P0572 — Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Low

What does P0572 specifically mean?

P0572 means the control module detected abnormally low voltage in the Cruise Control/Brake Switch A circuit, commonly from a short to ground or a brake switch that holds the input low.

Can I drive with P0572 stored?

Usually yes, with caution if braking and the ABS or ESC indicators are off, but cruise control may be unavailable. Do not rely on cruise control, and arrange prompt diagnosis if related warning lights or brake-light problems are present.

Does P0572 always illuminate the ABS warning?

No. P0572 is often stored only in the powertrain module, although vehicles that share Brake Switch A with ABS or ESC may also set related codes and activate a warning indicator.

Should the PCM or ABS module be replaced first?

No. A control-module input failure is less common than a shorted wire, damaged connector, or defective brake switch, so those items should be electrically tested before any module is considered for replacement.

When your vehicle's computer logs trouble code P0572, it's flagging a problem with the brake switch circuit that interacts with your cruise control system. Specifically, P0572 means the signal voltage on "Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit" has dropped lower than it should—staying near ground instead of holding the proper voltage. This is a powertrain-category code, which means the engine or transmission control modules are involved in monitoring it, even though the fault originates in the braking circuitry.

Your car relies on this switch to know when you're pressing the brake. That information tells the cruise control when to disengage and helps the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) function properly during hard braking or low-traction situations. The affected module constantly watches this circuit while you drive. When the voltage stays out of bounds for long enough—usually across several drive cycles—the system stores P0572, illuminates the warning light, and captures freeze frame data. That snapshot records engine speed, load, temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault occurred, giving you the best starting point for tracking down the root cause.

Common symptoms of P0572

• The ABS warning light stays solid on the dashboard
• Electronic stability control stops working, often triggering a "stability control disabled" message
• Cruise control fails to engage or cuts out unexpectedly
• Speedometer readings become erratic or jump around
• Unusual brake pedal pulsation or feel during normal braking
• Reduced ABS intervention during emergency braking maneuvers

What causes P0572?

The most frequent culprit is a failed cruise control and brake combination switch itself—the contacts inside wear out and pull the signal to ground. A damaged or corroded connector at that switch can create the same effect. Wiring problems are also common; a wire with chafed insulation can short directly to the vehicle's metal body, dragging the voltage down. A blown fuse that supplies power to this circuit will prevent the switch from working correctly. In some cases, the ABS control module itself develops an internal fault that corrupts the signal processing. Wheel speed sensor failures upstream can also confuse the system enough to set P0572. Finally, damage to the tone ring (the notched metal ring mounted to the wheel hub) can cause erratic sensor readings that eventually trigger the code.

How to diagnose P0572

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner and confirming P0572 is stored as an active or pending code. Record the freeze frame data—this tells you exactly what conditions existed when the fault triggered. Then check for any related trouble codes; P0500 through P0504 codes often appear alongside P0572 and point toward specific sensors. It's worth checking your manufacturer's technical service bulletins for your exact make and model—many issues like this have documented factory fixes or software updates available through the dealer or nhtsa.gov by searching your VIN.

Visually inspect the wiring harness running to the brake switch and ABS module. Look for cracked insulation, rubbed-through wires touching metal, moisture intrusion, or loose connector pins. At the brake switch connector, use a multimeter to check for proper supply voltage first. Then measure resistance from the signal wire to ground—if you read near-zero ohms, you have confirmed a short to ground in the wiring harness.

Test each wheel speed sensor individually by watching the live data PIDs on your scanner while slowly driving in a safe area. A faulty sensor will drop out or display impossible values. Physically examine each sensor for contamination and inspect the tone ring for missing teeth, metal debris, or warping.

Once you've identified the faulty component, clear the code and perform a complete drive cycle—including the conditions from your freeze frame data—and verify P0572 does not return.

Repair options and costs for P0572

Address the cheapest and most likely causes before spending money on major components. Here are typical repair scenarios with parts and labor at independent shop rates:

• Sensor wiring repair: $80–$250
• ABS module repair or replacement: $400–$1,200
• Wheel speed sensor replacement: $120–$350
• Brake/cruise control switch replacement: $100–$200

Overall, fixing P0572 typically runs between $80 and $1,200 depending on which part is actually faulty. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts almost always saves money—the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Can you drive with P0572?

Your standard brakes will still stop the vehicle, so you aren't stranded. However, ABS and electronic stability control are disabled or degraded when this code is active. On wet pavement, ice, or gravel, stopping distances increase noticeably because the wheels can lock up without the ABS pump intervening. Drive cautiously, avoid aggressive maneuvers, and prioritize getting this fixed before long trips or winter weather.

Related OBD2 codes

• P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Malfunction
• P0501: Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Range/Performance
• P0502: Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Low Input
• P0503: Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" Intermittent/Erratic/High
• P0504: Brake Switch "A"/"B" Correlation
• P0505: Idle Control System Malfunction