P0586 Cruise Control Vent Control Circuit/Open
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Cruise Control Vent Control Circuit /Open
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and typically applies to OBD-II vehicles. Vehicle makes may include but aren’t limited to Dodge, Jeep, Honda, Chrysler, Ram, Hyundai, Chevrolet, etc.
Cruise control is a feature that makes driving your vehicle more convenient and provides you with a much smoother driving experience. While its main function is to control the speed of your vehicle, it has other uses, too.
For instance, it allows you to accelerate or decelerate your car by one mile per hour (for example) with just a simple tap of a button. It also keeps you safe by disengaging as soon as you step on the brake pedal. Also, you won’t be able to activate it if your car is running at speeds less than 25 miles per hour.
Your vehicle’s cruise control system is controlled by the ECM (Engine control module) and/or potentially a cruise control module. The ECM uses a vast amount of readings to control the speed of your vehicle automatically. If you’re unable to automatically control your vehicle speed using cruise, the ECM will run a test involving the entire cruise control system to determine if there are any problems within.
Most times, the cruise control vent is used in cruise control systems to ensure the ECM is capable of adjusting vacuum within the system. The vent’s functionality is integral, because at times, it can directly affect the cruise control servo’s function. And the servo is responsible for mechanically adjusting and controlling your speed when cruise control is activated.
If the test reveals an on-going problem, the ECM will activate a cruise control code that correlates with the issue detected.
P0586 is a generic trouble code that refers to “Cruise Control Vent Control Circuit /Open.” It appears when the test conducted by the ECM detects irregular electrical levels from the cruise control vent circuit.
Cruise control switches:
What is the severity of this DTC?
Severity for this problem is low because you can still drive your car even if it’s experiencing the P0586 trouble code. However, it is very likely that your car’s cruise control system isn’t actively working. It is advisable that you address this issue as soon as you can, especially if you frequently rely on your car’s cruise control system. This is to prevent the issue from getting worse and to stop it from causing other related problems.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P0586 diagnostic code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P0586 cruise control code may include:
What are some P0586 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
To solve the P0586, one of the most common solutions is to replace the cruise control switch so I will elaborate on this one. However, before proceeding with this fix, it’s important that you are sure the switch is in need of a replacement. If you’re certain that the switch is faulty, by following diagnostic steps in your service manual, you can start by locating your car’s battery and disconnecting it. Then, remove the steering wheel column bolt covers using a screwdriver or ratchet if necessary.
You may have to carefully remove the centre air bag cluster from the centre of the steering wheel by unbolting it from the back of the steering wheel. Then, detach the electrical connector connected to the air bag cluster by pressing the side clips and pulling them from the hard plastic side areas. Removing your steering wheel to access the switch may be necessary, in which a special puller may be required.
NOTE: Always refer to service manual for proper steering wheel/AIR BAG removal procedures unique to your vehicle!
Once the electrical connector has been detached from the cruise control switch, detach the switch by removing the bolts that are holding the switch onto the steering column bracket. Replace the old cruise control switch with the new one and reinstall everything in the opposite order. Reconnect the battery and test drive your vehicle, make sure the traffic isn’t too bad when testing your cruise control to keep safety in mind here.
Basic Step #2
Another common problem when it comes to this code, is a mechanical issue present in the cruise control’s vacuum system. This could mean physical damage to the cruise control vacuum solenoid itself, a vacuum leak in the system, kinked or obstructed line, etc. All these mechanical problems are generally easy to spot while first inspecting, once you’ve identified all the components involved within the system.
Repair or replace any vacuum leaks immediatelly as they can produce more issues down the road if left unattended. Refer to your service manual for specific diagnostic proedures and component locations.
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 p0586 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0586 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 p0586.
