P0577 is an OBD-II trouble code that points to a problem in your vehicle’s cruise control input circuit, usually related to the cruise control switch on the steering wheel or column. While this code won’t leave you stranded, it can disable cruise control and sometimes hint at deeper electrical issues if ignored. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what P0577 means, the most common causes, the symptoms you’ll notice, how a mechanic would diagnose it, and what repairs typically cost so you can decide your next step with confidence.
What Does P0577 Mean?
P0577 stands for “Cruise Control Input Circuit High.” In plain language, your engine control unit (ECU) is seeing a higher-than-expected voltage signal from the cruise control switch or related wiring. The ECU continuously monitors this circuit to make sure the switch positions (ON, OFF, SET, RESUME, CANCEL) match what you’re actually pressing.
When the voltage in that circuit is out of the normal range, the ECU flags P0577 and usually disables cruise control as a safety precaution. The engine and transmission typically still work fine, but your ability to use cruise control is affected.
Quick Reference
- Code: P0577 – Cruise Control Input Circuit High
- Type: Electrical / control circuit fault
- Primary area: Cruise control switch, clockspring, wiring, ECU input
- Main symptom: Cruise control inoperative or intermittent
- Risk level: Low for drivability, moderate for safety on long trips
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop, P0577 often shows up on vehicles where the owner says, “Cruise worked sometimes, then quit altogether.” A common scenario is a steering wheel switch that’s been used for years and starts sticking or sending the wrong voltage. On some models, I’ve also seen this code after a drink was spilled on the steering wheel controls, causing corrosion and shorting. Another frequent culprit is a worn clockspring in the steering column, especially on higher-mileage cars where the airbag light or horn issues may appear around the same time.
Symptoms of P0577
- Cruise control inoperative – Cruise will not set or engage at any speed.
- Intermittent cruise operation – Cruise works sometimes, then randomly shuts off.
- Check Engine Light – The MIL/SES light is on, and a scan shows P0577 stored.
- Unresponsive steering wheel buttons – ON/OFF, SET, or RESUME buttons may not respond.
- Unexpected cruise canceling – Cruise disengages without pressing the brake or cancel switch.
- Other steering wheel control issues – On some vehicles, horn or audio buttons may also act up if the clockspring is failing.
- Additional electrical warnings – In rare cases, you might see airbag or traction control lights if the underlying issue is in the steering column wiring.
Common Causes of P0577
Most Common Causes
- Faulty cruise control switch: Wear, internal short, or contamination inside the steering wheel or column switch can cause a constant “high” signal to the ECU.
- Damaged clockspring (spiral cable): The flexible ribbon cable that connects steering wheel controls to the vehicle wiring can crack or break, altering voltage signals.
- Wiring issues in the steering column: Chafed, pinched, or corroded wires near the column or behind the steering wheel can cause high resistance or short to power.
- Connector corrosion or loose pins: Moisture intrusion or previous repairs can leave you with poor connections at the switch or junction connectors.
- Aftermarket accessories: Poorly installed remote starters, audio systems, or steering wheel control adapters can tap into the wrong circuits and skew the signal.
Less Common Causes
- Faulty brake pedal switch: On some vehicles, the brake switch and cruise system share circuits; a failed brake switch can confuse the ECU about cruise status.
- ECU (PCM) input fault: Internal failure of the ECU input pin that reads the cruise signal is rare but possible, especially after water damage or jump-start issues.
- Clock spring misalignment after steering work: If the steering wheel or column was serviced and the clockspring wasn’t centered correctly, it can overextend and damage the ribbon.
- Short to voltage in harness: A rubbed-through wire contacting a 12V source can keep the circuit “high” all the time.
- Incorrect or corrupted coding after ECU replacement: On some modern vehicles, improper programming can lead to misinterpreted cruise inputs.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
To properly diagnose P0577, you’ll want at least a quality OBD-II scan tool (preferably with live data and Mode $06), a digital multimeter, and basic hand tools. Access to a wiring diagram and factory service information for your specific vehicle is a big help.
- Confirm the code: Use a scan tool to read all stored and pending codes. Note if P0577 is alone or accompanied by other cruise, brake switch, or steering column codes.
- Check cruise operation: With the engine running, try turning cruise ON, then SET, RESUME, and CANCEL. Note which buttons do or don’t respond. Some scan tools let you see each switch input status live.
- Inspect steering wheel controls: Look for physical damage, sticky buttons, or signs of liquid spills on the steering wheel or column. If buttons feel stuck or mushy, suspect the switch.
- Scan live data for cruise switch: In the ECU data stream, watch the cruise switch parameter while pressing each button. If the ECU always shows “ON” or a single state regardless of button, the switch or wiring is likely at fault.
- Check fuses and power supply: Verify any cruise control, steering wheel, or brake switch fuses. A partially failing fuse or poor contact can cause abnormal voltages.
- Inspect clockspring and connectors: With the battery disconnected and airbag precautions followed, remove the airbag and steering wheel as needed. Check the clockspring connectors for broken locking tabs, corrosion, or melted plastic.
- Test the cruise switch circuit with a multimeter: Using the wiring diagram, measure resistance or voltage at the switch connector while operating each button. Compare readings to factory specs. A constant high voltage or out-of-range resistance indicates a bad switch or wiring.
- Check harness continuity: If the switch tests good, perform continuity and short-to-power tests from the switch connector through the clockspring to the ECU connector. Repair any open circuits or shorts.
- Evaluate related components: Test the brake pedal switch operation and signal if your vehicle’s diagram shows shared circuits. Incorrect brake switch signals can interfere with cruise logic.
- Re-scan after repairs: Clear the code, test-drive the vehicle, and recheck for P0577. Verify that cruise control operates normally at highway speeds.
Pro tip: On many vehicles, you can use a scan tool’s live data to see each individual cruise button status. This is often faster and safer than back-probing wires in a tight steering column area, and it helps you pinpoint whether the problem is the switch, clockspring, or ECU input.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
The exact repair depends on what you or your mechanic find during diagnosis, but most P0577 fixes are straightforward electrical or switch replacements.
- Replace cruise control switch: Common on vehicles with worn or contaminated steering wheel switches. Parts typically run $50–$200, plus 0.5–1.5 hours labor.
- Replace clockspring (spiral cable): Needed if the ribbon cable is open or shorted. Parts usually cost $80–$300, with 1–2 hours labor depending on airbag and steering wheel design.
- Repair wiring or connectors: Fixing chafed wires, corroded pins, or loose terminals can range from $50–$250 depending on access and severity.
- Replace brake pedal switch: If involved in the fault path, this is usually inexpensive: $20–$100 for parts and about 0.5–1 hour labor.
- ECU repair or replacement: Rare but most expensive. A new or reman ECU plus programming can range from $400–$1,200 or more.
In most cases, you’re looking at a typical repair cost range of about $150–$450 at a professional shop. The final price depends on your vehicle make, parts availability (OEM vs aftermarket), shop labor rate, and whether additional issues like airbag or steering column problems are discovered during diagnosis.
Can I Still Drive With P0577?
Yes, you can usually continue driving with P0577 without damaging the engine or transmission. The main drawback is that cruise control may not work or may be unreliable, which can be tiring on long highway trips. However, if you notice other electrical problems—such as airbag lights, horn issues, or intermittent steering wheel controls—you should address the fault sooner rather than later, because those can affect safety systems. Also, some inspections or emissions tests may fail if the Check Engine Light is on, even for a cruise-related code.
What Happens If You Ignore P0577?
If you ignore P0577, you’ll probably just live without cruise control, but a small electrical issue can slowly get worse. A failing clockspring or damaged wiring can eventually affect other circuits like the horn, airbag, or audio controls. In the worst case, you could lose critical safety features or face a more expensive repair later, instead of fixing a simple switch or wiring problem early.
Related Codes
- P0574 – Cruise Control System Vehicle Speed Too High
- P0573 – Brake Switch “A” Circuit High
- P0572 – Brake Switch “A” Circuit Low
- P0571 – Brake Switch “A” Circuit
- P0570 – Cruise Control Accelerate Signal
- P0569 – Cruise Control Coast Signal
- P0568 – Cruise Control Set Signal
- P0567 – Cruise Control Resume Signal
- P0566 – Cruise Control Off Signal
- P0565 – Cruise Control On Signal
Key Takeaways
- P0577 means the ECU is seeing a “high” or out-of-range voltage in the cruise control input circuit.
- The most common causes are a bad cruise switch, worn clockspring, or wiring/connector issues in the steering column.
- Symptoms usually center around inoperative or intermittent cruise control, with the Check Engine Light on.
- Diagnosis involves a scan tool, basic electrical tests, and often inspection of the steering wheel controls and clockspring.
- Typical repairs range from about $150–$450, depending on the exact part and labor involved.
- You can usually drive with P0577, but ignoring it can lead to broader electrical or safety system issues over time.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0577
P0577 shows up across many makes, but it’s especially common on vehicles with heavily used steering wheel controls and higher mileage. You’ll often see this code on:
- GM vehicles: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac trucks and SUVs with steering wheel cruise switches.
- Ford and Lincoln models: Especially F-150, Explorer, and similar platforms with integrated wheel controls.
- Hyundai and Kia: Sedans and crossovers where steering wheel switches and clocksprings are known wear items.
- Honda and Acura: Older Civics, Accords, and SUVs where clockspring and switch wear is common.
- Toyota and Lexus: Some models with stalk-mounted or wheel-mounted cruise switches that eventually fail.
- European brands: VW, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes with multi-function steering wheels can also log P0577 when switch or column wiring issues arise.
FAQ
Can I clear P0577 myself and keep driving?
You can clear P0577 with a basic OBD-II scanner, and the code may stay away for a while if the fault is intermittent. However, if the underlying issue is still present, the code will usually return. Clearing it doesn’t fix the problem; it just resets the light temporarily.
Is P0577 dangerous to drive with?
P0577 by itself is usually not dangerous, because it mainly affects cruise control. The bigger concern is when it’s tied to a failing clockspring or wiring that also affects the airbag or horn. If you see additional warning lights or lose horn function, you should treat it as a safety issue and repair it promptly.
How do I know if the clockspring is causing P0577?
Common signs of a bad clockspring include multiple steering wheel functions failing at once—cruise buttons, horn, audio controls, or an airbag light. If your scan tool shows inconsistent or no response from the cruise switch inputs and other wheel functions are acting up, the clockspring is a strong suspect.
Can a bad brake switch trigger P0577?
On some vehicles, yes. The brake switch and cruise system are linked, and a failing brake switch can confuse the ECU about whether cruise should be enabled. Usually you’ll see related brake switch codes (like P0571–P0573) or issues such as brake lights not working correctly at the same time.
How long does it take to fix P0577?
Diagnosis typically takes 0.5–1.0 hour for an experienced technician. If the fix is just a cruise switch replacement, the total job is often done in about an hour. Clockspring replacement or more involved wiring repairs can stretch it to 2–3 hours, depending on how your steering wheel and airbag are designed.