Code
C0571
Generic
C — Chassis
Brake Pressure Sensor C Circuit Low
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Short to ground on the brake pressure sensor C signal circuit
- Open or high-resistance wiring or connector to the sensor
- Corroded or bent connector pins, poor pin contact
- Failed brake pressure sensor C (internal fault)
- Poor ground or low reference/supply voltage to the sensor
- Faulty ABS/ESC hydraulic control unit or control module (rare)
Symptoms
- ABS and/or traction control warning lamp illuminated
- Brake system warning lamp in some vehicles
- Possible reduced ABS/traction control functionality (limited braking control during ABS events)
- Diagnostic trouble code stored; drivability often unaffected in normal braking (unless module disables functions)
- Unusual behavior during ABS activation or valve operation
What to check
- Retrieve freeze-frame data and stored codes with a scan tool; note accompanying ABS/traction codes
- Visual inspection of sensor C wiring harness, connectors and ABS module connector for damage, corrosion or water ingress
- Check vehicle battery voltage and main fuses for ABS/ESC circuits
- Backprobe sensor connector with ignition ON to measure supply, signal and ground
- Wiggle test harness while monitoring live data for intermittent changes
- Inspect brake fluid area near sensor for leaks or contamination
Signal parameters
- Typical sensor topology: 3-wire pressure transducer — reference (usually +5V), signal (0.5–4.5V proportional to pressure), and ground
- Expected reference/supply at sensor with ignition ON: approx. 5.0 V (validate with vehicle-specific data)
- Signal output at rest: typically ~0.5–1.5 V; with increasing pressure signal rises toward ~4–4.5 V (vehicle-specific values vary)
- Circuit low indication: signal voltage near 0.0–0.2 V or significantly below expected idle value
- If signal reads battery voltage or >4.8 V, suspect short to battery or supply fault
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool and confirm C0571 and any related codes; record freeze-frame and live sensor data.
- Perform a visual inspection of the brake pressure sensor C connector and harness for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or moisture; repair as needed.
- With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (~5V), ground continuity, and measure signal voltage. Note readings at idle (no brake pressure).
- Apply brake pressure (carefully; have assistant press pedal or use a calibrated pressure source) while watching live signal: signal should rise smoothly. If signal remains low or stuck near 0 V, continue.
- If signal is low, disconnect the sensor and measure continuity from the signal wire to chassis ground. If continuity to ground is present, isolate and repair short in wiring. If no short, inspect connector for shorted pin to ground.
- If wiring checks OK, measure sensor resistance or compare signal behavior when sensor is bench-tested (if removable) or replace with known-good sensor per vehicle procedure.
- If a new/known-good sensor does not restore correct signal, inspect ABS/ESC module connector and module grounds; test module outputs and replace module only after verifying wiring and sensor are good.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test or ABS activation routine to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Short to ground in signal wiring or harness damage
- Failed brake pressure sensor C
- Corroded/poor connector or pin contact at the sensor
- Poor ground or blown sensor supply fuse
Fault status
Status
Brake Pressure Sensor C Circuit Low — signal voltage below expected range (possible short to ground, wiring/connector or sensor failure).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5 - 2.0 hours
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