P0574
Cruise Control System - Vehicle Speed Too High
Vehicle speed & idle control
Generic OBD-II
Low
What it means
P0574 sets when the cruise control system sees a vehicle speed above its allowed operating limit, or a brake/cruise switch input that doesn't add up. It's a safety interlock that disables cruise; the engine and brakes still work normally. Common triggers are a faulty brake-light switch or a short in the switch circuit β worth checking, since the same switch controls your brake lights.
Low
Can I keep driving? Safe to drive β the engine runs normally; only the cruise control is disabled.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Cruise control won't engage or drops out
- Check-engine light on
- Brake-light switch may read as pressed when it isn't
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty brake-light switch (falsely signalling brake input)Likely
- Cruise control commanded above the system's allowed speedCommon
- Short circuit or blown fuse in the cruise/brake switch circuitCommon
- Faulty cruise control switchLess often
- Failed cruise/PCM control module (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame and check the recorded vehicle speed; confirm whether cruise was engaged above its limit.
- Test the brake-light switch adjustment and signal β a stuck-on brake input is a common trigger.
- Inspect the cruise/brake switch wiring and fuse for shorts.
- Replace the brake or cruise switch if out of spec. Clear and re-test at normal speeds.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0574?+
Yes. The engine and brakes work normally β this only disables cruise control. Have the brake-light switch checked, since a faulty one can also affect brake lights.
Can I just clear P0574?+
You can, and it may stay off if it was a one-time attempt to set cruise too fast. If a switch is faulty, it will return.
Related codes
Often seen with P0574
Read & clear P0574 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed β with OBD DashX on your phone.
β Verified name β SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX