Why Does CEL Disable Cruise Control?

Hoping this is not a stupid question! I recently had a check engine light come on (threw a evap code due to gas cap not being on tight enough) and noticed that it disabled the cruise control function completely. When I got home, I cleared the code with my reader and the cruise control function was restored.

Why would they do this? I have had plenty of vehicles throw codes over the years and it never messed with the cruise control. Is this some sort of new safety thing? Just curious!

 

because everything has been over complicated with electronic bullshit sensors and computers. Sorry for useless grumpy old man response.

 

Because folks would not get the issues fixed and drive that way for years. A lot of the time when a CEL is triggered, the ECU will go to a safe state where it may run rich or send out a lot of emissions. So, deactivating CC and other convenience features forces folks to get the issues fixed.

 

The Tacoma has adaptive radar cruise control, those other vehicles you had over the years were old, basic cruise controls. New technology marches on ;-)

 

The cruise control software has to assume the vehicle is operating normally...a check engine light for fuel injectors for example would affect the throttle’s ability to control the vehicle so manufacturers just disable the system to cover their ass.

 

Not quite. Our 2014 Subaru has no radar or emergency gizmos. Had a few DTCs mainly surrounding the overly sensitive VVT system, but different codes at different times. Cruise, their fakey wheeling mode (X-drive?), the three engine modes, and other features were offline until the CEL was fixed.

 

Yep, my 2006 Impreza disables cruise with a CEL as well. No tech or anything fancy in that car.

 

You would need to ask that question to the Toyota engineers who designed and built the control systems. Although, the question may be filtered through the liability lawyers.

Don't waste time pondering Why.....just fix it and drive on.

This is kinda like asking, Why men don't understand women?