P1573 — Speed Control Command Switch Out of Range Low

Will P1573 clear itself?

Sometimes P1573 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

What is the most common cause of P1573?

The most common causes are: control module driver fault, faulty sensor or actuator of the affected circuit, corroded, loose or damaged connector.

Is it safe to drive with P1573?

In most cases the car remains drivable, possibly with reduced performance or a disabled auxiliary system. If symptoms include stalling, no-start or brake/steering warnings, treat it as urgent.

What are the symptoms of P1573?

Drivers most often notice: increased fuel consumption in some cases, possible limp mode depending on the affected component, Check Engine Light on, the affected system operates intermittently or not at all.

How much does it cost to fix P1573?

Control module repair — $300–$1,000; Repair wiring or connectors — $80–$250; Replace the faulty sensor or actuator — $150–$500. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

When your vehicle's computer detects that a speed control command switch is sending readings that fall below the expected voltage range, it logs trouble code P1573. This specific fault falls under the powertrain category, meaning it relates to engine and transmission operations rather than body or chassis systems. The speed control command switch is part of your cruise control or speed-dependent system, and when its signal drifts outside factory specifications for too long, the engine control unit (ECU) or powertrain control module (PCM) considers it a problem worth reporting.

The affected module constantly watches this circuit while you drive. It expects a certain voltage range from the switch — typically between 0.5V and 4.5V depending on switch position. If the signal stays below that minimum threshold for more than a few consecutive drive cycles, the module stores P1573 and illuminates the Check Engine light. The stored freeze frame data captures exactly what the engine was doing when the fault first appeared: RPM, engine load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed. That snapshot is gold when you're trying to reproduce the failure condition during diagnosis.

Symptoms of P1573

The way P1573 manifests varies depending on which circuit is actually at fault:

• Check Engine light stays on or flickers intermittently
• Cruise control refuses to activate or drops out unexpectedly
• Noticeable increase in fuel consumption under normal driving conditions
• Vehicle may enter a limited-power limp mode to protect itself
• The speed control circuit operates sporadically or fails completely
• Adaptive features that depend on vehicle speed may behave erratically

What Causes This Code?

Several different problems can make the speed control command switch read out-of-range low. Here they are, starting with the most frequently encountered:

• Damaged, corroded, or loose electrical connector at the switch or control module
• Wiring harness chafing, melting, or physical damage causing an open circuit
• Failed speed control command switch itself — the sensor itself may be defective
• Poor or interrupted ground connection for the affected circuit
• Blown fuse protecting the speed control circuit
• Internal driver fault inside the ECU or PCM

How to Diagnose P1573

Follow these steps to systematically narrow down the cause:

1. Connect an OBD2 scanner and confirm P1573 is stored. Record the freeze frame data — this shows the exact conditions when the fault occurred and guides your next moves.
2. Pull all stored codes, not just P1573. Related codes often point directly to the root cause. Cross-reference any other powertrain codes before proceeding.
3. Check for technical service bulletins (TSB) specific to your vehicle make and model. Search the manufacturer website or nhtsa.gov using your VIN — many P1573 failures have documented factory fixes or software updates.
4. Visually inspect the wiring and connectors tied to the speed control command switch. Look for broken insulation, corrosion buildup, bent pins, or any sign of moisture intrusion.
5. Use a multimeter to check reference voltage, ground integrity, and signal continuity at the switch connector. Compare your readings to factory specifications.
6. Perform a wiggle test on the harness while monitoring live data. If the signal drops out when you move the wire, you've found a broken strand inside the insulation.

Repair Options and Costs

You should always address the cheapest possible causes before replacing expensive components:

• Wiring harness or connector repair — $80–$250
• Replace faulty speed control command switch or related actuator — $150–$500
• Control module repair or replacement — $300–$1,000

Repair costs for P1573 typically range from $80 to $1,000 depending on which part actually failed. The wiring or connector route is far more common than a bad module, so investigate those first. Spending time with a multimeter before buying parts almost always saves money in the long run.

Can You Drive with P1573?

In most situations, your vehicle remains drivable even with P1573 stored. You might notice reduced performance or a disabled cruise control function, but basic operation continues. However, if the failure causes stalling, prevents starting, or triggers brake or steering-related warnings, treat it as a priority repair. Don't ignore persistent drivability symptoms just because the Check Engine light seems tolerable.