P0570Generic code

P0570 Code: Cruise Control Accel Signal

The P0570 code means the computer sees a fault in the signal from the cruise control switches, specifically the ACCEL (accelerate) signal. Cruise control is disabled, and the rest of the vehicle works normally. The clockspring is the usual suspect.

Severity
Low
Can I keep driving?
Yes, no immediate risk
Estimated cost
$20 to $400
Difficulty
Medium
System
Idle and Speed Control
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

On this page

What the P0570 code means

The cruise control switches, on the steering wheel or on a stalk, send their orders to the computer over one or more wires. Many manufacturers use a single line with a different resistance for each button, and the computer works out which button is pressed from the voltage it measures.

The P0570 code means the computer sees a signal that does not match any button, a signal that stays fixed as if a button were always pressed, or a signal that does not agree with the second control line. For safety reasons, it disables cruise control.

The most common cause is the clockspring in the steering wheel, which connects the buttons to the vehicle through a ribbon that wears as the wheel turns. Another common cause is buttons that are dirty or soaked with spilled liquid.

Always start with the simplest checks: fuse, relay and connector. Then check power, ground and signal with the component connected (using back-probe pins), and last, the continuity of each wire to the computer. If all of that is good, then replace the component.

P0570 code symptoms

  • Cruise control that does not work.
  • Check engine light or cruise control light on.
  • Sometimes the horn or the steering wheel buttons do not work either (clockspring).

Likely causes of the P0570 code

  1. Damaged steering wheel clockspring. The ribbon inside it breaks with use.
  2. Steering wheel buttons that are dirty or damaged by spilled liquids.
  3. Control module connector with an intermittent contact.
  4. Brake switch, if it affects the cancel signal.

How to diagnose the P0570 code step by step

  1. Watch the status of each button on the scan tool while you press it. Only the pressed button should change.
  2. Measure the resistance of the controls in each position and compare it with the manufacturer table.
  3. Check the clockspring if the horn, the airbag light or the steering wheel buttons also fail.
  4. Check the brake switch.

How to fix the P0570 code

  • Replace the clockspring or the steering wheel controls.
  • Clean the contacts of the buttons.
  • Repair the wiring.
  • Clear the code and test cruise control.

Technical reference data

  • Resistor ladder controls: each button gives a different voltage on the same line.
  • Reference values only: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

Before working at the steering wheel, disconnect the battery and wait a few minutes. The driver airbag can fire.

P0570 on Ford

On many Ford vehicles the clockspring is a frequent failure.

P0570 on GM

On many GM vehicles the clockspring is a frequent failure.

P0570 on Chrysler

On many Chrysler vehicles the clockspring is a frequent failure.

Frequently asked questions about P0570

Can I drive with the P0570 code?
Yes. It only affects cruise control. The engine, the brakes and the rest of the vehicle work as usual, and it is not a safety risk while driving.
What is the clockspring?
It is a coiled ribbon inside the steering column that connects the airbag and the buttons to the vehicle even as the steering wheel turns. When it wears out, the buttons stop working.
Is it dangerous to remove the steering wheel?
Yes, because of the airbag. Follow the manufacturer procedure, disconnect the battery and wait before you touch anything.
How much does it cost to fix P0570?
Between $20 and $400. Cleaning a contact or repairing a wire is cheap, and a clockspring or new steering wheel controls cost more.
What does the P0570 code mean?
The P0570 code is a generic OBD2 code for a fault in the cruise control ACCEL signal. The computer does not accept the signal from the switches and turns the system off.
What is the most common cause of P0570?
A worn clockspring in the steering wheel. Dirty buttons and a loose connector follow.

Related codes

Questions about the P0570 code

There are no questions about this code yet. Tell us about your case: vehicle, symptoms and what you have already checked.