P0571: Cruise control brake switch A: circuit fault
The ECU is not getting a proper signal from the brake pedal switch used by the cruise control. Usually the switch itself or its adjustment.
| Code | P0571 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P05xx, Speed, idle and auxiliary inputs |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0571 means
Cruise control switches off when you press the brake thanks to a switch on the pedal. This code means that switch’s signal is missing or does not make sense. Exactly which switch is A is up to each manufacturer, but it is nearly always the brake pedal switch.
Most common causes
- Brake pedal switch out of adjustment or its rubber stop broken
- Faulty brake switch
- Switch plug loose or corroded
- Broken wire or blown fuse in the brake circuit
- Brake lights faulty on the same circuit
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Cruise control will not engage or drops out by itself
- Brake lights not coming on or staying on
Can you drive with P0571?
With care The brakes still work, but the brake lights may not warn drivers behind or the cruise control may not work. Check it soon.
How to check it
Ask someone to watch the brake lights while you press the pedal. On the scan tool, watch the brake switch status live: it should change as soon as you touch the pedal and go back when you release it.
How to read and clear P0571 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0571 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0533 A/C refrigerant pressure sensor: high input
- P0560 System voltage: malfunction
- P0562 System voltage low
- P0563 System voltage high
- P0500 Vehicle speed sensor malfunction
- P0501 Vehicle speed sensor range/performance
- P0502 Vehicle speed sensor circuit low input
- P0503 Vehicle speed sensor intermittent, erratic or high
P0571 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Alfa Romeo, Dacia, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Škoda. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P0571 mean?
Cruise control switches off when you press the brake thanks to a switch on the pedal. This code means that switch’s signal is missing or does not make sense. Exactly which switch is A is up to each manufacturer, but it is nearly always the brake pedal switch.
Can you drive with P0571?
The brakes still work, but the brake lights may not warn drivers behind or the cruise control may not work. Check it soon.
How do you clear P0571?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0571 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com