P0572 Code: Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Low

What the P0572 code means

The brake pedal switch turns on the brake lights and tells the computer that the driver is braking. It is used to cancel cruise control, to release the shift lever on an automatic transmission and, on many vehicles, to start the engine.

It is a switch, so the computer sees a high or low voltage depending on its position. The P0572 code is a low signal, which usually comes from the signal wire shorted to ground or from a missing reference.

If the signal is not correct, the brake lights can stay on or stay off, cruise control may not work and the shift lever may not come out of Park. The rubber stop on the pedal, which falls off over time, is a surprisingly common cause. Check the brake pedal switch (BPP sensor) itself to see how it is tested.

To confirm it, unplug the component with the key on and watch what happens to the reading or the code. If the value jumps to the opposite extreme, the wiring is fine and the component is the one pulling the signal to ground. If it does not change, look for the short in the wire, starting where the harness rubs against the engine, the chassis or the exhaust.

P0572 code symptoms

• Check engine light on.
• Brake lights or cruise control that do not work correctly.
• Brake lights that are always on or that do not come on.
• Cruise control that does not engage.
• The shift lever will not come out of Park.

Likely causes of the P0572 code

1. Signal wire shorted to ground by the harness rubbing against the engine, the chassis or a bracket.
2. Power reference shorted. If several sensors fail at once, suspect the shared reference.
3. Damaged switch with an internal short.
4. Connector with water or corrosion that creates a path to ground.

How to diagnose the P0572 code step by step

1. Read the switch value on the scan tool and compare it with what you expect.
2. Inspect the connector for corrosion, water or loose pins.
3. Check power and ground with the key on: correct reference and less than 0.1 V of drop on the ground.
4. Measure the signal with the connector plugged in and see whether it changes with the condition.
5. Do a wiring wiggle test with the scan tool in graph mode.
6. Check the continuity of each wire to the computer (less than 1 ohm).
7. Ask someone to watch the brake lights while you press the pedal.
8. Check the rubber stop on the pedal.

How to fix the P0572 code

• Repair the connector or the wiring.
• Replace the switch if the tests confirm it is bad.
• Correct the real condition if there is one.
• Clear the codes and verify with a road test.

Technical reference data

• Switch with 12 V when the pedal is pressed (brake lights) and often a second contact that opens when the pedal is pressed.
• Reference values only: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

This is very common on Ford, GM, Nissan and Hyundai vehicles. On some Hyundai and Kia models there were campaigns for this switch.

P0572 on Ford

A fault in the brake switch circuit is very common on Ford vehicles.

P0572 on GM

A fault in the brake switch circuit is very common on GM vehicles.

P0572 on Nissan

A fault in the brake switch circuit is very common on Nissan vehicles.

P0572 on Hyundai

A fault in the brake switch circuit is very common on Hyundai vehicles, and on some Hyundai and Kia models there were campaigns for this switch.

Frequently asked questions about P0572