P0571
- Powertrain
- Generic (SAE)
- Safety
Stop driving
Continuing to drive risks injury or major mechanical damage. Shut the engine off when it is safe to do so.
Brake Switch "A" Circuit Malfunction
This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.
The brake light switch signal seen by the ECU is implausible — for example, both contacts active simultaneously, or no signal change despite the brake pedal being pressed (cruise control engages and disengages on this signal). On many cars also disables shift interlock.
A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.
- Safe to drive
- Continuing to drive risks injury or major mechanical damage. Shut the engine off when it is safe to do so.
- Urgency
- Stop driving
- Will it pass emissions
- Not affected
- Check engine light
- Solid
| # | Cause | How often | Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake switch failed (worn contacts, internal break) | Very common | — |
| 2 | Switch misadjusted (does not actuate at correct pedal position) | Common | — |
Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.
- Brake Light Switch
- Brake Light Switch Wiring
- Definition
- Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
- Diagnostic guidance
- Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
- Review status
- Awaiting review
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