Can Cruise Control Cause Check Engine Light
Modern cars come equipped with various advanced features designed to make driving more comfortable and safer. One such feature is cruise control. Are you wondering why the check engine light comes on with the flashing cruise control light? Then you are in the right place. So, can cruise control cause check engine light?
Yes, cruise control can cause the check engine light. If there is a problem with the vehicle’s engine or transmission, the check engine light will illuminate, and the central computer will disable the cruise control function as a safety measure.
While driving on the highway, I also faced the same situation: the check engine light came on with the cruise control system disabled. Then I did thorough research to find out how can cruise control cause check engine light.
In this article, I will explain how can cruise control cause check engine light and how I reset the check engine light and cruise control successfully. Let’s dive into the topic “Can cruise control cause check engine light”.
What is Cruise Control?
Let’s say you are driving on a highway at a constant speed. It is the place where cruise control comes in handy. By using cruise control, you can command your cat to move forward at a constant speed. There’s no need to keep your foot on the accelerator.
The cruise control system detects the gradients and wind resistance and automatically adjusts the engine power to maintain the selected speed. Cruise control can be found in many modern vehicles.
How to Use Cruise Control?
First, accelerate the car to the speed at least 30 mph.
Then press the on button to activate the cruise control system. Cruise control system buttons can be found on the steering wheel or on the dashboard near the steering wheel.
Then you can set the cruising speed by pressing the “set” button. Speed will be displayed on the instrument panel.
Then gently take your foot off the accelerator pedal. The car will maintain the speed at which you were before.
If you want to adjust the speed while traveling, simply press the “plus” and “minus” buttons or hold them for a faster adjustment.
Can I Accelerate While Using Cruise Control?
You can increase the speed temporarily by pressing the accelerator pedal. If you press the “set” button now, cruising will be set to the new speed.
How To Cancel the Cruise Control?
Press the cancel button, or you can simply press the brake pedal. When driving a manual car, pressing the clutch pedal will also disable the cruise control system.
How to Resume Cruise Control?
Press the resume button to resume the previous cruise. It is labeled “RES.”
When Should I Avoid Using Cruise Control?
Don’t use cruise control on heavy traffic roads, winding roads, or steep hills.
What Is Adaptive Cruise Control?
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced version of cruise control. It uses radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adjust the speed automatically.
Can Cruise Control Cause Check Engine Light?
So, can cruise control cause check engine light? Yes, it can cause the check engine light to come on. Then how can cruise control cause check engine light?
If there is a problem occurring in the vehicle’s engine or transmission, the check engine light comes on. Then the central computer automatically disables the cruise control function as a safety step. So, the cruise control lights start flashing. It does not mean the problem is in the cruise control system. It flashes to inform you that cruise control is not working and to fix the vehicle problem ASAP.
What To Do When Check Engine Light Comes with Cruise Control?
First, you need to check what the reason is for the check engine light. Before doing anything, check your gas cap. If it is loose or damaged, the check engine light comes on with cruise control. So you have to replace the gas cap.
Free tip: If you lose your gas cap, go to a large gas station like QT. Tell them you left your cap a day or two ago. They usually have a shoe box with 4 or 5 missed caps.
Take the box to your car and use the one that fits.
What If the Gas Cap Is Okay?
You have to scan your vehicle with an OBD2 scanner to find the exact problem with the check engine light and cruise control. Then you can go to
How To Reset Cruise Control Light?
When you fix the problem that causes the check engine light, both cruise control and check engine lights will be disabled after a few riding cycles.
If not, you can reset the lights manually.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
What is the difference between speed control and cruise control?
With speed limiters, you can select a top speed that your automobile isn’t allowed to exceed, much like with cruise control. The accelerator pedal must still be used, however, in contrast to cruise control, to keep your speed constant. A manual speed restriction can be set on some vehicles.
What is the risk associated with using cruise control?
Most drivers may be unaware of the dangers of utilizing their cruise control during bad weather. The steady pace can make it more likely for your tires to hydroplane, which could result in you losing control of your car.
Does the cruise control drain the battery?
Using cruise control can help preserve battery life, whether you drive an electric, gasoline, or diesel vehicle. High fuel efficiency is strongly connected with constant driving speed. But only flat roads are covered by this. Cruise control may require more power on hilly roads.
Will cruise control work if the check engine light is on?
No. cruise control will not work when the check engine light is on. That is because check engine light on means there is a problem in the vehicle. So, using cruise control is dangerous.
Conclusion
Can cruise control cause check engine light? Yes, now you know how can cruise control cause check engine light. If the check engine light and cruise control come on again after resetting, it is better to get your car checked by a professional. Have a nice day and safe rides!
