P0581 code meaning
Cruise Control Multi-Function Input A Circuit High
What P0581 means
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.
P0581 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0581
- Cruise control inoperative, on the Jeep JK possibly airbag warning
- Cruise control locked out
- No check engine light
Common causes of P0581
- Most likelyClockspring dirty or faulty
- PossibleSignal line shorted to positive or ground open
- PossibleButton block faulty
- PossibleCorroded steering wheel connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cruise control switchClockspringSwitch wiringBody control module
What each part of P0581 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5 | Area: vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs. |
| 81 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0581 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0581
What does P0581 mean?
P0581 means "Cruise Control Multi-Function Input A Circuit High". Cruise control buttons form a resistor ladder on one or two signal lines, each button giving its own voltage window. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0581?
P0581 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0581 fail an emissions test?
P0581 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0581 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0581 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.