🚨 Diagnostic Profile
Vehicle Make: Chrysler
Description: Cruise Control Brake Switch 2 Circuit fault. The control module has detected a signal irregularity on the secondary brake switch input used by the cruise control system. Confirm the exact DTC on the scan tool, since this fault is commonly associated with the Brake Switch B circuit code family (for example, P0572), and verify the code definition for the specific model year.
🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier
Tier: [Intermediate]
Diagnosis requires basic electrical circuit testing, a digital multimeter, and familiarity with brake-system adjacent components. Brake switch replacement itself is straightforward, but confirming wiring integrity and signal behavior requires intermediate skill.
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
- Verify the brake pedal feels normal and the brake lights function correctly at all pedal positions.
- Inspect the brake switch mounting bracket at the pedal assembly for looseness, misalignment, or damage: the switch is typically mounted on a bracket directly above the brake pedal arm, under the dash near the pedal pivot point, and is retained by a plastic clip or a quarter-turn bayonet mount depending on application.
- Check the switch connector for corrosion, bent pins, spread terminals, or moisture intrusion.
- Inspect the harness routing near the brake pedal and firewall for chafing, pinching, or heat damage.
- Check the fuse(s) and relay(s) associated with the brake lamp and cruise control circuits: on most Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram platforms, these circuits are fed from the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or Integrated Power Module (IPM), located in the engine bay power distribution center; consult the fuse box lid legend or service information for the exact cavity location for the specific model and year.
- Review freeze frame data and pending or history codes, noting whether the fault is intermittent or present with the key on.
Step 2: Diagnostic Verification
- Measure supply voltage at the switch connector with the key on: confirm battery reference voltage (approximately 12V) is present on the feed circuit, and confirm a solid chassis ground reference using a digital multimeter against a known good ground point.
- Measure circuit continuity and resistance from the switch to the control module, checking for opens, shorts to ground, or shorts to voltage: a properly functioning switch contact should read near-zero resistance (continuity) in one pedal position and open circuit (infinite resistance) in the other, with no unexpected continuity to chassis ground.
- Cycle the brake pedal while monitoring the brake switch signal on the scan tool to confirm the switch input changes state as expected, and confirm Brake Switch A and Brake Switch B circuits track together without disagreement.
- Compare live data against the service information specification for the specific Chrysler model and model year to confirm proper switch operation, referencing Mopar/Chrysler TechAuthority service documentation.
- Use a wiggle test on the harness and connector while monitoring for intermittent faults, paying particular attention to the connector locking tab and terminal retention.
- Confirm that a fault is not caused by a related brake light or pedal position concern before replacing any component, since many Chrysler platforms use a single dual-output switch that serves both the brake lamp circuit and the cruise control cancel/input circuits.
Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process
- Repair any damaged wiring, corroded terminals, or faulty connectors using approved repair procedures: use OEM-specified weatherproof, heat-shrink, solder-seal butt connectors or crimp-and-seal terminals rated for automotive harness repair; avoid simple twist-and-tape splices in this circuit.
- Replace the brake switch only if testing confirms a fault. Most Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram platforms use a combined dual-function brake pedal switch (serving both brake lamp and cruise control inputs); confirm the correct Mopar part number for the specific model and year using the vehicle’s VIN through a dealer parts lookup or service information system.
- Adjust the brake switch to the specified pedal height and free play if the switch was replaced or disturbed: Chrysler brake switches are typically self-adjusting ratchet-style plunger switches that set their position automatically when the pedal is fully depressed once after installation; verify full pedal travel confirms proper switch seating per service information.
- Clear all stored diagnostic trouble codes with the scan tool.
- Perform a road test that includes cruise control engagement, disengagement, and brake pedal application to confirm the fault does not return.
- Recheck for stored or pending codes after the road test and document the final results.
📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates
Required Components/Software:
- Brake switch assembly: Chrysler/Mopar dual-function brake pedal position switch, verified by VIN-specific parts lookup for the exact model and year
- Connector pigtail or repair kit, if required: Mopar harness repair connector kit or equivalent OEM-grade weatherproof connector kit
- Digital multimeter and back-probe leads
- Scan tool with live data and bi-directional capability: factory-level wiTECH diagnostic system (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram) or a full-function aftermarket scan tool with OEM-equivalent data stream access
- Service information and wiring diagrams for the specific model year: Mopar TechAuthority subscription or equivalent OEM service information portal
Average Component Price:
- Brake switch: approximately $25–$90 depending on model and OEM vs. aftermarket sourcing
- Connector or wiring repair materials: approximately $15–$45 for a quality repair kit
- Diagnostic software subscription, if applicable: wiTECH access typically runs approximately $50–$95 for a 24-hour pass or $250–$500 for a monthly subscription, depending on current Chrysler/FCA pricing tiers
Estimated Labor Hours:
- Diagnostic time (inspection and verification): 0.5–1.0 hour
- Brake switch replacement and adjustment: 0.3–0.6 hour (switch access and replacement is generally quick once the under-dash panel is removed)
- Wiring repair, if required: 0.5–1.5 hours depending on harness accessibility and extent of damage
- Verification road test and code clearing: 0.2–0.4 hour