OBD-II Code P0583 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P0583 means the cruise control vacuum solenoid circuit has a higher voltage than expected. This is the high-side companion to P0582. The engine control module commanded the vacuum solenoid off, but the circuit voltage remained too high. Cruise control is disabled as a result, but the vehicle runs and drives normally.

Affected Models

Vehicles 1996–2010 with vacuum-actuated cruise control
Common in older Ford vehicles
Common in older GM trucks and vans
Common in older Chrysler and Dodge models
Less common on vehicles with electronic throttle control

Common Causes

Short to voltage in the cruise control solenoid control wire
Failed cruise control vacuum solenoid staying energized when it should not be
Damaged wiring contacting a power source near the firewall or engine bay
Faulty relay in the cruise control circuit staying closed when it should open
Defective PCM output driver unable to pull the solenoid circuit low

How to Fix It

Check for any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle related to cruise control wiring. Some manufacturers issued free wiring harness repairs for known issues.

You can check for TSBs at the NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov) using your vehicle's VIN number for free.
Inspect the cruise control actuator wiring in the engine bay for signs of melted insulation, pinching, or contact with hot engine parts.

Engine heat can melt wire insulation over time, causing wires to touch surfaces they should not.
Disconnect the cruise control solenoid connector and measure voltage on the control wire with the ignition on. Normal reading when commanded off should be near zero volts.

If you read battery voltage (12V) on the solenoid control wire when it should be off, you have a short to power in the harness.
Check the cruise control relay if your vehicle has one. Pull the relay and inspect for corrosion. Swap it with an identical relay from another circuit to test.

Many vehicles use the same relay for multiple systems. Swapping is a free diagnostic step.
Repair any wiring shorts found, or replace the relay or solenoid as needed. Clear the code and verify cruise control engages and disengages properly.

After any electrical repair, test cruise control at a safe speed to confirm it sets speed, adjusts speed, and cancels correctly.

When to Call a Professional

A short-to-power wiring fault in the engine bay requires careful tracing. If you do not have a wiring diagram for your specific vehicle, professional diagnosis is recommended. A shop can pinpoint the fault in one to two hours. Expect $100 to $200 for diagnosis and repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cruise control stuck on dangerous?

P0583 does not mean cruise control is stuck on — it means the circuit voltage is too high. The system detects this fault and disables cruise control as a precaution. If you ever experience a situation where cruise control does not turn off when you press the brake, pull over safely and turn off the ignition.

Can a bad ground cause P0583?

Usually P0583 is a high-voltage code, meaning a short to power rather than a ground issue. Bad grounds are more commonly associated with low-voltage codes like P0582. However, some circuit designs can produce high-voltage readings from a failed ground — always test both possibilities.

How do I find a short to power in car wiring?

Start by disconnecting one component at a time and checking if the voltage drops. When the voltage drops, the last thing you disconnected is the source of the short. A wiring diagram for your specific vehicle is essential for this kind of diagnosis.