P0571 Diagnostic Guide for 2017-2023 Honda CR-V (OBD II)
Important data note
- Based on the provided NHTSA data for Honda CR-V (2017-2023): No owner complaints were listed for this code, and no recalls were found in the database.
- This guide relies on general automotive knowledge about P0571 (Cruise Control/Brake Switch Circuit Range/Performance) and typical Honda CR-V behavior. Data limitations mean no model-year specific recall or complaint context is available here.
CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY
- Code: P0571
- Description (generic OBD-II definition): Cruise Control/Brake Switch Circuit Range/Performance (often labeled as a brake pedal position/cruise control switch circuit issue). It indicates the brake switch signal that the cruise control system relies on is not operating within expected range or is unreliable.
- Severity: Moderate to high. This fault can affect cruise control operation and may indicate a faulty brake switch or related wiring. In some cases the brake lights, cruise control, or other brake-sensing functions can be affected. If the switch is intermittently failing, you may notice sporadic cruise control disengagement or warnings.
- Note: In the Honda CR-V, the brake switch is used by the cruise control system and also feeds the brake-light circuit. A faulty switch or wiring can trigger P0571.
COMMON CAUSES ON HONDA CR-V
- Faulty brake pedal position switch / brake light switch (the most common cause)
- Misadjusted brake pedal switch (not fully releasing the switch when pedals aren’t pressed)
- Damaged or frayed wiring harness or connector at the brake switch or along the switch’s harness
- Corrosion or poor contact at the brake switch connector
- Faulty cruise control module or related control wiring (less common)
- Intermittent fault due to a loose ground or battery/ECU grounding issue
- The brake light circuit itself present but interpreted incorrectly by the brake/cruise control logic (rarely the sole cause)
SYMPTOMS
- Cruise control may not engage or may disengage unexpectedly
- Intermittent or persistent P0571 code appears on Scan tool, possibly with other codes (e.g., P0570, P0572, P0573)
- Brake lights may function normally, or in rare cases, brake lights stay on or fail to illuminate properly if the switch is misread
- Cruise control cancel/resume or brake-deactivate functions may behave oddly
- A vehicle may show a stored P0571 with or without other brake/cruise-related codes, and road testing may be required to reproduce
DIAGNOSTIC STEPS
Note: Start with a scan tool to confirm P0571, note any freeze-frame data, and observe live brake switch/cruise-control signals if your tool supports it.
A) Initial verification
- Retrieve codes with a modern OBD-II scanner. Confirm P0571 and check for any related codes (P0570, P0572, P0573, or brake-light circuit codes).
- Review freeze-frame data for vehicle speed, brake pedal status, cruise control status, and any other sensor data recorded when the fault occurred.
B) Visual and basic inspections
- Inspect brake pedal switch/assembly at the pedal:
- Look for physical damage, bent/pressed switch, or misalignment.
- Check for looseness or mounting that could cause it to move out of position.
- Confirm the brake pedal depresses the switch fully when the pedal is pressed and releases properly when the pedal is up.
- Check brake lights:
- Confirm brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed (and stay off when the pedal is released). If brake lights are intermittent or always on, that points to switch or wiring issues.
- Inspect connectors and wiring:
- Look for corroded, damaged, or bent pins; pin housing damage; cracked insulation; exposed wiring.
- Re-seat connectors to ensure a solid connection.
- Check for signs of pin looseness or push-out in the switch housing.
C) Electrical tests on the brake switch circuit
- With ignition on, but engine off, test for proper switch operation:
- Use a multimeter to verify switch continuity between relevant terminals as the pedal is moved.
- Typical test (conceptual; refer to Honda service manual for exact terminal numbers and expected values):
- When the brake is not pressed, the output to the cruise-control input should be in one state (often “open” or ground depending on wiring). When the brake is pressed, the output should switch to the opposite state.
- Confirm supply voltage to the switch if applicable (often 12V from the vehicle’s switched circuit via a fuse).
- If the switch is a two- or three-terminal assembly, check for proper resistance changes as the pedal is depressed and released.
D) Functional checks
- If available, monitor brake switch signal data in live data while pressing and releasing the brake pedal.
- If the vehicle has a diagnostic mode for cruise control, verify that the cruise control module is receiving a clean brake-switch signal during pedal movement.
E) If the switch tests OK but P0571 persists
- Inspect wiring harness further downstream from the switch for intermittent opens/shorts, chafed insulation, or water ingress.
- Check grounds related to the brake switch circuit and the cruise control module; a poor ground can cause intermittent signals.
- Consider whether the fault may originate in the cruise control module or ECU; this is less common but possible if the switch and wiring test OK.
- After any repair, clear codes and perform a road test to confirm the issue is resolved.
F) When a replacement is indicated
- Replace the brake pedal switch assembly if the switch itself is found faulty, misadjusted, or physically damaged.
- Re-check and re-adjust if necessary after installation.
G) Post-repair verification
- Clear DTCs and drive the vehicle per the manufacturer’s recommended cycle for re-learning or re-calibrating the brake-switch/cruise-control logic.
- Confirm no new codes appear after a test drive (and that brake-light operation is normal).
RELATED CODES
- P0570 – Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit (general circuit issue)
- P0572 – Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit Range/Performance (opposite state or range issue)
- P0573 – Cruise Control/Brake Switch A Circuit High (fault in the high side)
Note: Honda CR-V owners may see these codes in various combinations. If multiple P0xxx codes related to brake/cruise appear, follow the diagnostic flow for brake switch/wiring as primary sources.
REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)
Prices are approximate and can vary by region, dealer vs independent shop, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.
A) Brake pedal switch replacement
- Parts: $20–$60 (shop rate may be higher for OEM switch; OEM Honda switch price often on the higher end of this range)
- Labor: 0.3–1.0 hours (some vehicles have quick access; others require more time)
- Estimated total: $100–$210
- Notes: This is the most common fix for P0571 on many cars, including CR-Vs. If the switch is misadjusted rather than defective, you may save on parts but still need some labor for adjustment.
B) Brake switch adjustment and connector repair
- Parts: Minimal (if adjustment is all that’s needed; or a new connector if damaged)
- Labor: 0.2–0.6 hours
- Estimated total: $60–$180
- Notes: If the switch is fine but misadjusted or the connector is dirty/corroded, cleaning and proper adjustment may suffice.
C) Wiring harness repair / connector replacement (if fault is in harness or pin)
- Parts: $10–$150 (depends on whether you replace a section of harness or only the connector)
- Labor: 0.5–2.0 hours
- Estimated total: $120–$420
- Notes: Costs rise if harness replacement is required or if extensive diagnostic time is needed.
D) Cruise control module or ECU-related repair (less common)
- Parts: $150–$600+ (cruise control module or related ECU components)
- Labor: 1.0–3.0 hours
- Estimated total: $350–$1,200
- Notes: Consider only if switch and wiring are confirmed good and no intermittent signal remains. This is not a first-line fix.
E) Comprehensive brake system check (as preventive context)
- Parts: N/A
- Labor: 0.5–1.0 hours (inspection plus data review)
- Estimated total: $60–$150
- Notes: It’s prudent to verify braking system integrity when working near electrical switch components.
DIY vs PROFESSIONAL
- DIY viability:
- Easy/short job if the brake switch is accessible and you’re comfortable with basic electrical testing and a vehicle jack/ramps for access.
- Risks: misadjustment can affect brake lights and cruise control; improper wiring can cause electrical faults or safety concerns.
- Typical tasks easily done by a capable DIYer: brake-light switch replacement/adjustment, connector inspection, cleaning, and basic resistance checks with a multimeter.
- Professional viability:
- Recommended if you’re uncertain about wiring harness integrity, lack the correct tools, or the vehicle is under warranty.
- Professional diagnostic steps ensure the fault isn’t systemic (ECU/cruise control module) and that any recalls/TSBs are checked (recalls/TSBs are not indicated in the provided data for this model/years).
PREVENTION
- Regularly inspect brake lighting operation; if brake lights fail to illuminate consistently, investigate brake switch alignment and switch contacts.
- Ensure proper pedal free play and switch travel during routine maintenance or when replacing brake components.
- Keep electrical connectors clean and dry; inspect for corrosion or moisture ingress around the brake switch connectors.
- When replacing brake components, use OEM or high-quality replacements to ensure correct fit and sensor signal integrity.
- Periodically clear diagnostic codes after repairs and perform a road test to confirm the fault does not reoccur.
DATA LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
- The guide is based on the provided NHTSA data (no complaints found and no recalls found) and general knowledge of P0571 behavior in modern vehicles, including Honda CR-Vs.
- Because the data show no complaints or recalls for this combination, there is no model-year-specific NHTSA trend to cite. The diagnostic approach and repair cost estimates reflect typical practices for P0571 across many vehicles, with a focus on the Honda CR-V 2017-2023 platform.
- If new complaints, recalls, or TSBs emerge, incorporate those sources and adjust diagnostic steps and costs accordingly.
If you want, I can tailor the diagnostic steps further to your exact CR-V trim (gasoline vs hybrid), or walk you through a step-by-step, camera-assisted inspection plan for a home repair.