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OBD-II Chassis C – Codes

This reference table provides a comprehensive list of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II Chassis C – Codes related to vehicle ABS, traction control, wheel speed sensors, suspension systems, and other electronic control modules. These codes help technicians identify malfunctions in various circuits, sensors, and control systems, ensuring accurate diagnostics and efficient repairs.

The table includes:

    • DTC Codes (e.g., C0035, C0221)
    • Descriptions of each fault (e.g., “Left Front Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction”)

ABS, Traction Control & Suspension DTCs with Severity & Causes

Severity Guide

  • 🔴 Critical – Immediate safety risk (e.g., brake failure, loss of stability control).
  • 🟠 High – System malfunction (e.g., ABS disabled, wheel speed errors).
  • 🟡 Moderate – Performance issue (e.g., sensor faults, minor electrical problems).
  • 🔵 Low – Non-critical (e.g., warning lamp circuit, minor communication errors).

📚 C – Generic OBD-II Chassis Codes

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Reference Table

(Color Key: 🔴 Critical | 🟠 High | 🟡 Medium | 🔵 Low)

DTC Code Severity Description Possible Causes
C0000 🔴 Critical Vehicle Speed Information Circuit Malfunction Faulty speed sensor, wiring issue, PCM communication error
C0035 🟠 High Left Front Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction Damaged sensor, broken wiring, poor connection
C0040 🟠 High Right Front Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction Sensor failure, corroded connector, ABS module fault
C0041 🟡 Medium Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Range/Performance Misaligned sensor, damaged tone ring, erratic signal
C0045 🟠 High Left Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction Sensor/wiring fault, ABS module issue
C0050 🟠 High Right Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction Short/open circuit, faulty sensor
C0110 🔴 Critical Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction Pump motor failure, relay/wiring issue
C0121 🟠 High Valve Relay Circuit Malfunction Stuck relay, wiring short, ABS module fault
C0128 🔴 Critical Low Brake Fluid Circuit Low brake fluid, faulty level sensor
C0221 🟠 High Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Open Broken wire, disconnected sensor
C0223 🟡 Medium Right Front Wheel Speed Signal Erratic Dirty sensor, damaged tone ring
C0238 🟠 High Wheel Speed Mismatch Uneven tire sizes, ABS module fault
C0267 🔴 Critical Pump Motor Circuit Open/Shorted Burnt motor, wiring damage
C0271 🔴 Critical EBCM Malfunction Internal ABS module failure
C0290 🔴 Critical Lost Communications With PCM CAN bus fault, wiring issue, PCM failure
C0298 🟠 High Powertrain Indicated Traction Control Malfunction PCM/ABS conflict, sensor issue
C0550 🟠 High ECU Internal Write/Checksum Malfunction Software corruption, ECU failure
C0750 🟡 Medium Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) Sensor Not Transmitting Dead sensor battery, signal interference
C0800 🟠 High Device Power #1 Circuit Malfunction Blown fuse, wiring short, module failure
C0896 🟠 High ESC Voltage Out of Range (9-15.5V) Alternator fault, voltage regulator issue

Severity Color Guide

    • 🔴 Critical: Immediate safety risk (e.g., ABS/pump failure, no speed data).
    • 🟠 High: Major system dysfunction (e.g., wheel speed loss, TCS disabled).
    • 🟡 Medium: Reduced performance (e.g., erratic signals, minor electrical faults).
    • 🔵 Low: Non-safety related (e.g., warning light circuit issues).

Notes

    • Critical/High codes should be addressed immediately.
    • Medium codes may trigger limp mode or warnings.
    • Low codes often relate to secondary systems (e.g., dashboard lights).

📚 GM – Chevrolet – GMC Chassis Codes

DTC Severity Description Possible Causes
C1211 🟠 High ABS Indicator Lamp Circuit Malfunction Blown fuse, wiring short/open, faulty ABS module
C1214 🔴 Critical System Relay Contact/Coil Circuit Open Failed relay, wiring break, poor connection
C1217 🔴 Critical Pump Motor Shorted to Ground Damaged pump motor, wiring short, faulty EBCM
C1218 🔴 Critical Pump Motor Shorted to Voltage/Ground Open Wiring short to power, open ground, faulty pump
C1221 🟠 High LF Wheel Speed Sensor = 0 Failed sensor, wiring break, poor connection, tone ring damage
C1222 🟠 High RF Wheel Speed Sensor = 0 Failed sensor, wiring break, poor connection, tone ring damage
C1225 🟠 High LF Excessive Wheel Speed Variation Damaged tone ring, bad wheel bearing, sensor alignment
C1232 🟠 High LF Wheel Speed Circuit Open/Shorted Wiring damage, corroded connector, faulty sensor
C1236 🟠 High Low System Voltage Weak battery, charging system fault, poor grounds
C1237 🟠 High High System Voltage Faulty alternator, voltage regulator issue
C1242 🔴 Critical Pump Motor Circuit Open Blown fuse, wiring break, failed pump motor
C1243 🔴 Critical BPMV Pump Motor Stalled Mechanical seizure, electrical fault, low voltage
C1255 🔴 Critical EBCM Internal Malfunction Module failure, water damage, internal short
C1261 🟠 High LF Inlet Valve Solenoid Fault Stuck valve, wiring issue, solenoid failure
C1276 🟠 High Delivered Torque Signal Fault CAN bus issue, PCM communication error
C1281 🟠 High VSES Sensors Uncorrelated Yaw rate sensor fault, steering angle sensor issue
C1282 🟠 High Yaw Rate Sensor Bias Fault Sensor calibration needed, internal failure
C1291 🟠 High Brake Lamp Switch Open During Decel Faulty switch, wiring issue, adjustment needed
C1296 🟠 High Brake Pressure Sensor Fault Failed sensor, wiring issue, hydraulic problem
C1710 🟠 High LF Damper Short to Battery Wiring short, actuator failure, control module issue
C1760 🟡 Moderate LF Position Sensor Fault Sensor failure, wiring issue, calibration needed
C1780 🟠 High Loss of Steering Position Signal Sensor failure, wiring break, clock spring issue

Key Columns Explained

    1. DTC Code – The diagnostic trouble code number
    2. Severity – Color-coded priority level
    3. Description – What the code indicates
    4. Possible Causes – Most common root causes

How to Use This Table

    1. 🔴 Critical Codes – Address immediately (e.g., pump motor failure, EBCM faults).
    2. 🟠 High Priority – Diagnose ASAP (e.g., wheel speed sensor loss, valve solenoid issues).
    3. 🟡 Moderate – Schedule repair (e.g., sensor calibration, minor electrical faults).
    4. 🔵 Low – Monitor (e.g., warning lamp circuits, non-critical comm errors).

Typical Repair Approach

    1. Check wiring/connectors (50% of issues are connection-related)
    2. Verify sensor operation (Test resistance/signal output)
    3. Inspect mechanical components (Tone rings, wheel bearings)
    4. Module diagnostics (Scan tool live data, module programming)

(Note: Causes may vary by vehicle make/model – always consult service manual for specific applications)

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