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P0576 – Cruise Control Input Circuit Low (OBD2)

P0576 means "Cruise Control Input Circuit Low". The voltage the control unit measures in the cruise control system circuit is below the permitted minimum. For a sensor this usually means the signal wire is shorted to ground or the reference voltage is missing; for an actuator, that its control wire is shorted to ground.

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P0576 quick summary

Fault codeP0576
MeaningCruise Control Input Circuit Low
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityLow
Can I drive?Yes. Only cruise control is affected; the car drives normally.
Repair cost€10 – €400

How cruise control is monitored

Cruise control holds a set speed using signals from the steering column switches, brake and clutch switches and the vehicle speed; these codes cover the switch inputs and, on older systems, the servo and vacuum control.

Modern cruise control is part of the engine control unit: the multi-function switch on the steering column sends on, off, set, resume, accelerate and coast requests, and the electronic throttle holds the speed. Older systems used a separate servo with vacuum and vent valves or a cable actuator.

Codes in this group report faults in the individual switch signals, stuck buttons, implausible combinations (A/B correlation), the servo and its vacuum/vent control, and a vehicle speed that is too high for cruise control.

Cruise control faults do not affect how the engine runs, but the system is disabled. Common causes are worn steering column switches, a faulty clock spring, brake or clutch switch problems and wiring faults.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 16960 (P0576). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0576

  • Cruise control does not engage or switches off
  • Buttons do not respond
  • Cruise control indicator flashing
  • Check Engine light on (some vehicles)
  • No effect on normal driving

Most common causes of P0576 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

If cruise control works only intermittently, watch the switch voltage in live data while turning the steering wheel – a failing clock spring shows dropouts at certain angles.

  1. 1.Signal or control wire shorted to ground

    Most likely

    Look for chafed insulation where the harness touches the engine, exhaust brackets or body edges.

  2. 2.Missing 5 V reference or supply voltage

    An open reference wire or a shorted sensor elsewhere on the same reference circuit can pull it down.

  3. 3.Internal short in the cruise control system

  4. 4.Worn or faulty cruise control switch

  5. 5.Faulty clock spring (steering wheel buttons)

  6. 6.Brake or clutch switch fault

  7. 7.Wiring or connector fault

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and switch status

    Read the codes and watch each cruise control switch input in live data while pressing the buttons.

  2. 2

    Measure the signal voltage

    With the ignition on and the cruise control system plugged in, back-probe the signal wire. Then unplug it and check the reference/supply and ground wires separately.

    Multimeter: Signal near 0 V = short to ground or no reference. Reference wire: about 5 V with ignition on. Signal wire to ground with connector unplugged: no continuity.

  3. 3

    Check brake and clutch switches

    Make sure the brake and clutch switch signals are correct – cruise control will not engage if they report 'pressed'.

  4. 4

    Measure the switch

    Check the switch resistances or voltages per button according to the wiring diagram.

    Multimeter: Many multi-function switches use a resistor ladder: each button gives a different voltage on one signal wire.

  5. 5

    Check the clock spring

    If the switch is on the steering wheel, check the clock spring for open circuits (often other steering wheel functions fail too).

  6. 6

    Replace and verify

    Replace the switch or repair wiring and test cruise control on the road.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0576?

Yes. Only cruise control is affected; the car drives normally.

How much does it cost to fix P0576?

Typical repair costs are 10 € – 400 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: signal or control wire shorted to ground; missing 5 V reference or supply voltage; internal short in the cruise control system. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Does a cruise control code affect the engine?

No. The engine runs normally; only the cruise function is disabled.

Why does cruise control need the brake switch?

For safety it must disengage when you brake, so a brake switch fault disables it.

What is the difference between P0576 and similar codes?

P0576 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0570 – Cruise Control Accel Signal Malfunction; P0574 – Cruise Control System - Vehicle Speed Too High; P0575 – Cruise Control Input Circuit; P0577 – Cruise Control Input Circuit High; P0578 – Cruise Control Multi-Function Input A Circuit Stuck; P0579 – Cruise Control Multi-Function Input A Circuit Range/Performance. 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.