P0581

Cruise Control Multi-Function Input A Circuit High

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0581?

Yes. The engine, brakes, and transmission are unaffected — you just may not have working cruise control until it's repaired.

Q: Can I just clear P0581?

You can, but it returns whenever the switch reads high again. Fixing the switch or its wiring is the real remedy.

Cruise control Generic OBD-II Low

What it means

P0581 means the cruise control switch's "A" input is reading higher voltage than expected, usually from a stuck switch or a wire shorted to power. It only affects the cruise control system — the engine, brakes, and transmission run normally. It's a low-urgency fix, most often the switch or its wiring rather than a module.

Low

Can I keep driving? Drivable — the engine runs normally; only the cruise control is affected, so there's no rush beyond wanting cruise back.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

145

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Cruise control won't engage or behaves erratically
Cruise control buttons unresponsive
Check-engine light on

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty cruise control multi-function switch (stuck or shorted high)Likely
Wiring shorted to voltage in the switch input circuitCommon
Loose or corroded connector at the switch or steering-wheel/clockspring contactCommon
Faulty cruise control or powertrain control module, rareLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Confirm the fault is cruise-only, then inspect the cruise switch and its connector.
Measure the input-A signal voltage — a constant high reading points to a short to voltage or a stuck switch.
Check the wiring and, on steering-wheel switches, the clockspring for damage.
Replace the cruise control switch if it tests faulty.
Clear the code and test cruise operation on a road test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0581?+

Yes. The engine, brakes, and transmission are unaffected — you just may not have working cruise control until it's repaired.

Can I just clear P0581?+

You can, but it returns whenever the switch reads high again. Fixing the switch or its wiring is the real remedy.

Read & clear P0581 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX