What it means
Cruise Control Increase Distance Signal: the control module has detected this fault condition. This affects cruise-control operation.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
How it works
The adaptive cruise-control increase-distance switch sends a command to increase the selected following gap. P056A sets when the control module detects a fault in that distance-increase signal, so the requested gap may not be recognized.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Cruise control distance-increase switch or stalk failed or stuck
- Open or short in switch wiring
- Loose or corroded connector
- Fault in the related control module
Symptoms
- Following-distance setting may not increase when commanded
- Adaptive cruise control may not work as expected
- Check-engine light may come on
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame data and scan for other adaptive-cruise codes to determine when the increase-distance signal fault appeared.
- Use scan-tool live data, if available, to check whether the selected following-distance status changes when the increase-distance switch is pressed.
- Inspect the distance-increase switch, its connector, and related wiring for sticking, looseness, corrosion, or damage.
- Test the switch and signal circuit for opens, shorts, or intermittent connections using the wiring diagram and manufacturer's procedure.
- If the switch and circuit pass, check the receiving control module input and its power and grounds.
Common fixes
- Reconnect or clean a loose or corroded distance-increase switch connector.
- Repair damaged or open wiring in the increase-distance signal circuit.
- Replace a failed adaptive cruise-control distance-increase switch or stalk.
- Repair the related control module or its connections if testing shows it is not recognizing a valid command.
Can I keep driving?
Do not rely on adaptive cruise control to increase the following gap while this fault is present; leave extra space and control speed manually. If adaptive cruise behaves unpredictably, switch it off.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.