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

P0581 Cruise Control Multi-Function Input A Circuit High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Cruise control buttons form a resistor ladder on one or two signal lines, each button giving its own voltage window. FCA uses two lines with offset windows – signal 1 is input A, signal 2 input B – and both must report the same button; GM evaluates the ratio to the reference. Any fault locks out cruise control; CARB treats this as emission-neutral, and GM and Ford set these codes without warning lamp. P0581 means signal line A is too high: GM at a ratio of 1.005–1.035 for over 2 s (short to power); FCA treats 4.706–5.0 V as circuit high. In FCA's recalls of the Jeep Wrangler JK (2007–2016), P0581 indicates a dusty clockspring, which is replaced. Ford lists it without warning lamp.

Likely causes

Clockspring dirty or faulty
Signal line shorted to positive or ground open
Button block faulty
Corroded steering wheel connector

Symptoms

  • Cruise control inoperative, on the Jeep JK possibly airbag warning
  • Cruise control locked out
  • No check engine light

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–500
Time0.5–2 h

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

Parts involved

cruise control switchclockspringswitch wiringbody control module

Related codes

P0580P0579P0578P0593P0585

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, roushcleantech.com.