C0617

Code

Generic C — Chassis

Park Brake Control Module Control Circuit Low

Brand: Generic

Type: C — Chassis

Views: UK: 26 EN: 31 RU: 24

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Page language: EN

Causes

Short to ground on the park brake control circuit
Open or high-resistance wiring or connector to the park brake module
Corroded or loose connector pins at the module, actuator, or chassis ground
Blown fuse or faulted relay supplying the module
Faulty parking brake actuator (internal short or shorted winding)
Defective park brake control module (internal driver failure)

Symptoms

Park brake warning lamp or message on instrument cluster
Inability to engage or release electronic parking brake
Parking brake stuck applied or not holding
Audible motor noise or no noise from actuator when commanded
Shift interlock or warning preventing normal gear selection
DTC present in module and possibly stored freeze-frame data

What to check

Scan vehicle and record freeze-frame, pending and related codes
Confirm battery voltage and charging system (11–14.5 V with engine running)
Inspect park brake module and actuator connectors for corrosion, water, bent pins or damage
Check relevant fuses and relays for continuity and correct rating
Backprobe module supply, ground and control pins while commanding the brake
Measure continuity and resistance between module, actuator and ground

Signal parameters

Module supply voltage (with ignition ON): typically 11–14.5 V
Control/driver output expected when active: approx. 0–12 V (varies by design); a persistent low
Low/logic signal level (if logic-level is used): ~0 V = low, ~5 V = high (manufacturer dependent)
Actuator current draw (typical motor range): can be 1–10 A depending on actuator — significantly higher than spec suggests short or mechanical bind
Resistance actuator coil (isolated): manufacturer-specific; open/infinite or very low shorted value indicates fault

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve and record all related codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool. Note conditions when fault set (key position, vehicle speed, temperature).
Verify battery voltage and good chassis/engine grounds. Recharge battery and ensure proper voltage before testing.
Visually inspect connectors, pins and wiring for the park brake module and actuator. Repair any corrosion or damaged pins.
Check fuses and relays supplying the park brake module; replace if faulty.
Backprobe the module: with ignition ON command the park brake ON/OFF via scan tool while measuring supply, ground and control output voltages. Compare to expected values.
If control output is low, disconnect the actuator and re-test the module output. If voltage returns to normal with actuator disconnected, suspect actuator or shorted wiring to actuator.
Measure continuity between the control circuit and ground to detect shorts. Also check resistance between module and actuator wiring for opens or low resistance shorts.
Use a clamp meter or multimeter to measure actuator current while commanding operation. Excessive current indicates mechanical binding or short in actuator.
Perform wiggle/drive-by tests to find intermittent wiring faults while monitoring live data or signal voltage.
If wiring and actuator test good and module outputs remain low or abnormal, consider replacing the park brake control module and reprogram if required by manufacturer.
After repair, clear codes, perform a full system relearn/calibration if required, and verify proper operation under all original fault conditions.

Likely causes

Short to ground in the control/actuator circuit
Bad ground or supply to the park brake module
Failed parking brake actuator drawing excessive current
Corrosion or poor connector contact at the module

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Control circuit low detected at the Park Brake Control Module — the module senses a lower-than-expected voltage on a control or supply circuit. This can inhibit proper parking brake operation and indicates an electrical short, poor connection, faulty actuator, or module fault.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 3.0 hours