When you see a P0564 code pop up, it’s telling you there’s a hiccup in the cruise control system-specifically with the input circuit for the multifunction switch, which is almost always the control on your steering column. In my experience, this means your car’s computer (the ECM) isn’t happy with the signals it’s getting from those cruise control buttons or stalk. The system counts on those inputs to know exactly when you’re trying to set, resume, or cancel cruise control. If the computer doesn’t get the right message, you end up with this code. The exact culprit-whether it’s a wire, connector, or the switch itself-depends on the make and model, so always have your service manual handy. Nine times out of ten, though, you’re tracking down a wiring issue, a dodgy connector, or a worn-out switch that feeds commands to the cruise control setup.
DTC P0564
5257
7 minutes of readingCauses and obd2 code P0564
From my time under the hood, the root causes behind a P0564 code are usually pretty cut and dried. Here’s what tends to show up the most:
- A faulty or sticking cruise control/multifunction switch-sometimes those buttons get gummed up, break internally, or just wear out from years of use.
- Wiring troubles, like wires getting rubbed or pinched behind the steering wheel or dash, leading to shorts or open circuits.
- Problems at the connectors-think corroded pins, busted tabs, or even a little moisture sneaking in and messing with the signal.
- Every tech’s favorite: gunk, spilled coffee, or just grime working its way into the buttons, causing all sorts of weirdness.
- Once in a blue moon, the ECM itself is to blame-maybe from water intrusion or an internal fault.
- A failed clock spring (that clever bit that lets your steering wheel spin while keeping the wiring connected).
What I’ve found most often is a dirty or tired switch, but I never skip checking the wiring and connectors first-you’d be surprised how sneaky those problems can be.
Symptoms and P0564 trouble code
If you’re dealing with a P0564 code, here’s what you’ll probably notice out on the road:
- Cruise control refuses to engage-hit the button all you want, and nothing happens.
- The cruise control light might stay lit, even if you haven’t turned it on.
- Can’t set or maintain a steady speed with cruise control-pretty frustrating on those long stretches of highway.
- Sometimes, if cruise does work, your speed might bounce around or behave unpredictably.
Basically, any weirdness with your cruise control system could be coming from this code. If you’re someone who counts on cruise control for road trips, this glitch can be a real nuisance.
Diagnosis and dtc P0564
Troubleshooting a P0564 code isn’t rocket science, but you do need to be methodical. Here’s how I walk through it:
- Start simple: check the cruise control buttons and switch. Are they sticky, dirty, or not clicking like they should? Wipe them down with a damp cloth-never spray anything right on the switch, trust me on this one.
- Look for obvious issues like gunk, spill residue, or any physical damage around the buttons. Clean anything suspect, but be gentle.
- If everything looks good so far, move on to the wiring and connectors. You might need to pull off some trim panels-go slow, plastic clips love to break.
- Inspect connectors for loose pins, corrosion, or broken plastic bits. If you see greenish corrosion, clean it up and double-check that the pins are straight and solid.
- With the key off, gently wiggle the wiring harness, especially where it snakes around the steering column. That’s where wires love to get pinched or frayed from years of turning the wheel.
- If you’ve got a scan tool that reads live data, monitor the cruise switch inputs while pressing the buttons. If the readings don’t change, you’ve either got a bum switch or a wiring issue.
- Still no joy? Break out the multimeter and follow your service manual to check for continuity or the right resistance values through the switch and wiring.
- If all of that checks out, only then do I start thinking about bigger stuff like the clock spring or the ECM. Those parts get expensive and tricky, so if you’re at this point, it might be time to call in a pro.
Pro tip: grab a buddy to help-one person can work the buttons while the other watches the readings or inspects wiring. Makes life a whole lot easier.
Common Mistakes when addressing P0564
Over the years, I’ve seen a handful of mistakes folks make when chasing down this code:
- Jumping straight to swapping out the cruise control switch without checking for sticky buttons or a little dirt-sometimes a good cleaning is all you need.
- Ignoring the connectors-loose or corroded pins can cause more grief than you’d expect and are easy to overlook.
- Forgetting to inspect the wiring around the steering column, which is prime real estate for pinched or worn wires.
- Assuming the ECM is toast before ruling out simpler causes like a bad switch, wiring, or connectors. That’s a wallet-busting mistake you really want to avoid.
Bottom line-don’t rush. Take time with the basics before shelling out for new parts.
Seriousness and obd code P0564
Here’s the straight story: P0564 isn’t going to strand you on the side of the road. It’s not a major safety risk since it only messes with your cruise control, but you’ll definitely miss that feature on long drives. That said, electrical gremlins don’t usually fix themselves-they tend to get worse, and if the issue is in the wiring or connectors, it could eventually bleed over into other systems. Ignore it long enough, and you might be looking at pricier repairs down the line. Plus, if you’re out on a road trip and suddenly can’t use cruise, it’s a pain. So, while this isn’t an emergency, don’t let it simmer forever. Parts that could get worse if you ignore this? The switch, connectors, wiring harness, or-though rarely-the ECM itself.
Repair steps for P0564 engine code
Here’s how I tackle a P0564 code, depending on what the diagnosis turns up:
- First, give the cruise control buttons and switch a good, thorough cleaning if they’re sticky or gunked up.
- Patch up or swap out any damaged wiring or connectors-especially if you spot corrosion or broken pins.
- If the switch is faulty or just worn out, drop in a new cruise control/multifunction switch.
- If your testing points to a bad clock spring, replace it (be ready to remove the steering wheel, though-take your time and mind the airbag).
- And if you’ve ruled out everything else and it comes down to the ECM, only then consider repair or replacement-leave this step for last since it’s pricey and more complex.
Most of the time, a good cleaning or a new switch does the job, but never skip checking the wiring and connectors. That’s where the gremlins like to hide.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, P0564 means your cruise control isn’t getting the right message from the switch or the wiring. It’s rarely a critical safety issue, but if you don’t get after it, you could be in for a bigger headache (and a bigger bill) down the road. My advice? Start with a thorough cleaning and a close look at the switch and connectors, then move on to the wiring. Only swap out the big-ticket items like the ECM if you’ve ruled everything else out. Stay on top of it, and you’ll be cruising smooth again before you know it.
