[Metatron]

First of all, glad to be joining the ranks of you learned subaru enthusiasts!

So, I've read through various threads about Cruise Control and clock springs and fuses and ABS and yada-ya.

My fuses are fine, the airbag and horn--connected to the clockspring-are fine, ABS is fine. . .

Cruise Control off/on switch illuminates. . .

Yet no cruise!

I have an 01 outback, might the "set/cancel/acc" lever be the problem???

I appreciate the free and open knowledge and information!

 

[plain OM]

Just because the airbag and horn, that also use the clockspring connector, are okay, doesn't mean that the connections for the cruise control, which are separate wires in the connector, are okay.

One common problem when cruise cannot be set, or it drops off without any reason is the loss of a small plastic pad on the brake pedal (or clutch if manual transmission) that activates the safety switch. (This is the switch that de-activates the cruise when either pedal is pressed down.)

Look underneath at the pedal arm area. It should be possible to identify the stop light switch mounted on the frame above the brake pedal arm. There should be a small pad on the brake pedal that comes in contact with the plunger on the switch. Same if there's a clutch pedal arm.

There's a thread here with some photos of the area -- try the "search" function.

 

[Metatron]

Will check that out here in a sec. Just got back from looking @ the actuator and what I believe is the control computer. On the far left of the compartment, next to a 90 in the air intake, there is a plate with what seems to be a ground coming to it, maybe from the computer. It is very corroded, I'm going to see if cleaning helps.

 

[Metatron]

Just because the airbag and horn, that also use the clockspring connector, are okay, doesn't mean that the connections for the cruise control, which are separate wires in the connector, are okay.

One common problem when cruise cannot be set, or it drops off without any reason is the loss of a small plastic pad on the brake pedal (or clutch if manual transmission) that activates the safety switch. (This is the switch that de-activates the cruise when either pedal is pressed down.)

Look underneath at the pedal arm area. It should be possible to identify the stop light switch mounted on the frame above the brake pedal arm. There should be a small pad on the brake pedal that comes in contact with the plunger on the switch. Same if there's a clutch pedal arm.

There's a thread here with some photos of the area -- try the "search" function.

Just checked the switch, looks & works fine, brake lights illuminate upon depression.

 

[plain OM]

But is the pad in place? See this thread and photos therein: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums.../12302-cruise-control-not-working-1996-a.html

 

[gravarch]

Hey Metatron! I'm having a similar issue in my '01 VDC (H6).

I can't actuate the CC either. However, if I hit cancel several times on the lever arm, the CC light goes out (along with the audible click of the relay closing as if I hit the button myself) and can't be re-illuminated until the car electrical power is removed and reapplied. Does this happen to you too?

I took out the actuator and measured the voltage coming to the actuator and got 11.5V for all but one of the wires (ground being the last one).

So I'm thinking its a bad actuator for me. It doesn't help that my car is a salvage that survived a flood! And the only problem it has is the **** CC!

 

[Metatron]

So, I did an impromptu test while driving on my way to work.

I suppose, technically speaking, this is one of those "don't do that" sort of deals, but anyway. . .

I turned the wheel @ 35 while holding the "set" and lo and behold it set. Once the wheel was back, it stayed set. I could not accelerate, slow down, or cancel.

SO, I am now a believer in the clockspring.

And for anyone who hasn't seen this... here's an AWESOME write up for that particular repair

DIY: Clockspring Replacement - 99 OBS - Subaru Impreza GC8 & RS Forum & Community: RS25.com