Powertrain, generic · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

P0574 Cruise Control System Vehicle Speed Too High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Cruise control buttons are almost always a resistor ladder on one or two signal lines, each button giving its own voltage; the module reading it (GM and Saab from about 2010: the body module; FCA: steering column module or PCM) sends the button state to the engine module over CAN. CARB names cruise control as the example of an emission-neutral diagnosis – it is simply switched off – so GM lists all these codes as type C and Ford as non-MIL: no warning lamp, the engine runs normally. P0574 is a condition code: cruise control is active, but road speed exceeds its upper limit or clearly exceeds the set speed – for example downhill when engine braking is not enough, or with an implausible speed signal. Cruise control is then switched off. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code.

Likely causes

Driving situation (long descent, towing) where speed cannot be held
Implausible speed signal (speed sensor, ABS wheel speed)
Software or cruise logic

Symptoms

  • Cruise control switches off at high speed
  • Cruise control locked out
  • No check engine light, engine runs normally

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–300
Time0.5–1.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

cruise control systemvehicle speed sensorengine control module

Related codes

P0500P0501P0575P0571

References: law.cornell.edu, en.wikipedia.org.