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C1345 — Brake fluid level insufficient

Detailed page for trouble code C1345.

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Code

C1345

MITSUBISHI C — Chassis

Brake fluid level insufficient

Brand: MITSUBISHI
AI status
Completed
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Page language: EN

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

  1. Retrieve all ABS/brake codes with a scan tool; record and clear codes.
  2. Visually verify reservoir fluid level and condition. If low, top to the correct level using manufacturer-specified DOT fluid.
  3. 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.
  4. Inspect wiring and connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damage. Repair or secure connector as needed and re-test.
  5. 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.
  6. Measure continuity/resistance of the sensor circuit to the ECU and check for proper reference voltage/ground at the connector per service data.
  7. Check brake pad/shoe thickness at each wheel; if excessive wear found, replace pads/shoes and top up/bleed system if required.
  8. If wiring and reservoir are good but code remains, replace the brake fluid level sensor or reservoir assembly as specified by the manufacturer.
  9. After repairs, bleed brakes if fluid was low or contaminated, clear codes, then test drive and re-scan to confirm code does not return.
  10. 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

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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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