Electrical and control module
P0571 — Brake Switch A Circuit
The ECU detected a fault in the brake switch A circuit. This switch tells the ECU when the brake pedal is pressed, and it is used by cruise control, brake lights and shift lock functions.
Common causes
- Faulty or misadjusted brake light switch
- Wiring or connector problem
- Blown brake light fuse
- Faulty brake light bulbs (in some systems)
- Brake pedal position sensor fault
Symptoms
- Cruise control not working
- Brake lights not working or always on
- Shift lock problem (cannot shift out of Park)
- Check engine light
How to check
- Check that the brake lights work and are not stuck on
- Inspect the brake switch position, connector and wiring
- Check the related fuse
- Compare the brake switch status on a scan tool with the pedal position
Can you keep driving?
Take care: if the brake lights do not work, driving is unsafe and illegal. If they work normally, short drives are possible; repair soon.
Related codes
- P0572
- P0573
Frequently asked questions
- What does P0571 mean?
- The ECU found a fault in the brake pedal switch circuit.
- Why does P0571 disable cruise control?
- The ECU needs the brake signal to cancel cruise control safely, so it disables it when the switch is faulty.
General reference information. It does not replace a diagnosis on your own vehicle. The same code can have different causes depending on make, model year and engine; check the manufacturer's documentation or ask a technician with a scan tool.
