2005 Subaru Outback. Trip odometer suddenly said Err 55, cruise control started flashing, ABS lit up, and check engine light had come on. I noticed a day later that the regular odometer had frozen,

you have a dry joint or damaged wheel sensor, and the only way to find it is 1 at a time until you find it, these lovely little items effect all your problems mentioned

The code number would be helpful, but on occasion the code will be the same for the O2 sensor, Cat, canister and the gas cap.

Hello,

I am unable to find a P2009 code. The closest I have come across is a P2109 which is:

THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR "A" MINIMUM STOP PERFORMANCE

Which will usually be accompanied by:

• Improper idling.
• Poor driving performance.
• Engine stalls.

Also the "Cruise" light will always flash when the Check Engine light is on with these later models, but it does not mean there is a concern with the Cruise control. The diagnostic checks for these cars require the SDS: Subaru Diagnostics System.(A laptop computer with Subaru specific diagnostic software). These concerns are unfortunately not easy to diagnose w/out Subaru dealership resources. I hope this info helps.

The cruise control is automatically disabled whenever there is a problem that triggers the CEL. The flashing CC indicates that it is disabled. I'm not sure about the Stability Control light being on, but would think that if there was traction problem causing the Stability Control system to kick in, it would also turn off the CC -- the SC uses braking and engine throttle to stabilize the car so the CC has to be out of the loop.

If the CEL is still on, I'd have the codes read to see what triggered it. Usually, if a problem is not detected again for three consecutive driving cycles, the CEL will go out (although the code is stored for a longer time and can still be read).
Read the codes yourself. 2005+ models display all the engine/transmission/abs/vdc codes on the dash.

Just perform this sequence within 10 seconds:

1. Turn key to ON position (just before START)
2. Turn headlights ON
3. Press Trip button 4 times
4. Turn headlights OFF
5. Press Trip button 4 times
6. Turn headlights ON
7. Press Trip button 4 times
8. Turn headlights OFF (optional)

Codes will display in the trip meter. You might have to press the Trip button to cycle between engine, transmission, and braking computers.

The abs/vdc codes, at least, should be saved forever unless a dealer clears them.

Hello, whenever the check engine light comes on the cruse light will flash as well, that is normal. The check engine light will not come on if fluid levels are low or if the temp is getting to high, I am pleased to know that you checked all of the fluids, most wouldn't have even the slightest thought to even try checking them. The On Board Diagnostics or OBD-2 for short only sets a check engine light when the ECM or Electronic Control Module reads a sensor value either too high or too low, but it has to read that same fault 3 consecutive times in a row to turn on the check engine light (w/ flashing cruise). Otherwise your check engine light would be going on and off all the time. I would go to your local parts store and have them check the codes for free because a dealer will have to charge you labor for them to check due to the knowledge needed to use the highly sophisticated scan tool they use. That way you can go either to an independent shop or a dealer with what the other scanner says is wrong which cuts down on the cost of repairs. They will probably ask you if you fueled up just before the engine light came on, in which that would be code P0440:EVAP leak(very small leak), that means the fuel tank sensor doesn't like how you put the fuel cap on. Subaru recommends AT LEAST 3 clicks when tightening your fuel cap. But until that code is checked you won't know whats wrong, if nothing went boom or bang you'll probably be ok. If it does end up being a fuel cap leak, then just loosen the cap put it back on and just make 1 full revolution, and just keep driving it. The light will go off within 3 full warm up cool down cycles or (drive cycles). I hope this info helps...(subyguru)...

yes the transmission speed sensor has most likely failed, to confirm this have a trouble code test run

55 EGR Temperature Sensor or Circuit

ABS light is nothing to do with code 55 separate fault circuits.

Under dash there are two wires with mini spades at the end, connect one of them to the single black multiplug in position 2. Thats RHS plug inlet when you hold plug with tab lock on top.
ABS sensor should then flash up error coded. Ignore code 11 thats a initial flash to let you nknow the difference between a fast and slow flash.

Let me know what code flashes up and I will tell you the symptom,

Dan

I had this occur on my 2007 Subaru Tribeca. ABS, Traction Control, Check Engine lights were solid, Cruise Control light was blinking and "Er SS" (commonly misread as Er 55) displayed on Trip Odometer. All lights were cleared after 10 or so miles. It appears this is a Speed Sensor (SS) reading error whereby the computer notices an irregularity with the readings taken from the four wheels. Most often it is a temporary and harmless glitch and sometimes a result of debris that is impeding the sensor's reading at one of the wheels.

An addition to my previous post (after talking to my husband more). Three of our wheels were snow packed. Not the wheel wells, but the inside of the wheels. He thinks that this is what caused the problem. The ABS sensors are located there. Having them encased in snow was likely what caused this condition. Solution = clean all the snow off your tires -- and the problem should go away. Sounds like the problem is moisture gets into the ABS sensor or something shorts out with the communications to those sensors.