Cruise Control System - Vehicle Speed Too High
P0574 indicates the engine control module (ECM) has detected a malfunction in the cruise control accelerate signal circuit. This code sets when the ECM cannot properly receive or interpret the accelerate button/switch input from the cruise control system, preventing the cruise control from functioning correctly.
What You Might Notice
- Cruise control light does not illuminate or stays on constantly
- Cruise control system completely inoperative
- Unable to set cruise control or speed drifts erratically
- Accelerate function (resume/accel button) does not work
- Other cruise control functions (set, coast, resume) may be non-responsive
Most Common Causes
- 1
Defective cruise control switch or buttons
The accelerate button or entire cruise control switch assembly has failed or become intermittent, preventing proper signal transmission to the ECM.
- 2
Damaged or corroded connectors
Electrical connectors in the cruise control circuit are loose, corroded, or not making proper contact, disrupting the signal path.
- 3
Chafed or broken cruise control wiring
Wires in the cruise control harness are damaged, creating shorts, opens, or resistance that prevents the accelerate signal from reaching the ECM.
- 4
Contaminated cruise control switch
Liquid contamination (coffee, soda, water, etc.) has entered the switch assembly, causing electrical shorts or corrosion that degrades the signal.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Defective cruise control switch or buttons — The accelerate button or entire cruise control switch assembly has failed or become intermittent, preventing proper signal transmission to the ECM.
- 2
Check Damaged or corroded connectors — Electrical connectors in the cruise control circuit are loose, corroded, or not making proper contact, disrupting the signal path.
- 3
Check Chafed or broken cruise control wiring — Wires in the cruise control harness are damaged, creating shorts, opens, or resistance that prevents the accelerate signal from reaching the ECM.
- 4
Check Contaminated cruise control switch — Liquid contamination (coffee, soda, water, etc.) has entered the switch assembly, causing electrical shorts or corrosion that degrades the signal.
How to Fix It
- 1
Inspect and clean cruise control connectors
Locate the cruise control switch connectors and inspect for corrosion, looseness, or poor contact. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and reseat connectors firmly.
- 2
Check cruise control wiring harness
Visually inspect the entire cruise control wiring harness for chafing, cuts, pinching, or signs of damage. Repair or replace any damaged sections of wire.
- 3
Replace cruise control switch assembly
If the switch buttons are unresponsive or contaminated, replace the entire cruise control switch assembly mounted on the steering wheel or stalk.
- 4
Perform ECM diagnostics
If basic checks pass, have the ECM scanned with advanced diagnostics to confirm the module itself is not faulty, as rare ECM issues can generate this code.
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