diagnose code C0161
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
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diagnose code C0161
Service active handling light is on. On Star gave me fault code 0161. I've searched the exact cause for this specific code but only found it has something to do with the braking system.
Does anyone have any additional info before I visit my dealer?
Thanks
Does anyone have any additional info before I visit my dealer?
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
C0161 - ABS/TCS Brake Switch Circuit Malfunction
You may have a brake switch issue such as defective or out of adjustment, or the circuit may have high resistance or be shorted.
You may have a brake switch issue such as defective or out of adjustment, or the circuit may have high resistance or be shorted.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,032
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Here is the diagnostic procedure for that code:
DTC C0161 00:Antilock Brake System (ABS) Brake Switch/Sensor Circuit not Plausible.
Circuit/System Description
The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is an input to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then sends a serial data message to the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and other electronic control modules. The BPP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The instrument panel module (IPM) supplies the 5-volt reference to the BPP.
Conditions for Running the DTC
• The ignition is ON.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
• The ignition voltage is greater than 9.5 volts.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
• The brake pedal is sensed as applied.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The vehicles acceleration exceeds 8 km/h per second (5 mph per second).
• Brake pedal is not applied.
• Master cylinder pressure is greater than 150 psi.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 24 km/h (14 mph).
• The vehicles deceleration exceeds 11.5 km/h per second (7 mph per second).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The ABS/TCS/ESC remains functional.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
• The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
• The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
The DTC C0161 00 can be set if the vehicle has been driven with the brake applied during acceleration.
Circuit/System Verification
With the ignition ON, use a scan tool to display DTCs for the BCM.
⇒If DTC C0277 or C0278 are present, go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.
⇒If no DTCs are present, go to Diagnostic Aids.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
Bill
DTC C0161 00:Antilock Brake System (ABS) Brake Switch/Sensor Circuit not Plausible.
Circuit/System Description
The brake pedal position (BPP) sensor is an input to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then sends a serial data message to the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and other electronic control modules. The BPP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The instrument panel module (IPM) supplies the 5-volt reference to the BPP.
Conditions for Running the DTC
• The ignition is ON.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 16 km/h (10 mph).
• The ignition voltage is greater than 9.5 volts.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
• The brake pedal is sensed as applied.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The vehicles acceleration exceeds 8 km/h per second (5 mph per second).
• Brake pedal is not applied.
• Master cylinder pressure is greater than 150 psi.
• The vehicle speed is greater than 24 km/h (14 mph).
• The vehicles deceleration exceeds 11.5 km/h per second (7 mph per second).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The ABS/TCS/ESC remains functional.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
• The condition for the DTC is no longer present and the DTC is cleared with a scan tool.
• The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.
Diagnostic Aids
The DTC C0161 00 can be set if the vehicle has been driven with the brake applied during acceleration.
Circuit/System Verification
With the ignition ON, use a scan tool to display DTCs for the BCM.
⇒If DTC C0277 or C0278 are present, go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle.
⇒If no DTCs are present, go to Diagnostic Aids.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
Bill
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Now,....what is a BCM? Car is an 2008 so out of warranty (I assume). I will call dealer (they fixed a couple things at no charge and seem ok) with the code. Is this "BCM" going to cost $$$?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 248
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Finally went to my Dealer Service Dept!!
Told them of issue.
Dropped off car
Went to work
Got call a couple hours later........
".... we cleared codes but found nothing wrong! You probably hit the gas and brake at same time, which can throw the code...........
You're ALL SET!"
............... picked up car and drove out of dealership. DTC back on in 30 seconds. Nice.
Ya know, I should have been tipped off when I over heard service manager tell some poor old vette guy that "I'm Old School! Oil is Oil! It's all the same stuff!" God luv 'em
Dropped off car
Went to work
Got call a couple hours later........
".... we cleared codes but found nothing wrong! You probably hit the gas and brake at same time, which can throw the code...........
You're ALL SET!"
............... picked up car and drove out of dealership. DTC back on in 30 seconds. Nice.
Ya know, I should have been tipped off when I over heard service manager tell some poor old vette guy that "I'm Old School! Oil is Oil! It's all the same stuff!" God luv 'em
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
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Latest development is my brake lights stay on. Sounds like the body control module or that brake pedal position sensor.
I called my dealer once again and mentioned these two things. Also asked what diagnostic procedure they used. Apparently they believe that erasing a code will solve the issue.
In any event, back I go. They are the only game in town.........
I called my dealer once again and mentioned these two things. Also asked what diagnostic procedure they used. Apparently they believe that erasing a code will solve the issue.
In any event, back I go. They are the only game in town.........
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Buena park ca
Mine getting fixed right now it's the abs wires sumthin to do with high low voltage brake switch wires 2007 corvette z06 causes your brake lights to stay on too and if u drive a automatic u can't get it out of park it's very common from what my guy said takes time to fix couple of hours