Cruise Control Not Working on Silverado (2007–2014): Causes & Easy Fix
Drashco
Your Silverado cruise control worked fine — and then one day it just stopped engaging. Or it works for 20 miles and then drops out for no reason.
Here's the good news: in most cases this is a $18–$25 brake light switch fix. I know because I've dealt with it on my own truck.
In this guide I'll walk you through the diagnosis for the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012–2014 Silverado — because the fix is slightly different depending on which generation you have. The GMC Sierra is covered too (same platform).
Let's dive right in.
In this guide, you'll learn:
Quick Diagnosis — Is It the Brake Switch?
Before diving into year-specific info, do this quick test. It takes 2 minutes and will confirm whether the brake switch is your culprit:
- Does the cruise control disengage when you hit a bump or tap the side of the brake pedal?
- Try this: while the cruise is engaged, slip your toe under the brake pedal and lift slightly. Does cruise stay engaged now? If yes — it's the brake switch.
- Press the set button, then kick the brake pedal a couple of times, then press set again. Does it engage? Intermittent behavior = brake switch.
- Check your brake lights. Have someone watch from behind while you lightly rest your foot on the pedal (without pressing). If brake lights come on — the switch is stuck or misadjusted.
If that test points to the brake switch, you're in luck. It's one of the easiest fixes on these trucks.
2007–2009 Silverado: Brake Switch Fix
The 2007, 2008, and 2009 Silverado (and identical GMC Sierra) share the same brake switch design. The switch is located on the brake pedal bracket, just above the pedal arm.
The most common failure on these years: the deactivation contacts inside the switch fuse together, keeping the cruise control in a permanently-cancelled state. Sometimes cleaning the contacts fixes it temporarily; replacement is the proper fix.
Part numbers for 2007–2009 Silverado:
- AC Delco: D1586H
- GM OEM: 15861245 or 25981009
- AC Delco alternative: D1539J
Cost: $18–$25. Time to replace: 10–15 minutes with a 10mm wrench and small screwdriver. No dealer required.
How to replace the brake switch on 2007–2009 Silverado:
- Kneel under the steering wheel (a headlamp helps a lot here)
- Locate the brake switch — it's the plastic unit with a connector, sitting right where the brake pedal arm meets the bracket
- Unplug the electrical connector
- Remove the 10mm bolt
- Slide the clip upward (it slides up, not out) to release
- Swap in the new switch in reverse order
- Press brake pedal down, pull the small lever on the switch all the way back, then release — this auto-adjusts the switch
2010–2013 Silverado: What's Different
The 2010–2013 Silverado uses an updated brake switch design. The diagnosis procedure is the same, but a few owners on these years report an additional issue: the cruise control fuse.
On the 2010–2013, check fuse #43 in the engine bay fuse block — labeled "Misc/IGN." A blown fuse can kill the cruise completely with no other symptoms. Check it before buying a switch.
The 2011 Silverado in particular has a known issue with the vehicle speed sensor causing intermittent cruise dropout. If you've replaced the brake switch and the problem continues, scan for any speed sensor codes (P0500, P0503).
2014 Silverado (K2XX Platform)
The 2014 Silverado moved to the new K2XX platform with an updated electrical architecture. Cruise control issues on the 2014 are less commonly brake-switch related and more often connected to:
- Adaptive cruise control module faults (if equipped)
- Software/calibration issues — a dealer reflash sometimes resolves intermittent dropout
- Steering column clock spring — if the buttons on the steering wheel feel inconsistent, the clock spring may be wearing
Still check the brake switch first — same location, same fix procedure. But if that's good, a dealer scan with full GM diagnostic software is the next step on the 2014.
Other Causes — When the Brake Switch Isn't the Problem
If you've replaced the brake switch and cruise still doesn't work, work through this checklist:
- Blown fuse — check the fuse box under the hood and inside the cab. No specific "cruise" fuse on most versions, but check the IGN fuses
- Rusty tail light socket — a corroded socket can cause the brake circuit to behave oddly. Clean and treat the sockets
- Vehicle speed sensor — if cruise cuts out only at certain speeds, or never reaches set speed, suspect the VSS
- Trailer brake connection — if you tow, a problem in the trailer brake wiring can interfere with cruise control
- Fault code P0573 — "Brake Switch Circuit A High" — pull codes with an OBD2 scanner. This code points directly to the brake switch circuit
- Steering wheel cruise buttons — rarely, but the wires running through the steering column can break from years of tilting. Wiggle the column and see if the issue changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the cruise control fuse on a 2008 Chevy Silverado?
There's no fuse specifically labeled "cruise control" on the 2008 Silverado. Check fuse block position 43 under the hood (labeled IGN/MISC) and inspect all fuses in the cab fuse block. A blown brake circuit fuse can also kill cruise.
Does the 2007 and 2009 Silverado have the same brake switch?
Yes — the 2007, 2008, and 2009 Silverado all use the same brake switch design. Part numbers are interchangeable across these years.
Can cruise control not working cause any other problems?
Yes. A faulty brake switch (the most common cause of cruise issues) can also prevent the vehicle from shifting out of Park, affect the transmission shift points, and trigger stored fault codes.
My 2011 Silverado cruise drops out on the highway — is it the brake switch?
The brake switch is still the first thing to check. But on 2010–2013 models, also check for a vehicle speed sensor issue — code P0503 is the telltale. Intermittent highway dropout that clears itself often points to VSS rather than the brake switch.
