P0572
Brake Switch A Circuit Low
Speed / idle control
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
P0572 means the ECM sees the brake switch A signal reading low (as if the brake is always pressed) or shorted. This switch tells the car when you're braking, so cruise control drops out and, on many vehicles, brake lights or the shifter interlock can misbehave. Braking itself is unaffected; it's usually a switch adjustment or wiring fault.
Low
Can I keep driving? Safe to drive — the brakes work normally. Expect cruise control to be disabled, and check that your brake lights work, since the same switch often feeds them.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Cruise control won't engage or won't stay set
- Brake-light or brake-pedal switch behaving oddly (lights stuck on/off)
- Possible interference with brake-shift interlock (shifter feels locked)
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty brake pedal position switch (stuck or shorted low)Likely
- Misadjusted brake switch or strikerCommon
- Damaged or shorted wiring in the switch circuitCommon
- Loose or corroded connector at the brake switchLess often
- ECM fault (rare — verify the switch and wiring first)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data, then check the brake switch adjustment at the pedal — a common, quick fix.
- Inspect the brake-switch connector and wiring for a short to ground or a damaged pin.
- Watch the brake switch input on a scan tool while pressing the pedal; the state should toggle cleanly.
- Replace the brake switch if it reads low continuously with good wiring.
- Clear the code and confirm brake lights and cruise control work before relying on them.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0572?+
Yes — braking is mechanical and unaffected. But cruise control will likely be disabled and your brake lights may misbehave, so verify them for safety.
Can I just clear P0572?+
It clears, but returns as soon as the switch reads low again. Adjust or replace the brake switch to fix it properly.
Related codes
Often seen with P0572
Read & clear P0572 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX