P056C: Cruise Control Cancel Signal
The cancel signal (driver-initiated cruise off) reports an implausible state - stuck, missing, or shorted.
What P056C means
P056C is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the speed, idle & cruise group.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Stalk or brake switch contact stuckMost likely
Can I drive with P056C?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P056C
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P056C. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Cruise control stalk, Brake pedal switch) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Stalk or brake switch contact stuck. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P056C repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.
Parts and systems involved
- Cruise control stalk
- Brake pedal switch
P056C FAQ
What does P056C mean?
P056C means “Cruise Control Cancel Signal”. The cancel signal (driver-initiated cruise off) reports an implausible state - stuck, missing, or shorted.
Is P056C serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P056C as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P056C?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Stalk or brake switch contact stuck. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P056C?
Typical labor is about $40–$150 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P056C myself?
DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P056C clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.