Code
C1223
Generic
C — Chassis
Lamp Brake Warning Output Circuit Failure
Views:
UK: 24
EN: 34
RU: 38
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Blown fuse or faulty relay for brake/stop lamp circuit
- Burned-out or intermittent brake/stop bulb(s)
- Open or shorted wiring between module and lamp (chafe, cut, pinched)
- Corroded or loose lamp socket or connector
- Poor ground at lamp or module
- Water intrusion in connector or lamp housing
Symptoms
- Brake warning lamp or indicator illuminated on dash
- Brake lights may be inoperative, dim, or intermittent
- Related ABS/traction or brake-system messages may appear
- Possible loss of trailer brake detection or incorrect warning
- Codes present after clearing or reoccurring intermittently
What to check
- Scan for stored and pending codes and view data/ freeze-frame
- Visually inspect rear lamp sockets, bulbs, harness and connectors
- Check fuses/relays for the brake lamp circuit
- Command/flash brake lamps with scan tool (if supported) while watching voltages
- Measure voltage at lamp socket with brake pedal pressed (expect ~battery voltage)
- Check continuity and resistance between module output and lamp socket
Signal parameters
- Output voltage: ~11–15 V (battery voltage) when lamp is commanded ON
- OFF state: near 0 V (or module open/high impedance) at output
- Lamp current (typical): ~0.5–3 A per filament depending on bulb type
- Continuity: low resistance path between module output and lamp (~
- Intermittent/erratic: fluctuating voltage or drop under load indicates high resistance connection or short
Diagnostic algorithm
- Read and record all stored/PID data for C1223. Note freeze-frame and whether lamp is commanded by a scan tool.
- Perform a visual inspection of bulbs, sockets, connectors, wiring and any aftermarket trailer/tow harness for damage or corrosion.
- Check relevant fuses and relays. Replace any blown fuses and retest.
- With a DVOM, measure voltage at the brake lamp socket while an assistant presses the brake pedal (or use scan-tool lamp command). Confirm ~battery voltage when ON and ~0 V when OFF.
- Measure continuity between module output pin and lamp socket pin with power removed. Repair any open or high-resistance sections found.
- Check ground integrity: measure voltage drop between lamp ground and battery negative while lamp is ON (should be very low). Clean/repair ground as needed.
- If voltage drops under load, measure current draw to detect short or overload. Isolate circuits (disconnect trailer harness, bulbs) to locate short.
- Wiggle-test connectors/wiring while observing output voltage or lamp operation to reproduce intermittent behavior.
- If wiring, bulbs, grounds, fuses and relays are good and wiring checks out, suspect output stage in ABS/BCM. Verify module outputs for other channels; consult manufacturer guidance before module replacement.
- After repairs, clear codes, re-scan, and perform a road or bench test to confirm fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Blown fuse or bulb(s)
- Corroded/loose connector at lamp or harness splice
- Open/short in harness (chafe or damaged insulation)
- High-resistance ground connection
- Faulty module output when wiring and bulbs check good
Fault status
Status
Brake lamp warning output circuit failure detected — open, short, intermittent or abnormal resistance in the brake lamp output circuit.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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