Code
P0573
GWM
P — Powertrain
- High cruise control switch A high
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Short to battery/12V on cruise control switch A circuit
- Faulty cruise control/clutch/brake switch (internal short or stuck contact)
- Faulty wiring or connector (pin pushed out, corrosion, damaged insulation)
- Poor or missing ground at related module or switch
- Faulty body control module / ECU input circuit
Symptoms
- Cruise control inoperative or disabled
- Check Engine Light (MIL) or cruise warning lamp illuminated
- Stored diagnostic trouble code P0573
- Intermittent cruise availability or unexpected cruise disengagement
What to check
- Read and record freeze-frame and live data for cruise switch A with a scan tool
- Verify whether other related codes are present (brake/clutch/cancel switches)
- Visual inspection of switch, steering column wiring, steering wheel clock spring and connectors
- Inspect harness for pinched, chafed, melted insulation or recent wiring modifications
- Backprobe the cruise switch A wire at the switch and at the ECU/BCM to compare voltages
Signal parameters
- Circuit type: digital/logic-level switch input to BCM/ECU
- Expected behavior: defined low and high states when switch is released/pressed (logic low when open, logic high when closed) — 'High' means voltage above the ECU's upper threshold
- Typical test: with ignition ON, unpressed state should read near reference low; pressed state should read near battery voltage (or specified logic high by manufacturer)
- Watch for steady high voltage when switch should be low (indicates short to 12V) or fluctuating voltage (intermittent)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve freeze-frame and live data, then clear the code and see if it returns.
- Consult the vehicle wiring diagram to identify connector locations, pin numbers, and any intermediate modules (steering column module, BCM, clock spring).
- Perform a visual inspection of the switch, connector, and harness; look for corrosion, dirt, melted insulation or after-market splices.
- With the ignition ON (engine off for safety), backprobe the cruise switch A signal wire at the switch and measure voltage to chassis ground. Compare to expected logic states while operating the switch.
- Backprobe the signal at the ECU/BCM connector to see if the high voltage is present there; this differentiates between switch-end and module-end faults.
- If the signal is high at the module but low at the switch, inspect wiring between them for a short to 12V or to another feed; repair or replace damaged harness.
- If the signal is high at the switch, replace or repair the switch assembly; check the clock spring if wiring passes through the steering column.
- If wiring and switch check good but the module input still reads high, verify module power/ground and associated fuses. Consider module replacement only after confirming wiring and switch integrity.
- After repairs, clear codes and road-test; verify no return of P0573 and that cruise control operates normally.
Likely causes
- Corroded/damaged connector or wiring causing a short to battery
- Failed/cracked cruise control switch on steering column
- Aftermarket accessory or previous repair tapped into the switch circuit
- Intermittent short inside steering wheel harness (clock spring damage)
Fault status
Status
P0573 - Cruise control switch A circuit voltage higher than expected (possible short to battery or faulty switch).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-1.5 hours
Similar codes
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email