Bob's Mechanical Repairs

Ford P0571

Bob's Mechanical Repairs — independent family-run garage in Birnam, Dunkeld, Perthshire. Call 01350 727 276 or email [email protected].

Get a free quote

Brake switch A circuit on Ford — cruise/start-stop drops and brake-light fault from the dual-stage brake switch on Focus/Fiesta/Mondeo.

Ford P0571 — Brake switch A circuit on Ford — cruise/start-stop drops and brake-light fault from the dual-stage brake switch on Focus/Fiesta/Mondeo. Typical UK independent garage cost: £25–£90.

What actually causes P0571 on a Ford

Ford's redundant brake switch fails on one of its two channels — cruise drops out, start-stop disables, sometimes the engine refuses to start (foot-on-brake check fails). £18 switch, 10-minute fit.

Ford engines that log P0571

  • Focus Mk3/Mk4
  • Fiesta Mk7/Mk8
  • Mondeo Mk4/Mk5
  • Kuga Mk1/Mk2

How we diagnose P0571 on a Ford

  1. Pull P0571 / P0703 / P0504 codes
  2. Operate brake pedal and watch both channels in live data
  3. Replace dual-stage switch — adjust per Ford procedure
  4. Clear codes and confirm cruise re-engages

The common misdiagnosis to avoid

Genuinely cheap fix that is often quoted as a £400+ pedal box job by uninformed garages. Always start with the switch.

Ford P0571 repair cost in the UK

Expect £25–£90 including parts and labour at an independent garage. Main-dealer quotes on Ford are usually higher for the same job, and the spread exists because the cheap cause and the expensive cause throw the same code — pay for the diagnosis before you pay for parts.

Bob's workshop tip

Ford P0571 = brake switch, full stop. Carry one in the van — you'll fit one a week.

Codes usually seen alongside P0571 on Ford

  • P0504
  • P0703

Symptoms drivers report with P0571

  • Cruise control flat-out refuses to engage on the motorway.
  • The 'ESP' or Traction Control warning light stays on the dash.
  • Brake lights are either stuck on permanently or won't light up at all.
  • Automatic gearbox won't let you shift out of 'Park' without a fight.
  • Engine feels like it's 'cutting out' or hesitant when you're just cruising.

Repairs that clear P0571

  • Brake switch replacement

For the generic, all-makes explanation of this code — meaning, every known cause and UK cost bands — see our P0571 guide.

Loading the full page…