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P0571 – Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Malfunction (OBD2)

P0571 means "Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Malfunction". The control unit has detected a fault in the electrical circuit of the brake pedal switch: the signal or control current is missing or outside the expected window. The code does not say whether the value is too high or too low, so the wiring and the component itself both have to be checked.

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P0571 quick summary

Fault codeP0571
MeaningCruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Malfunction
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Yes, but check your brake lights immediately – driving without working brake lights is dangerous and illegal.
Repair cost€10 – €150

How the brake pedal switch is monitored

The brake pedal switch tells the control units when you brake – for the brake lights, cruise control, start-stop, automatic gearbox lock-up and drive-by-wire safety; these codes mean its signals are faulty or do not agree.

Most modern cars have a brake switch with two contacts (A and B) or a Hall-type brake pedal sensor. One contact switches the brake lights, the other tells the engine and gearbox control units that the brake is pressed. The control unit checks that both always change together.

Codes report that the two signals disagree (P0504), that the switch circuit is low or high, or that the torque converter/brake switch B circuit is faulty (P0703, P0719, P0724). A faulty brake switch can disable cruise control, stop the gear selector from leaving Park, prevent the engine from starting (push-button start) and cause brake lights that stay on or do not work.

The switch is a cheap wear part; incorrect adjustment after replacement is a common reason for codes returning.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 16955 (P0571). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0571

  • Brake lights stay on or do not work
  • Cruise control does not work or switches off
  • Gear selector stuck in Park
  • Engine does not start with push-button start
  • Check Engine or ESP light on

Most common causes of P0571 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

When fitting a new brake switch, follow the exact adjustment procedure – many switches self-adjust only if the pedal is held in the right position while clicking the switch in. A wrongly set switch brings the code straight back.

  1. 1.Damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the brake pedal switch

    Most likely

    Green or white corrosion, pushed-back pins and chafed insulation near hot or moving parts are the most common findings.

  2. 2.Faulty brake pedal switch

    An internal break or short in the component itself.

  3. 3.Blown fuse or missing supply voltage

    If several codes appeared at the same time, check the shared fuse, relay or ground point first.

  4. 4.Worn or failed brake pedal switch

  5. 5.Incorrectly adjusted switch

    Common after replacement or pedal work.

  6. 6.Broken pedal stop rubber

    The switch plunger is not pressed correctly.

  7. 7.Blown brake light fuse or bulb fault

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Check the brake lights

    Have someone check the brake lights while you press the pedal.

  2. 2

    Check the circuit with a multimeter

    With the ignition off, unplug the brake pedal switch and the control unit connector (or back-probe), then check each wire between them for continuity and for shorts to ground and to battery voltage. Compare the component's resistance or supply voltage with the value in the repair manual.

    Multimeter: Wire continuity: below about 1 Ω. Wire to ground with both connectors unplugged: no continuity. Supply/reference with ignition on: usually 5 V for sensors, battery voltage for actuators.

  3. 3

    Read codes and switch status

    Read the codes and watch both brake switch signals in live data while pressing and releasing the pedal – they must change together.

  4. 4

    Check switch position

    Check the switch adjustment and the rubber pedal stop.

  5. 5

    Measure the contacts

    Check the two contacts with a multimeter.

    Multimeter: One contact is normally open and the other normally closed; they must change state within the first few millimetres of pedal travel.

  6. 6

    Replace and adjust

    Replace the switch and adjust it according to the manufacturer's instructions, then clear codes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0571?

Yes, but check your brake lights immediately – driving without working brake lights is dangerous and illegal.

How much does it cost to fix P0571?

Typical repair costs are 10 € – 150 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: damaged wire or loose, corroded connector at the brake pedal switch; faulty brake pedal switch; blown fuse or missing supply voltage. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Why does cruise control stop working with a brake switch fault?

Cruise control must switch off when you brake. If the control unit cannot trust the brake signal, it disables cruise control for safety.

Is a brake switch expensive?

No, it is one of the cheapest parts – usually a few dozen euros including fitting.

What is the difference between P0571 and similar codes?

P0571 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: C0040 – Brake Pedal Switch A; C0041 – Brake Pedal Switch B; P0504 – Brake Switch A / B Correlation; P0572 – Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Low; P0573 – Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit High; P0703 – Torque Converter/Brake Switch B Circuit Malfunction. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.