Code
C1345
MITSUBISHI
C — Chassis
Brake fluid level insufficient
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Low brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir
- Undetected external brake fluid leak (lines, hoses, calipers, wheel cylinders, master cylinder)
- Excessive brake pad or shoe wear causing normal fluid level drop
- Faulty or sticking brake fluid level sensor (float/switch)
- Wiring damage, corroded connector or poor ground to the level sensor
- Contaminated or degraded brake fluid causing sensor malfunction
Symptoms
- Brake warning light and possibly ABS/ESC warning lamp on dash
- Brake pedal feels lower or has increased travel
- Spongy or less effective braking
- Visible low fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir
- Brake fluid residue or wetness around calipers, lines, wheel cylinders or master cylinder
- Code reappears after clearing if root cause not fixed
What to check
- Scan for stored/active codes and note freeze-frame data; clear and recheck after tests
- Visually inspect master cylinder reservoir fluid level and cap condition
- Inspect for external leaks at calipers, wheel cylinders, hoses, steel lines and fittings, master cylinder and ABS module
- Measure brake pad/shoe thickness on all four wheels to confirm wear-related fluid drop
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, bent pins, chafing, or disconnection
- Backprobe level sensor circuit for expected voltage/continuity with key on (consult service manual for exact values)
Signal parameters
- Brake fluid level sensor: two-state float or resistive sender (typical signals are open/closed or switched to ground/ignition voltage)
- Expected idle behavior: 'normal' state when fluid at correct level (switch open or closed depending on design) — consult Mitsubishi service manual for exact polarity
- Typical test values: continuity (low ohms) or switched voltage present when fluid is low; open circuit or opposite voltage when fluid OK (varies by model)
- No-return of level signal to normal after topping up suggests sensor or wiring fault
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all ABS/brake codes with a scan tool; record and clear codes.
- Visually verify reservoir fluid level and condition. If low, top to the correct level using manufacturer-specified DOT fluid.
- With key ON (engine off), operate the level sensor by moving the float (if accessible) while monitoring the scanner or probing the sensor to see if the signal changes; compare to expected behavior.
- Inspect wiring and connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damage. Repair or secure connector as needed and re-test.
- Inspect entire hydraulic system for leaks (around calipers, wheel cylinders, hoses, hard lines, master cylinder and ABS module). Pressure or road test may be required to reveal some leaks.
- Measure continuity/resistance of the sensor circuit to the ECU and check for proper reference voltage/ground at the connector per service data.
- Check brake pad/shoe thickness at each wheel; if excessive wear found, replace pads/shoes and top up/bleed system if required.
- If wiring and reservoir are good but code remains, replace the brake fluid level sensor or reservoir assembly as specified by the manufacturer.
- After repairs, bleed brakes if fluid was low or contaminated, clear codes, then test drive and re-scan to confirm code does not return.
- If code persists despite repairs, consult manufacturer service information for module diagnostics or ABS unit inspection.
Likely causes
- Actual low fluid level due to wear or leak (most common)
- Faulty or intermittent level sensor or connector
- Wiring open/short between sensor and ABS/ECU
- Rapid pad wear following recent brake work not compensated by topping up
Fault status
Status
Brake fluid level insufficient — check reservoir level, inspect for leaks, verify level sensor and wiring. Resolve low fluid or sensor fault before normal ABS/stability operation is restored.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for MITSUBISHI
406
Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
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