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DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1582

P1582 · ChryslerCruise Direction Circuit Low Voltage

P1582 on Chrysler vehicles means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected low voltage on the cruise direction circuit, which is the wiring path that carries the driver's set, resume, and cancel commands from the steering column switches to the PCM. The computer expects a specific voltage range on that circuit and instead sees a value below the acceptable threshold, so it stores the code and may disable cruise control operation.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeChrysler specific
SeverityLow
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

Symptoms you may notice

  • Cruise control will not engage or will drop out unexpectedly while driving
  • The cruise indicator lamp may flash or fail to illuminate when the button is pressed
  • Steering wheel cruise buttons may feel unresponsive or require extra pressure to work
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with cruise control still functioning normally
  • Intermittent cruise operation that changes with steering wheel position or temperature
  • Other unrelated dashboard warnings if the low voltage is caused by a charging system fault

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A failing cruise control switch on the steering wheel that has developed high internal resistance or a short to ground
  2. Damaged or chafed wiring in the steering column, especially where the harness flexes with wheel movement
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the cruise switch, the clock spring, or the PCM
  4. A faulty clock spring (the rotating electrical connector in the steering column) that interrupts the cruise direction signal
  5. Low system voltage from a weak battery or failing alternator, which pulls the cruise circuit below its expected range
  6. A short to ground on the cruise direction wire between the switch and the PCM
  7. A PCM internal fault that misreads the cruise direction voltage, though this is the least likely cause

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Check battery voltage and charging system output first, since low system voltage can set this code without any cruise component being faulty
  2. Inspect the cruise control switches on the steering wheel for physical damage, sticking buttons, or contamination, and test their resistance with a multimeter
  3. Disconnect the battery and remove the airbag to access the clock spring, then check the cruise switch wiring for continuity and shorts through the column
  4. Back-probe the cruise direction circuit at the PCM connector and compare the measured voltage with the factory specification while pressing each cruise button
  5. Wiggle-test the steering column harness and connectors while watching live cruise switch data on a scan tool to catch intermittent faults
  6. Repair or replace any chafed wires, corroded terminals, or failed clock spring found during testing
  7. Clear the code and verify cruise control operation through a complete set, resume, and cancel cycle during a test drive

Why cruise direction codes mislead

  • A weak battery or failing alternator is a commonly missed cause of P1582 because the cruise direction circuit is voltage-sensitive and will read low when the entire electrical system sags.
  • Technicians often replace the steering wheel switches first, but a chafed wire inside the steering column or a failing clock spring is just as likely and costs less to inspect.
  • The code does not always mean the cruise control is broken; many Chrysler vehicles store P1582 intermittently from a momentary voltage dip and the system works fine afterward.
  • Aftermarket steering wheel covers or audio installs that disturb the column wiring can introduce this code by pinching or grounding the cruise direction circuit.
  • A scan tool that displays live cruise switch voltage is far more useful than a resistance check alone, because it shows what the PCM actually sees while the wheel is turned.

Can I keep driving with P1582?

You can usually keep driving safely because the fault affects only cruise control, but avoid using cruise control until the code is repaired, especially in traffic or bad weather. If the warning light is accompanied by dimming lights or slow cranking, have the charging system checked before a long trip.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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