P0576 Cruise Control Input Circuit Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Cruise Control Input Circuit Low
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and typically applies to OBD-II vehicles equipped with cruise control. Vehicle makes may include but aren’t limited to Chevrolet (Chevy), Toyota, Ford, Harley, Dodge, Ram, Ford, etc.
The ECM (Engine control module) spends most of it’s time making sure your engine is working as it should all while keeping emissions, fuel economy, performance, noises, creator comfort functions at acceptable levels. Cruise control is a great feature for long trips given the fact that you do not need to control the speed of the vehicle. The ECM can take care of this as long as the cruise control system is free of any defects. If you are reading this, more than likely your cruise control has stopped working. A good sign that the cruise control has been completely disabled by the ECM is, the cruise control light on the dash doesn’t come on when you try to activate it.
Generally speaking, this trouble code means that the control input has suffered an electrical malfunction that stems from numerous potential causes. The P0576 Cruise Control Input Circuit Low and related codes (P0575 and P0577) are set when the ECM detects a malfunction within the cruise control input circuit, in this case it means there is a low voltage condition.
Cruise control switches:
What is the severity of this DTC?
This particular code is actually a mild issue that does not require immediate repair since the engine performance won’t suffer which will allow the vehicle itself to be operational. Not being able to utilize the cruise control is the only main issue with this kind of code.
Having said that, It is important to note, that when the ECM displays a P0576, or any other P code for that matter, the vehicle might not be able to pass an emissions test. That is why clearing the code after every repair is a must before performing a retest. The mechanic won’t be able to exactly identify the problem if this is overlooked and it could lead to more serious issues in the future.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
The most common symptom out there in regards to the P0576 code, is the fact that the cruise control system itself or any of it’s functions stop working. Other potential symptoms may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P0576 cruise control code may include:
What are some P0576 diagnostic and troubleshooting steps?
The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for known issues with the specific vehicle.
Advanced diagnostic steps become very vehicle specific and may require the appropriate advanced equipment and knowledge to perform accurately. We include basic steps below but refer to a vehicle year/make/model/powertrain specific repair guide for specific steps for your vehicle.
Basic Step #1
After recording the active P0576 code with your OBD-II DTC scanner, you should conduct an in-depth inspection of the vehicle’s connectors, wirings, and other parts of the cruise control system. It is also important that any damaged connectors (e.g. broken tabs, heat damage, corroded, etc.) be replaced, reconnected, or repaired as necessary. You will need to clear the code and perform a sort test drive, try using the cruise control functions now. If everything is working after the repair, you should ensure that the CEL (Check engine light) no longer reappears. Otherwise, if it does light up again and the code has been stored in the ECM once more, continue your diagnostics.
Basic Step #2
Test the cruise control switch (AKA: Multifunction switch). Refer to your make and model’s service manual to acquire the correct desired values and diagnostic procedures specific to your vehicle. Most times, this will involve using your DVOM (or multimeter) to record the electrical values present. After comparing your actual values to the manufacturer’s desired ones, you will be able to pinpoint the switch as the issue or rule out as a possibility.
Basic Step #3
If the switch has been found to be defective, replacing it may not be an easy task, given the fact that there may be airbags in the way of replacing it. That said, it could be as simple as removing 1 or 2 steering column covers to access the switch. If you’ve pinpointed it as your problem, found it to be defective and replaced it following the specific steps unique to your vehicle, test drive the vehicle after clearing the active codes.
This article is strictly for information purposes only and the technical data and service bulletins for your specific vehicle should always take precedence.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0576 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0576 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0576.
