I hope someone has some suggestions.....

About a month ago, the CC on my STi started dropping out intermittently. It will hold speed just fine for awhile, then drop out. When reset ( resume ), it takes up again and usually, once it has started dropping out, continues to do so. It can run 25 + miles just fine, then start dropping out, keep dropping out, and be unusable. I have tried turning it off, waiting a few miles, turning it back on with mixed results. Sometimes, works for awhile, sometimes, just resumes dropping out.

This seems to happen more at higher speeds. When I slow things to 75 or so, much less trouble than at 80. This is on No. CA freeways, usually the 680 between 80 and Concord, but also happens elsewhere. The green CC light stays on but the smaller green light indicating set and working goes off when it drops. Resume or a new set works. Until it drops again.

My dealer "checked" the system and found nothing. Well, darnit, it does work. So the switches, mechanism etc. are not broken. Duh! I suspect that something, a switch, sensor, etc. is loose and perhaps responding to road conditions by separating and dropping the speed set. This problem happens a lot over rougher freeways although it has happened enough over smoother roads that rough roads / bumps are not the only possible direct cause. My feet are kept away from the pedals so that's not an issue.

Darned if I have any clue and I am frustrated that the dealer is no more helpful. They say they have to see the problem happen for themselves to try fix it. Of course, even if they do see it themselves, they will know no more than what I have told them already, will they? But that does not seem to matter....... :confused:

It's )(*&)(*&^ annoying and really makes more than the shortest trip a pain. Thanks to anyone with help or suggestions.

Saul

Shift lever is probably moving just enough to kick it off, assume there is a neutral switch that's being triggered - at least that's the cause on my 04 FXT with exactly the same symptoms, nudging the lever will make it start working perfectly again. I'm out of warranty with 48k miles so haven't had the dealer look at it, if you get yours fixed under warranty please post the details :)

Brett,

Thanks for the suggestion. I have an appointment next Thursday ( 03 / 03 / 05 ) for a recheck on the CC and some other warranty work ( the parts are in to replace the inoperative windshield washer nozzle on the driver's side and a broken interior trip piece ). I'll pass this on to the service manager and see.

I'm not too hopeful, though, because they seem unwilling to try anything until they see it malfunction for themselves.

Thanks,

Saul

If you suspect it's the shifter like suggested then new bushings to fix the slop could help there. Check out the Turn In Concepts kits for that.

OK, I may have an answer to the cause of these problems....

The weather in Northern California has ( finally ) dried up for a week + and, with the dry weather, the cruise control now seems to work perfectly, no bobbles, no dropping, just holds speed and works like new. I now suspect that in the rain, something in the engine compartment gets wet through the hood scoop or otherwise and causes intermittent failures. Why these should be less prevalent at slightly lower speeds ( 75 vs. 80+ ) I don't know.

This still leaves me with nothing from the dealer, of course. They still must see the failure to even consider working on the problem or solution. Sure hope the spring rainy season is over!

Saul

Mine doesn't change based on weather, just speed & drive time (only after an hour or so on the road, that's why it was so hard to show the dealer). If it happens again hopefully you'll be able to duplicate it for the dealer...