Engine light and blinking cruise light

Asked by subarured Jul 28, 2018 at 08:50 PM about the 2006 Subaru Outback Sport

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I recently had to disconnect my battery(oil change and they didn't have the key
fob to stop alarm from going off) and it hasn't idled properly since and now after
a couple of days these lights came on. Am I right in thinking I need to
disconnect the battery and retrain the computer to run right again? I did this
after I replaced my alternator. Or should I have it towed to mechanic.

1 Answer

7,465

I've had that problem with vehicles after battery disconnect and repairs before, especially the ones with all the electronics built in and not replaceable (map,maf,tps ect.). There may be a specific relearn process for you car but what i usually do in such situation is unhook both cables from the battery, touch the brake pedal then hold the 2 batteries cables to each other for a few seconds. This clears all modules and the Keep Alive Memory so you can start fresh. Once I've hooked the battery back up I turn the key and quickly run over to the throttle body listening for the clicks and hums (you want a quiet space), once they're done I start the car and let it idle until the fans come on them take it for a test drive. For the ecu to relearn its parameters fully its good to be able to go wide open throttle and bring the revs up close to the redline in 3rd gear for a standard, 2nd or 3rd gear for an auto so you may want to hit the highway! Lol. Frequents stops at lights and even a shut down restart once you're back home would be good too and a quick drive around the block. I saying you're home because I like to play it safe that way.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2006 Subaru Outback

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,510
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,670
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,390
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
1,046 Great Deals out of 34,037 listings starting at $1,999
Used Toyota RAV4
1,968 Great Deals out of 34,265 listings starting at $2,300
Used Honda CR-V
2,002 Great Deals out of 37,778 listings starting at $1,600
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,003 Great Deals out of 10,613 listings starting at $2,995
Used Subaru Legacy
324 Great Deals out of 7,064 listings starting at $1,250
Used Subaru Impreza
322 Great Deals out of 9,251 listings starting at $2,650
Used Toyota Highlander
1,457 Great Deals out of 14,915 listings starting at $1,825
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,176 Great Deals out of 55,904 listings starting at $3,995
Used Honda Pilot
1,066 Great Deals out of 31,451 listings starting at $1,500
Used Toyota Camry
2,124 Great Deals out of 43,929 listings starting at $1,150
Used Ford F-150
6,458 Great Deals out of 169,176 listings starting at $1,871

Used Cars for Sale

2025 Subaru Outback For Sale
16 Great Deals out of 19,463 listings starting at $24,985
2024 Subaru Outback For Sale
155 Great Deals out of 2,817 listings starting at $23,990
2023 Subaru Outback For Sale
87 Great Deals out of 1,006 listings starting at $21,500
2022 Subaru Outback For Sale
164 Great Deals out of 2,279 listings starting at $15,999
2021 Subaru Outback For Sale
95 Great Deals out of 1,063 listings starting at $14,950

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.