OBD codes / P0571
P0571
ModerateCruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit
The car drives normally with P0571, but check your brake lights before you drive anywhere — have someone stand behind the car while you press the pedal. If the brake lights don't work, that's a real safety issue (and a ticket) and should be fixed before driving. If the lights work, this is a low-urgency repair; you'll mostly just miss cruise control.
What this code means
P0571 points at the brake light switch circuit — the small switch on the brake pedal that tells the car when you're braking. The computer compares the brake switch signal against what the car is doing, and this code sets when the signal doesn't add up. The good news is that the brake light switch itself is one of the cheapest parts on the car and is usually easy to reach at the top of the pedal. Beyond disabling cruise control, a bad switch can affect your brake lights and the shift interlock that lets you move the shifter out of Park. A misadjusted switch, a blown brake light fuse, or a wiring problem at the pedal can set the same code.
Symptoms you might notice
- Cruise control won't set or drops out
- Brake lights stuck on or not working
- Shifter hard to move out of Park
- Check-engine light with no drivability change
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $20–$150 · about ~0.2–0.5 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Brake light switch | $15–$60 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
| Fuse or wiring repair at the pedal | $5–$50 | ~0.2–0.5 hrs |
This is one of the cheaper codes to fix — the switch is an inexpensive part mounted right at the brake pedal, and on many cars it's a quick swap. Some switches need a specific adjustment procedure, which is where a shop earns its labor charge.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0571 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Can I drive with P0571?
Yes, as long as your brake lights work — verify that first. The engine runs fine with this code; the practical losses are cruise control and possibly the shift interlock. If the brake lights are out, fix it before driving.
Why won't my cruise control work with this code?
Cruise control must know instantly when you touch the brake so it can disengage. If the brake switch signal is unreliable, the system disables cruise entirely as a safety measure. Fixing the switch circuit normally restores it.
Is the brake light switch expensive?
No — it's typically one of the cheapest electrical parts on the car, and it mounts at the top of the brake pedal where it's usually easy to reach. Many people replace it themselves; a shop visit is still a short job.
Why is my shifter stuck in Park with P0571?
Most automatics use the brake switch signal to release the shift interlock. If the switch has failed, the car may not see your foot on the brake and refuses to release the shifter. Most cars have a manual shift-lock override slot near the shifter to get you moving in the meantime.
Seeing P0571 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0571 for my vehicleRelated trouble codes
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Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.