Systems and methods are provided for limit cycle detection and cessation. A control system generates a drive signal with at least one drive component. An actuator effects a response to the drive signal and a sensor measures the response. Characteristics of the drive signal and of the drive components are accessed by a controller. The characteristics are compared to a predetermined set of characteristics. When the characteristics fall within the predetermined set of characteristics, a magnitude of at least one of the characteristics is evaluated. When the magnitude exceeds a predetermined value indicative of the limit cycle, an action is undertaken to stop the limit cycle.