P0583 is a diagnostic trouble code that points to a problem in your cruise control vacuum or control circuit, depending on the vehicle design. While it usually doesn’t leave you stranded, it can disable cruise control and may hint at a deeper electrical or vacuum issue if ignored. Understanding what this code means, how it affects your car, and how to track it down can save you time, money, and frustration. Below you’ll find a practical, mechanic-level guide written for everyday drivers and enthusiasts.
What Does P0583 Mean?
P0583 is defined as “Cruise Control Vacuum Control Circuit Low” or “Cruise Control Control Circuit Low,” depending on the manufacturer. In simple terms, your engine control module (ECM/ECU) is seeing a voltage or signal that’s lower than expected in the cruise control control circuit or vacuum solenoid circuit.
On many older or vacuum-operated systems, the cruise control uses vacuum to pull on the throttle. The ECU monitors that circuit and expects to see certain voltage and pressure readings. When the signal is too low for a set amount of time, it flags P0583 and usually disables cruise control as a safety measure.
Quick Reference
- Code: P0583
- Meaning: Cruise control vacuum/control circuit low
- Severity: Low to moderate (comfort/driveability issue)
- Main systems: Cruise control, vacuum lines, wiring, ECU
- Typical repair: Fix vacuum leak, repair wiring, replace solenoid or switch
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop, I often see P0583 on older sedans and SUVs where the owner says, “Cruise just stopped working on the highway.” One case involved a mid-2000s Ford where the cruise control light would come on, but speed would never hold. A quick smoke test showed a cracked vacuum hose to the cruise servo. Replacing the hose and clearing the code fixed the issue immediately. In another case on a Japanese compact, a corroded connector at the cruise control vacuum solenoid caused low voltage. Cleaning the connector and applying dielectric grease solved P0583 without replacing any parts.
Symptoms of P0583
- Cruise control inoperative – The most common symptom is cruise control that simply won’t engage or hold speed.
- Cruise disengages randomly – Cruise may set, then drop out unexpectedly on hills or bumps.
- Warning light on – You may see a check engine light (MIL) and sometimes a separate cruise control indicator flashing.
- Reduced throttle response with cruise – On vacuum-operated systems, a leak can slightly affect throttle feel or idle.
- Hissing noise under hood – A vacuum leak in the cruise circuit can cause a faint hissing sound, especially at idle.
- Other cruise-related codes – Codes such as P0581 or P0582 may appear along with P0583.
- Intermittent operation – Cruise may work fine some days and fail on others, especially with loose wiring or connectors.
Common Causes of P0583
Most Common Causes
- Vacuum hose leaks – Cracked, brittle, or disconnected vacuum hoses between the intake manifold, cruise servo, and vacuum reservoir are a top cause on older systems.
- Faulty cruise control vacuum solenoid – The solenoid that regulates vacuum to the cruise actuator can fail electrically or mechanically, causing low circuit voltage or poor vacuum control.
- Damaged wiring or connectors – Corroded pins, broken wires, or loose connectors in the cruise control harness can drop the signal voltage and trigger P0583.
- Faulty cruise control switch – Steering wheel or stalk-mounted switches can fail internally and send incorrect signals to the ECU.
- Blown fuse or relay issue – A partially failing fuse, relay, or poor power/ground to the cruise circuit can cause low voltage readings.
Less Common Causes
- Defective cruise control servo/actuator – The vacuum servo or electronic actuator that physically moves the throttle can fail and disrupt the feedback signal.
- Faulty brake or clutch pedal switch – If the ECU thinks the brake or clutch is always applied, it may interpret the circuit as low and disable cruise.
- Internal ECU fault – Rarely, a failing engine control module misreads the cruise circuit and sets P0583 with no external fault.
- Aftermarket modifications – Poorly installed remote starters, alarm systems, or steering wheel controls can interfere with cruise wiring.
- Vacuum reservoir failure – A cracked or leaking vacuum canister can cause low vacuum supply to the cruise system.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll want a basic scan tool, a digital multimeter (DVOM), a hand vacuum pump (or smoke machine if you have access), and simple hand tools. A wiring diagram and service manual for your specific vehicle are very helpful. If your scan tool supports Mode $06 data, it can show detailed cruise and switch test results.
- Confirm the code and check for others. Connect a scan tool, confirm P0583 is present, and look for related cruise or brake switch codes. Record freeze-frame data to see when the fault occurred.
- Verify cruise control operation. On a safe road, try to set cruise at highway speed. Note if the cruise light comes on, if it attempts to hold speed, or if it drops out immediately.
- Perform a visual inspection. With the engine off, inspect vacuum hoses to the cruise control servo, vacuum reservoir, and intake manifold. Look for cracks, oil saturation, loose fittings, or missing caps.
- Test vacuum integrity. Use a hand vacuum pump or smoke machine to check the cruise vacuum circuit. The system should hold vacuum without quickly bleeding down. Repair or replace any leaking hoses or components.
- Check fuses and relays. Locate the cruise control or related fuses and relays in the fuse box. Test them with a test light or DVOM and verify proper power and ground.
- Inspect wiring and connectors. Follow the harness from the cruise control solenoid/servo to the ECU. Look for chafed insulation, corrosion, or loose connectors, especially near the battery, firewall, and under the steering column.
- Test the cruise control solenoid. Unplug the vacuum solenoid (if equipped) and measure its resistance with a multimeter. Compare to factory specs. Check for proper supply voltage and ground at the connector with the key on.
- Check brake and clutch switches. Use the scan tool to monitor brake and clutch switch status. Lightly press the pedals and confirm the ECU sees the correct on/off signals. Replace any switch that sticks or reads incorrectly.
- Use scan tool live data. Monitor cruise-related PIDs (switch states, cruise request, brake input, etc.) while operating the controls. If the ECU never sees a “set” or “on” command, suspect the switch or wiring.
- Clear codes and road test. After repairs or adjustments, clear P0583 and perform a road test. Recheck for codes and confirm cruise control works normally.
Pro tip: On vehicles with known vacuum hose issues, it’s often smarter to replace all small vacuum lines in the cruise circuit at once. The material ages at the same rate, and replacing one cracked hose usually means the others are not far behind.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
Most P0583 fixes are straightforward once you pinpoint the fault. Common repairs include replacing cracked vacuum hoses, repairing or replacing the cruise control vacuum solenoid, cleaning or repairing corroded connectors, and replacing faulty brake or cruise switches. Typical repair costs at a professional shop range from about $75–$150 for simple hose or wiring repairs, $150–$350 for a new solenoid or switch, and $300–$700 if deeper electrical diagnostics or actuator replacement is needed. Labor rates, parts availability, and how difficult components are to access all affect the final cost.
Can I Still Drive With P0583?
In most cases, you can continue to drive with P0583 without immediate risk of engine damage. The main inconvenience is losing cruise control, which can make long trips more tiring. However, if the vacuum leak is large or wiring damage is severe, it can sometimes affect idle quality or cause other drivability issues. You should avoid long trips until you confirm the problem is limited to the cruise system and not affecting other engine controls.
What Happens If You Ignore P0583?
If you ignore P0583, you’ll likely just live without cruise control, but that’s not the whole story. A vacuum leak can grow and start affecting idle, fuel trims, and emissions. Damaged wiring can corrode further and eventually cause additional electrical problems or new codes. Fixing P0583 early usually keeps the repair simple and inexpensive.
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
- P0583 points to a low signal in the cruise control vacuum or control circuit, often disabling cruise.
- Most common causes are vacuum leaks, faulty solenoids, and wiring or connector issues.
- Symptoms are usually limited to cruise control not working, with little impact on basic drivability.
- Diagnosis involves checking vacuum lines, solenoid resistance, wiring integrity, and switch inputs.
- Repairs are often affordable if handled early, typically involving hoses, switches, or a solenoid.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0583
P0583 shows up most often on vehicles that still use vacuum-assisted cruise systems or have simpler cruise control circuits. You’ll commonly see this code on older Ford and Lincoln sedans and trucks, many GM products (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick), and some Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep models. Certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles, as well as a few Toyota and Nissan models from the 2000s, can also log P0583. It’s more frequent on higher-mileage cars and trucks where vacuum hoses and connectors have had years to dry out and corrode.
FAQ
Can I clear P0583 and keep driving without fixing it?
You can clear the code and the car will usually drive normally, but the fault will come back if the underlying issue isn’t fixed. The ECU will disable cruise control again once it detects the low circuit condition. Clearing codes is fine for testing, but it’s not a long-term solution.
Is P0583 a serious problem for my engine?
P0583 is generally not serious for engine health by itself. It mainly affects your cruise control system. However, if the root cause is a significant vacuum leak or wiring damage, it can eventually create other issues, so you shouldn’t ignore it indefinitely.
How do I know if the problem is the cruise switch or the vacuum solenoid?
A scan tool that reads live data is the easiest way. If the ECU never sees “on” or “set” commands when you press the switch, suspect the switch or its wiring. If the commands look normal but the vacuum side doesn’t hold or respond, focus on the vacuum solenoid, hoses, and servo.
Can a bad brake light switch cause P0583?
Yes, it can. If the brake switch is stuck “on” or sending an incorrect low signal, the ECU thinks you’re braking all the time and will disable cruise control. This may trigger P0583 or related cruise/brake switch codes, so always check the brake switch during diagnosis.
How long does it take a mechanic to diagnose and fix P0583?
Diagnosis time can range from 0.5 to 2 hours, depending on how easy it is to access the cruise components and wiring. Simple repairs like replacing a vacuum hose or brake switch can be done quickly, while tracing wiring faults or replacing a servo may take longer. Most shops can diagnose and repair P0583 in a single visit.