P0572: Brake Switch A Circuit Low
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - verify the brake lights before driving in traffic.
Symptoms
- Brake lights possibly stuck on
- Cruise control disabled
- Battery drained by brake lights left on overnight
Likely causes, most common first
- Switch stuck closed
- Circuit shorted to ground
- Pedal bracket or pad worn
- Wiring pinched under the dash
Read P0572 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0572 reads the brake switch circuit low, and on many designs that means the computer thinks the brake pedal is pressed all the time. The visible symptom is often behind the car: brake lights burning continuously, discovered by a neighbor or by a battery dead in the morning.
An old failure mode worth knowing on some models: the switch is actuated through a small plastic pad or grommet on the pedal arm, and when that pad crumbles with age the switch reads pressed forever. The fix is a two-dollar grommet, and knowing about it can turn a diagnostic hour into a five-minute repair.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0572
“Traction Control Light is illuminated, Service Trailer Braking System, and Service Trailer Brake System Notifications are present on engine startup. ABS system appears to be inoperative in slippery conditions. Service Engine Light comes on every 15 miles or so with Codes P0572 and P0572pd. Download codes and they go away.”2018 Ram 2500 · Dec 2022
Cars that report P0572 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0572?
Yes with care - verify the brake lights before driving in traffic.
How much does it cost to fix P0572?
Typical US repair costs range from $40 for the simplest fix (brake light switch) to $250 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0572. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.