ABS / traction light on: Codes, Causes & Fixes
When the ABS or traction control light is on, the anti-lock and stability functions are usually disabled while normal braking still works – so allow extra stopping distance, especially on wet or icy roads. The most frequent causes are a wheel speed sensor, its wiring or a dirty or cracked tone ring, followed by low brake fluid and ABS module faults. If the red brake warning light is on as well, or the pedal feels soft, stop driving and have the brakes checked.
65Codes
3.0Average severity
12%High or critical
15%DIY-friendly
Severity distribution
Most viewed
C0035
Chassis
The ABS module lost a valid signal from the driver-side front wheel speed sensor.
Moderate
P0562
Powertrain
The engine computer sees too little supply voltage – usually a charging, battery or ground…
Moderate
U0073
Network
A module saw so many errors on CAN bus A that it shut off its own transmitter.
High
U0121
Network
Other modules stopped receiving data from the ABS module, so ABS and stability control are off.
Moderate
U0122
Network
Other modules lost contact with the stability control computer, so ESC and traction control…
Moderate
P0500
Powertrain
The engine computer lost its vehicle speed signal – speedometer, shifting and cruise control…
Moderate
All codes (55)
B1342
Ford · Body
A Ford module failed its own internal self-test. Which module stored it decides what gets fixed.
Moderate
B1676
Ford · Body
The ABS or another Ford module saw its supply voltage go too low or too high, and it shut its…
Moderate
C0020
Chassis
The ABS module saw a fault in the electric pump motor that builds brake pressure during ABS…
Moderate
C0021
Chassis
The brake module thinks the power brake booster isn't giving the assist it should. Check pedal…
High
C0035
Chassis
The ABS module lost a valid signal from the driver-side front wheel speed sensor.
Moderate
C0040
Chassis
The ABS module isn't getting a usable signal from the passenger-side front wheel speed sensor.
Moderate
C0045
Chassis
The ABS module lost a valid signal from the driver-side rear wheel speed sensor.
Moderate
C0050
Chassis
The ABS module can't trust the passenger-side rear wheel speed signal and has shut ABS off.
Moderate
C0055
Chassis
The ABS module lost the combined rear-axle speed signal used on many GM trucks, vans and SUVs.
Moderate
C0110
Chassis
The GM brake module (EBCM) found a fault in the ABS pump motor circuit and switched ABS off.
Moderate
C0121
Chassis
The GM brake module can't confirm power to the ABS solenoid valves through its valve relay.
Moderate
C0131
Chassis
The GM brake module sees an implausible or out-of-range signal from the brake pressure sensor.
Moderate
C0161
Chassis
The GM brake module gets a brake-light switch signal that doesn't make sense. Check your brake…
Moderate
C0265
Chevrolet · Chassis
The ABS module on many GM trucks found its built-in relay isn't delivering power, so ABS shuts…
Moderate
C0550
Chassis
A GM chassis module, most often the brake module (EBCM), failed its own internal self-check.
Moderate
C1130
Nissan · Chassis
The ABS/VDC unit isn't getting a valid engine signal from the ECM, so it switches stability…
Moderate
C1145
Ford · Chassis
Ford's ABS module found an open or short in the right front (passenger-side) wheel speed sensor…
Moderate
C1155
Ford · Chassis
Ford's ABS module saw the left front (driver-side) sensor circuit go open or shorted, often…
Moderate
C1165
Ford · Chassis
Ford's ABS module detected an open or short in the right rear wheel speed sensor wiring…
Moderate
C1175
Ford · Chassis
Electrical fault in the left rear sensor circuit, or in the single rear-axle sensor on some…
Moderate
C1185
Ford · Chassis
The ABS module's internal power relay isn't delivering voltage to the valves and pump, so ABS…
Moderate
C1223
Toyota · Chassis
The stability control side of the system has been told that ABS has a fault, so VSC and TRAC…
Moderate
C1233
Ford · Chassis
The left front sensor wiring checks out, but no speed pulses reached the ABS module while…
Moderate
C1234
Ford · Chassis
While driving, the right front speed signal dropped out or disagreed with the other wheels.
Moderate
C1252
Toyota · Chassis
The brake pressure pump ran far longer than normal without reaching or holding its target…
High
C1253
Toyota · Chassis
The brake ECU sees a pump motor relay or its monitor line not doing what it was told to do.
Moderate
C1256
Toyota · Chassis
The brake system's high-pressure accumulator is below its minimum, so power brake assist can't…
Critical
C1300
Toyota · Chassis
The ABS/VSC computer failed its own internal self-test and has shut down ABS and stability…
Moderate
C1391
Toyota · Chassis
The hybrid brake system is losing stored hydraulic pressure internally, so the pump keeps…
High
C1513
Kia · Chassis
The stability control module thinks the brake light switch is lying about whether you're…
Moderate