AutoCodes – Ford – P0573 Ford

P0573 Ford Code - Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High

Quick Answer

When the brake pedal is depressed, the stop light switch sends a signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Common causes include Faulty Brake Switch, Brake Switch harness is open or shorted, Brake Switch circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0573 Ford indicates Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Brake Switch, Brake Switch harness is open or shorted, Brake Switch circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 6,137

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 28, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0573 Ford Description

When the brake pedal is depressed, the stop light switch sends a signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM). When the ECM receives this signal, it cancels the cruise control.

OBDII Code P0573 Ford - Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High - AutoCodes.com — P0573 Ford Code - Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0573 Ford?

Faulty Brake Switch
Brake Switch harness is open or shorted
Brake Switch circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0573 Ford?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Check the bulb and fuse first, if they are good replace the stop lamp switch (it is located behind the brake pedal)

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0573 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Ford Models

P0573 2006 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch A Circuit High
P0573 2007 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High
P0573 2008 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High
P0573 2009 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High
P0573 2010 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High
P0573 2011 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High
P0573 2012 Ford Fusion — Brake Switch 'A' Circuit High

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.