P0571 Brake switch A circuit
What P0571 means
The engine control unit has detected a fault in the brake pedal switch circuit. The switch tells the car when you are braking, which is used for brake lights, cruise control and, on automatics, the gear selector lock.
P0571 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- Medium
- Typical repair cost
- 20–150 €
- Workshop time
- 0.2–1 h
- Repair difficulty
- Easy
- DIY possible
- Yes
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- No
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Brake lights not working or staying on
- Cruise control not working
- Gear selector stuck in Park on some automatics
- Check engine light on
Common causes
- Failed brake light switch
- Switch out of adjustment
- Blown brake light fuse
- Damaged wiring or connector at the switch
Can I keep driving with P0571?
You can keep driving, but check your brake lights right away and have it fixed within one to two weeks. If the brake lights do not work, get it fixed before driving further.
What to check first
- Ask someone to watch the brake lights while you press the pedal
- Check the brake light fuse and bulbs
- Check the switch signal in live data or with a multimeter
- Adjust or replace the brake light switch
Related codes
- P0575 Cruise control input circuit
- P0563 System voltage high
- P0562 System voltage low
- P0560 System voltage
- P0558 Brake booster pressure sensor circuit high
- P059F Active grille air shutter A performance/stuck off
- P05A1 Active grille air shutter A position sensor min/max stop performance
- P0533 A/C refrigerant pressure sensor A circuit high
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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