Home / DTC / C1238 — ABS Hydraulic Pressure Differential Switch Input Circuit Failure

C1238 — ABS Hydraulic Pressure Differential Switch Input Circuit Failure

Detailed page for trouble code C1238.

34,405codes
59brands
11,914generic
22,491specific
Reset
Code

C1238

Generic C — Chassis

ABS Hydraulic Pressure Differential Switch Input Circuit Failure

Brand: Generic
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open, short or high resistance in the switch wiring harness
  • Corroded, loose or contaminated connector at the switch or ABS module
  • Failed hydraulic pressure differential switch (internal contact failure)
  • Faulty ABS control module input or wiring to module
  • Water intrusion or physical damage to harness/connector
  • Related blown fuse, relay or poor ground

Symptoms

  • ABS warning lamp ON (may be accompanied by traction control/Stability light)
  • ABS system disabled — loss of ABS/traction control functionality
  • Possible illuminated brake warning lamp
  • Noisy or continuous ABS pump operation in some cases
  • Possible changes in brake pedal feel or ABS intervention not occurring

What to check

  • Read and record ABS codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool
  • Visually inspect switch connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out or water intrusion
  • Wiggle test wiring while monitoring live data or scan tool for circuit changes
  • Check for proper power (fused), ground, and reference voltage at the switch connector with key ON
  • Measure signal voltage or continuity between switch and ABS module connector
  • Check fuses/relays related to ABS module and pump

Signal parameters

  • Reference voltage typically 5 V (varies by manufacturer) present at the switch with ignition ON
  • Switch output: near 0 V (ground) when closed or providing continuity to ground; near reference voltage (≈4.5–5 V) when open — consult vehicle-specific data
  • Open-circuit resistance: effectively infinite (no continuity) when switch open; closed-circuit resistance: typically
  • Intermittent switching when pressure differential threshold is crossed — live-data should toggle state when system pressure changes

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a capable ABS scan tool, record C1238 and any other ABS or powertrain codes, and note freeze frame/live data.
  2. Visually inspect the hydraulic pressure differential switch, harness, and connector for corrosion, damage, or fluid exposure. Repair visible damage.
  3. With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the switch connector: verify reference voltage, signal voltage, and ground presence according to vehicle data.
  4. Wiggle the wiring harness and connector while watching live data or meter for intermittent faults. Repair or secure any failing wiring.
  5. Check continuity between the switch signal/ground pins and the ABS module connector. Repair any open/shorts. Typical continuity to ground when switch closed, open when switch open.
  6. If wiring and connectors are good, bench-test or replace the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Re-test after replacement.
  7. If replacement switch and repaired wiring do not clear the code, test/inspect the ABS module power, grounds, and CAN communication. Substitute or repair module only after eliminating wiring/switch issues.
  8. Clear codes, perform road test or pressure-actuation test to verify correct switch operation and ensure code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Damaged or corroded connector at the differential pressure switch
  • Open or shorted signal or ground circuit between switch and ABS module
  • Failed pressure differential switch
  • Short to battery or chassis ground in harness near switch

Fault status

⚠️ Status
ABS control module detected a failure in the input circuit for the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Check wiring, connector, and switch; replace parts as needed and verify system operation.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 2.5 hours

Similar codes

9,609

The library contains 9,609 repair and diagnostic manuals. Choose a brand to open the full manual tree by year, model and trim.

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email
Code

C1238

HUMMER C — Chassis

Brake Thermal Model Exceeded

Brand: HUMMER
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open, short or high resistance in the switch wiring harness
  • Corroded, loose or contaminated connector at the switch or ABS module
  • Failed hydraulic pressure differential switch (internal contact failure)
  • Faulty ABS control module input or wiring to module
  • Water intrusion or physical damage to harness/connector
  • Related blown fuse, relay or poor ground

Symptoms

  • ABS warning lamp ON (may be accompanied by traction control/Stability light)
  • ABS system disabled — loss of ABS/traction control functionality
  • Possible illuminated brake warning lamp
  • Noisy or continuous ABS pump operation in some cases
  • Possible changes in brake pedal feel or ABS intervention not occurring

What to check

  • Read and record ABS codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool
  • Visually inspect switch connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out or water intrusion
  • Wiggle test wiring while monitoring live data or scan tool for circuit changes
  • Check for proper power (fused), ground, and reference voltage at the switch connector with key ON
  • Measure signal voltage or continuity between switch and ABS module connector
  • Check fuses/relays related to ABS module and pump

Signal parameters

  • Reference voltage typically 5 V (varies by manufacturer) present at the switch with ignition ON
  • Switch output: near 0 V (ground) when closed or providing continuity to ground; near reference voltage (≈4.5–5 V) when open — consult vehicle-specific data
  • Open-circuit resistance: effectively infinite (no continuity) when switch open; closed-circuit resistance: typically
  • Intermittent switching when pressure differential threshold is crossed — live-data should toggle state when system pressure changes

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a capable ABS scan tool, record C1238 and any other ABS or powertrain codes, and note freeze frame/live data.
  2. Visually inspect the hydraulic pressure differential switch, harness, and connector for corrosion, damage, or fluid exposure. Repair visible damage.
  3. With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the switch connector: verify reference voltage, signal voltage, and ground presence according to vehicle data.
  4. Wiggle the wiring harness and connector while watching live data or meter for intermittent faults. Repair or secure any failing wiring.
  5. Check continuity between the switch signal/ground pins and the ABS module connector. Repair any open/shorts. Typical continuity to ground when switch closed, open when switch open.
  6. If wiring and connectors are good, bench-test or replace the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Re-test after replacement.
  7. If replacement switch and repaired wiring do not clear the code, test/inspect the ABS module power, grounds, and CAN communication. Substitute or repair module only after eliminating wiring/switch issues.
  8. Clear codes, perform road test or pressure-actuation test to verify correct switch operation and ensure code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Damaged or corroded connector at the differential pressure switch
  • Open or shorted signal or ground circuit between switch and ABS module
  • Failed pressure differential switch
  • Short to battery or chassis ground in harness near switch

Fault status

⚠️ Status
ABS control module detected a failure in the input circuit for the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Check wiring, connector, and switch; replace parts as needed and verify system operation.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 2.5 hours

Similar codes

Repair manuals

Manual library for HUMMER

138

Browse 138 HUMMER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

HUMMER

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email
Code

C1238

HYUNDAI C — Chassis

Front Height Sensor High

Brand: HYUNDAI
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open, short or high resistance in the switch wiring harness
  • Corroded, loose or contaminated connector at the switch or ABS module
  • Failed hydraulic pressure differential switch (internal contact failure)
  • Faulty ABS control module input or wiring to module
  • Water intrusion or physical damage to harness/connector
  • Related blown fuse, relay or poor ground

Symptoms

  • ABS warning lamp ON (may be accompanied by traction control/Stability light)
  • ABS system disabled — loss of ABS/traction control functionality
  • Possible illuminated brake warning lamp
  • Noisy or continuous ABS pump operation in some cases
  • Possible changes in brake pedal feel or ABS intervention not occurring

What to check

  • Read and record ABS codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool
  • Visually inspect switch connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out or water intrusion
  • Wiggle test wiring while monitoring live data or scan tool for circuit changes
  • Check for proper power (fused), ground, and reference voltage at the switch connector with key ON
  • Measure signal voltage or continuity between switch and ABS module connector
  • Check fuses/relays related to ABS module and pump

Signal parameters

  • Reference voltage typically 5 V (varies by manufacturer) present at the switch with ignition ON
  • Switch output: near 0 V (ground) when closed or providing continuity to ground; near reference voltage (≈4.5–5 V) when open — consult vehicle-specific data
  • Open-circuit resistance: effectively infinite (no continuity) when switch open; closed-circuit resistance: typically
  • Intermittent switching when pressure differential threshold is crossed — live-data should toggle state when system pressure changes

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a capable ABS scan tool, record C1238 and any other ABS or powertrain codes, and note freeze frame/live data.
  2. Visually inspect the hydraulic pressure differential switch, harness, and connector for corrosion, damage, or fluid exposure. Repair visible damage.
  3. With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the switch connector: verify reference voltage, signal voltage, and ground presence according to vehicle data.
  4. Wiggle the wiring harness and connector while watching live data or meter for intermittent faults. Repair or secure any failing wiring.
  5. Check continuity between the switch signal/ground pins and the ABS module connector. Repair any open/shorts. Typical continuity to ground when switch closed, open when switch open.
  6. If wiring and connectors are good, bench-test or replace the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Re-test after replacement.
  7. If replacement switch and repaired wiring do not clear the code, test/inspect the ABS module power, grounds, and CAN communication. Substitute or repair module only after eliminating wiring/switch issues.
  8. Clear codes, perform road test or pressure-actuation test to verify correct switch operation and ensure code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Damaged or corroded connector at the differential pressure switch
  • Open or shorted signal or ground circuit between switch and ABS module
  • Failed pressure differential switch
  • Short to battery or chassis ground in harness near switch

Fault status

⚠️ Status
ABS control module detected a failure in the input circuit for the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Check wiring, connector, and switch; replace parts as needed and verify system operation.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 2.5 hours

Similar codes

371

Browse 371 HYUNDAI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

HYUNDAI

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email
Code

C1238

Other C — Chassis

ABS Hydraulic Pressure Differential Switch Input Circuit Failure

Brand: Other
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open, short or high resistance in the switch wiring harness
  • Corroded, loose or contaminated connector at the switch or ABS module
  • Failed hydraulic pressure differential switch (internal contact failure)
  • Faulty ABS control module input or wiring to module
  • Water intrusion or physical damage to harness/connector
  • Related blown fuse, relay or poor ground

Symptoms

  • ABS warning lamp ON (may be accompanied by traction control/Stability light)
  • ABS system disabled — loss of ABS/traction control functionality
  • Possible illuminated brake warning lamp
  • Noisy or continuous ABS pump operation in some cases
  • Possible changes in brake pedal feel or ABS intervention not occurring

What to check

  • Read and record ABS codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool
  • Visually inspect switch connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out or water intrusion
  • Wiggle test wiring while monitoring live data or scan tool for circuit changes
  • Check for proper power (fused), ground, and reference voltage at the switch connector with key ON
  • Measure signal voltage or continuity between switch and ABS module connector
  • Check fuses/relays related to ABS module and pump

Signal parameters

  • Reference voltage typically 5 V (varies by manufacturer) present at the switch with ignition ON
  • Switch output: near 0 V (ground) when closed or providing continuity to ground; near reference voltage (≈4.5–5 V) when open — consult vehicle-specific data
  • Open-circuit resistance: effectively infinite (no continuity) when switch open; closed-circuit resistance: typically
  • Intermittent switching when pressure differential threshold is crossed — live-data should toggle state when system pressure changes

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a capable ABS scan tool, record C1238 and any other ABS or powertrain codes, and note freeze frame/live data.
  2. Visually inspect the hydraulic pressure differential switch, harness, and connector for corrosion, damage, or fluid exposure. Repair visible damage.
  3. With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the switch connector: verify reference voltage, signal voltage, and ground presence according to vehicle data.
  4. Wiggle the wiring harness and connector while watching live data or meter for intermittent faults. Repair or secure any failing wiring.
  5. Check continuity between the switch signal/ground pins and the ABS module connector. Repair any open/shorts. Typical continuity to ground when switch closed, open when switch open.
  6. If wiring and connectors are good, bench-test or replace the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Re-test after replacement.
  7. If replacement switch and repaired wiring do not clear the code, test/inspect the ABS module power, grounds, and CAN communication. Substitute or repair module only after eliminating wiring/switch issues.
  8. Clear codes, perform road test or pressure-actuation test to verify correct switch operation and ensure code does not return.

Likely causes

  • Damaged or corroded connector at the differential pressure switch
  • Open or shorted signal or ground circuit between switch and ABS module
  • Failed pressure differential switch
  • Short to battery or chassis ground in harness near switch

Fault status

⚠️ Status
ABS control module detected a failure in the input circuit for the hydraulic pressure differential switch. Check wiring, connector, and switch; replace parts as needed and verify system operation.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 2.5 hours

Similar codes

9,609

The library contains 9,609 repair and diagnostic manuals. Choose a brand to open the full manual tree by year, model and trim.

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email