Fault codeP0573

MODERATE

Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit High

What this code means

Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit High.

P0573 is a generic code: it means the same thing on every make. P0573 belongs to family P05xx — Idle speed and vehicle speed control. Its page explains how to read a code and groups all its codes by part.

Type of fault

The control unit reads a voltage on this circuit above its expected range. Usual causes: a broken wire or a poor ground, a short to a supply voltage, or the component itself. As with a low signal, check the wiring and connector before the part.

Cruise control

The cruise control holds the speed you set using the steering wheel buttons. The control unit reads the buttons and the brake and clutch switches, which must cancel the cruise control instantly.

What you notice

Cruise control that does not engage, disengages on its own or ignores a button.

How to check it

The brake light switch is the most frequent culprit: check that the brake lights work and that the switch is correctly adjusted on the pedal. Then the buttons and the clock spring, the coiled ribbon cable under the steering wheel, which wears and cuts the signal.

What to do

Have it checked this week. The car remains usable, but the fault will not clear itself and will fail the roadworthiness test.

Clearing a code switches the light off but repairs nothing: if the fault remains, the code comes back. Clearing a fault code yourself →

How to read this code

PPowertrain
0standardised code
5Idle speed and vehicle speed control
73P0573