What does P0571 mean?
P0571 stands for Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Malfunction. The engine computer has found a problem with vehicle speed signals, idle control or another sensor input.
Powertrain codes cover the engine, transmission and emissions. When the car's computer sees a reading outside its normal range, it stores this code and may turn on a warning light on the dashboard.
Common causes
- Faulty vehicle speed sensor
- Dirty throttle body or idle air control valve
- Faulty switch or sensor
- Damaged wiring or connector
What to do
- Read all stored and pending codes with a scanner. Several codes together often point to one cause.
- Note the freeze frame data (speed, temperature, load) recorded when the code was set.
- Inspect the wiring and connectors of the part named in the code for damage, corrosion or looseness.
- Fix the most likely and cheapest cause first, then clear the code and drive to see if it comes back.
Read this code from your own car
Plug in a cheap ELM327 adapter and the app shows every fault code, what it means and how to fix it.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0571 mean?
P0571 means “Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Malfunction”. It belongs to the speed, idle control and inputs group: The engine computer has found a problem with vehicle speed signals, idle control or another sensor input.
Is it safe to drive with P0571?
You can usually drive carefully for a short time, but fix it soon to avoid further damage or higher fuel use.
How do I clear P0571?
Fix the cause, then clear the code with an OBD2 scanner or app. If the fault is still there, the code will come back.
Related codes
- P0569Cruise Control Coast Signal Malfunction
- P056ACruise Control Increase Distance Signal
- P056BCruise Control Decrease Distance Signal
- P0570Cruise Control Accel Signal Malfunction
- P0572Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Low
- P0573Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit High
- P0574Cruise Control System - Vehicle Speed Too High
- P0575Cruise Control Input Circuit
Code meanings can vary by manufacturer. This page is general guidance, not a repair manual. Always confirm the cause before replacing parts.