P0593 on 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler: Speed Control Switch Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2016 Jeep WRANGLER

On the Jeep Wrangler JK platform (2007-2018), the steering wheel controls and their wiring are known weak points. The issue is so common that Jeep issued an extended warranty (X68) for the clockspring 🎬 Watch: Understanding the X68 clockspring extended warranty details. on 2011-2016 models, which is the component that carries signals from the steering wheel to the vehicle's computer. This warranty extension covers clockspring replacement for 15 years with unlimited miles if certain DTCs, including P0593, are present. The failure is often exacerbated by the Wrangler's open-air design, which allows dust and debris to enter the steering column and accelerate wear on the clockspring's internal ribbon cable.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Cruise control is inoperative or will not engage.
• Cruise control indicator light on the dash may not turn on.
• Check Engine Light is illuminated.
• May need to press the cruise control button repeatedly for it to engage.
• Other steering wheel-mounted controls (horn, radio buttons, EVIC controls) may work intermittently or not at all.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Cruise Control Switch 🔴 High Probability → Shop Cruise Control Switch The switches are a known failure point. Internal contacts wear out or get contaminated from spills or dust. Some owners report the adhesive on the internal circuit board can degrade, causing the contacts to stick and send a constant signal.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to monitor the switch's status in live data while pressing the buttons. If the status doesn't change, the switch is likely bad. Alternatively, test the switch's resistance with a multimeter after removing it from the steering wheel. A DIY replacement is shown in detail in YouTube videos.
   Typical fix: Replace the cruise control switch assembly on the steering wheel.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Failing Clockspring 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Air Bag Clockspring The clockspring contains a flexible ribbon cable that allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining electrical connections. This cable can break from repeated use, causing an open or shorted circuit. Jeep has an extended warranty (X68) for this part on 2011-2016 Wranglers due to high failure rates, often linked to dust intrusion.
   How to confirm: If other steering wheel controls (like the horn or radio buttons) also work intermittently, the clockspring is the prime suspect. A scan tool may show other related codes like U1109 (Lost Communication With Lin Steering Wheel Controls), which strongly points to the clockspring. Continuity tests across the clockspring's pins can confirm a break.
   Typical fix: Replace the clockspring. This requires removing the steering wheel and airbag, so safety precautions are critical. Owners should contact a Jeep dealer with their VIN to check for X68 warranty coverage before attempting a DIY repair.
   Est. part cost: $200-$550
3. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability While less common than switch or clockspring failure, wires can become chafed in the steering column or connectors can become loose or corroded, especially at the back of the clockspring or switch.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors between the switch, clockspring, and steering column for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the faulty connector.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Fault: → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare. The PCM is the last component to suspect after all other possibilities (switch, clockspring, wiring) have been thoroughly tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0593 is present. Check for any other related codes like P0581, P0591, U1109, or any airbag codes (B1Bxx).
2. Check Warranty First: Contact a Jeep dealership with your vehicle's VIN or check on the Mopar website to see if the X68 Clockspring Warranty Extension is active for your vehicle. If so, and related codes are present, the diagnosis and repair may be free.
3. Use the scanner's live data function to observe the voltage or state of the cruise control switches. Press each button and see if the PCM registers the change. If the 'Switch #2' signal is stuck 'High' or doesn't change, you've narrowed down the problem area.
4. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait at least 15 minutes for the airbag system to discharge before working on the steering wheel.
5. Access the cruise control switch. This requires removing the airbag module (often held by two 10mm bolts from behind the steering wheel on 2011+ models) and then the steering wheel bezel.
6. Visually inspect the switch's connector for corrosion or damage. If it looks good, disconnect it.
7. Test the switch itself using a multimeter set to resistance (Ohms), following the procedure in a service manual or DIY video. If the switch fails the test, it needs to be replaced.
8. If the switch tests good, the next likely culprit is the clockspring. Test for continuity on the appropriate pins through the clockspring. A lack of continuity indicates a broken internal wire. Many DIY guides on forums like JK-Forum.com provide detailed walkthroughs.
9. If both the switch and clockspring test good, inspect the wiring harness from the steering column back to the PCM for shorts to power.
10. After replacing any parts, reconnect the battery, clear the codes, and perform a road test to verify the cruise control now functions correctly.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Cruise Control Switch (OEM #56046255AD (replaces 56046255AC)) — This is a frequent cause of the P0593 code. The internal contacts of the switch wear out or stick, causing a permanent high voltage signal.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products, Duralast
  OEM price range: $130-$210
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$75
• Clockspring (OEM #5156106AF (superseded by 5156106AG)) — The second most common failure, and often the root cause even when only cruise control fails. The internal ribbon cable breaks, severing the connection for the cruise control switches. This part is covered by an extended warranty (X68) for many 2011-2016 Wranglers.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Crown Automotive, AccuPart
  OEM price range: $380-$550
  Aftermarket price range: $80-$250

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0581 — Speed Control Multiplexed Switch #1 High - This is a fault in the other primary cruise control switch circuit, pointing to the same group of components.
• P0591 — Speed Control Multiplexed Switch #2 Performance - This indicates an erratic signal from the same switch, rather than a constant high signal.
• U1109 — Lost Communication With Lin Steering Wheel Controls - This network code strongly indicates a problem with the clockspring or its connections, as it means the main computer is losing all data from the steering wheel control module.
• B1B02 — Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Open - This and other airbag codes are frequently seen with a failing clockspring, as the airbag circuits also run through it. The presence of airbag codes alongside P0593 makes the clockspring the primary suspect.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 08-005-17 REV. A: Mentions P0593 - Speed Control Multiplexed Switch #2 High as part of a group of related steering wheel control codes that point to a faulty clockspring eligible for replacement under warranty extension X68.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Jeep issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #08-005-17 REV. A, which explicitly lists P0593 as a potential code related to a faulty clockspring. This TSB outlines the diagnostic procedure for the X68 warranty extension.
• Chrysler's warranty extension X68 extends the warranty on the clockspring to 15 years/unlimited miles for many 2011-2016 Wranglers. This is due to a high rate of failure that can affect the cruise control, horn, and airbag systems. Owners should check with a dealer, as a diagnosis and replacement may be performed free of charge if the clockspring is found to be the cause. Be aware that dealers will charge a diagnostic fee if the clockspring is not the faulty component.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Cruise Control Switch Resistance (Test 1) — expected: Test across pins 13 & 14. No button: ~20.7k Ω. On/Off: ~464 Ω. Cancel: ~896 Ω. Set (-): ~4.0k Ω. Resume (+): ~748 Ω.. Failure: Readings are open (OL), zero, or significantly outside the expected resistance for a given button press.
• Cruise Control Switch Resistance (Test 2) — expected: Test across pins 14 & 15. No button: ~20.6k Ω. On/Off: ~133 Ω. Cancel: ~457 Ω. Set (-): ~2.4k Ω. Resume (+): ~4.0k Ω.. Failure: Readings are open (OL), zero, or significantly outside the expected resistance for a given button press.
• Voltage at Clockspring Connector (Key On) — expected: Approximately 4.9-5.0 Volts DC on the two signal wires feeding the cruise control switch.. Failure: No voltage indicates a problem upstream towards the PCM. Correct voltage here, but no signal on the return wire when buttons are pressed, points to a bad switch or clockspring.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: Live Data / Data Display for Steering Wheel Controls — This is the primary professional diagnostic step before disassembly. The technician can view the status of each cruise control button (e.g., On/Off, Set, Resume, Cancel) as seen by the PCM. If pressing a button does not change the status, or the status is stuck 'High' or 'Invalid', it confirms a fault in the switch, clockspring, or wiring.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Clockspring Connector (Vehicle Side) — The main connector that plugs into the back of the clockspring assembly, accessible after removing the steering column shrouds.. This is the central point for testing. The two cruise control signal wires (often violet/orange and orange/violet) can be tested here for the 5V reference from the PCM. Testing for continuity from this connector through the clockspring to the switch connector is the definitive test to isolate a bad clockspring.
• Cruise Control Switch Connector — A small multi-pin connector on the back of the cruise control switch pod, inside the steering wheel.. This is where the switch can be disconnected to be tested for resistance. The pins are often numbered (e.g., 1-15) to facilitate testing.
• G201 / G203 — Factory ground points located under the kick panel in the passenger footwell, near the door connector.. While the switch has a dedicated return/ground wire in the harness, a poor chassis ground for the entire dash assembly or related modules can cause floating voltages and erratic electrical behavior. These are known, solid grounding points for any diagnostic reference or for adding accessories.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Bullshitkorner' (2014 Jeep Wrangler JKU) — Cruise control not working. Initially no codes, but after replacing the switch, codes P0581, P0579, and P0591 appeared.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the cruise control switch as a first step ('parts cannon' approach).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner performed a proper diagnosis. He confirmed 4.99V was present on the signal wires going *to* the clockspring connector. He then tested for a signal coming *through* the clockspring and found nothing. This isolated the failure to the clockspring itself, which he then replaced to fix the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5156106AE → 5156106AF, which was then superseded by 5156106AG. — Not officially stated, but supersessions typically indicate revisions to improve reliability or address known failure modes.
  Heads up: The latest part number (5156106AG) is considered the correct and most reliable replacement for the 2011-2018 JK Wrangler.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2011-2018: The 2011 model year introduced a completely redesigned interior to the JK Wrangler, including a new steering wheel and control layout. This design, and its associated components like the clockspring (5156106A-series) and cruise switches, remained largely consistent through the end of the JK generation in 2018. Therefore, this P0593 issue is most relevant to the 2011+ models with the updated interior.