Faulty brake pedal position switch (brake light switch) or its wiring; Clutch pedal position switch fault on manual transmission vehicles; Malfunctioning cruise control cancel switch on the steering wheel; Wiring issue in the cancel circuit, such as a short to ground or open circuit; Faulty cruise control module or ECM software glitch; Speed sensor or wheel speed sensor signal inconsistency; Transmission range sensor or neutral safety switch issue

DTC codes / P05xx · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs / P056C

P056CCruise Control Cancel Signal

Q: What does code P056C mean?

Cruise Control Cancel Signal. P056C indicates that the cruise control system has received a cancel signal, meaning the engine control module (ECM) or cruise control module detected an input that commanded the cruise control to disengage. The computer sets this code when it sees a cancel request from a switch, sensor, or related system without a corresponding fault in the cruise control engagement circuit.

P056C indicates that the cruise control system has received a cancel signal, meaning the engine control module (ECM) or cruise control module detected an input that commanded the cruise control to disengage. The computer sets this code when it sees a cancel request from a switch, sensor, or related system without a corresponding fault in the cruise control engagement circuit.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

Symptoms you may notice

Cruise control disengages unexpectedly while driving
Cruise control will not engage at all
Cruise control indicator light flashes or stays off
No symptoms besides the warning light
Brake pedal may feel normal but cruise cancels when pressed
Other driver assistance features may be disabled

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty brake pedal position switch (brake light switch) or its wiring
Clutch pedal position switch fault on manual transmission vehicles
Malfunctioning cruise control cancel switch on the steering wheel
Wiring issue in the cancel circuit, such as a short to ground or open circuit
Faulty cruise control module or ECM software glitch
Speed sensor or wheel speed sensor signal inconsistency
Transmission range sensor or neutral safety switch issue

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules for related codes and check freeze frame data to see when the cancel signal occurred
Inspect the brake pedal switch for proper adjustment and function, including brake light operation
Test the clutch pedal switch on manual transmission vehicles for continuity and adjustment
Check the cruise control cancel switch on the steering wheel for resistance and function
Inspect wiring and connectors at the brake switch, clutch switch, and cruise control module for damage or corrosion
Verify speed sensor signals with a scan tool during a test drive to rule out erratic speed inputs
If all inputs are correct, reprogram or replace the cruise control module or ECM as needed

Don't overlook the brake pedal switch

A misadjusted or faulty brake pedal switch is the most common cause of P056C, yet it often does not trigger a brake light warning.
The code can be set by a momentary glitch in the cancel circuit that leaves no permanent fault, so intermittent issues require careful wiggle testing.
On some vehicles, the cruise control cancel signal is integrated into the clock spring, so a failing clock spring can set this code without affecting horn or airbag functions.
A weak battery or charging system fluctuation can cause the cruise control module to misinterpret cancel signals, so always check battery health first.
P056C does not always mean the cruise control is broken; it may simply indicate that the system received a valid cancel command, such as from the brake pedal, and stored it as a history code.

Can I keep driving with P056C?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the cruise control is designed to cancel, but you should avoid using cruise control until the fault is repaired to prevent unexpected disengagement. If the brake pedal switch is faulty, verify brake lights work properly before driving.

Tools that help

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