

 

99s are known for a faulty ground in the board, and the speedo failing.  If the speedo head doesn't send a proper speed signal to the CC it will not work.

 

Just a guess.....I betting the buttons are good.

yeah I wondered about that. i fixed the speedo circuit board yesterday and have yet to try it with the changes. Hopefully it will be fixed so I can stop whining about the living hell that is my life with this overwhelming CC issue (sarcasm intended)

yeah I wondered about that. i fixed the speedo circuit board yesterday and have yet to try it with the changes. Hopefully it will be fixed so I can stop whining about the living hell that is my life with this overwhelming CC issue (sarcasm intended)

was the speedo not working?

 

That would definately cause no Curise Control.

thanks for all the advice/help/ideas. Looks like replacing the CC lever fixed that low temp nonfunctioning issue. And weirdly, the CC continued to function when the speedo was intermittently not functioning.