C0080 and C0085 - Left Rear ABS Solenoid #1&#2 Circuit Malfunction

These codes are related to the left rear ABS solenoid circuits, which are part of the ABS system that prevents your wheels from locking up when you brake hard. If you have these codes, you should have them repaired as soon as possible, as driving with a faulty ABS system can be dangerous.

In this article, we will explain what DTC codes C0080 and C0085 mean, what symptoms they cause, what causes them, how to diagnose them, and how to fix them. These codes are related to the left rear ABS solenoid circuits, which are part of the ABS system. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent these codes from appearing again and some resources for further information.

What are DTC codes?

DTC codes are codes that your car’s computer generates when it detects a problem with your car’s systems or components. DTC stands for diagnostic trouble code. Each code consists of a letter and four digits. The letter indicates the system that is affected by the problem, such as P for powertrain, B for body, C for chassis, or U for network. The first digit indicates whether the code is generic or manufacturer-specific. A 0 means that the code is generic and applies to all cars, while a 1 means that the code is specific to a certain make or model of car. The second digit indicates the subsystem that is affected by the problem, such as 0 for fuel and air metering, 1 for fuel and air metering (injector circuit), 2 for fuel and air metering (auxiliary emission controls), 3 for ignition system or misfire, 4 for auxiliary emission controls, 5 for vehicle speed control and idle control system, 6 for computer output circuit, 7 or 8 for transmission, or 9 for control module or vehicle options. The third and fourth digits indicate the specific problem that is detected by the computer.

For example, DTC code C0080 means that there is a problem with the left rear ABS solenoid #1 circuit. The letter C means that the problem affects the chassis system, which includes the brakes, steering, suspension, and tires. The first digit 0 means that the code is generic and applies to all cars. The second digit 0 means that the problem affects the fuel and air metering subsystem. The third digit 8 means that there is an electrical problem with the solenoid circuit. The fourth digit 0 means that the problem is located in the left rear ABS solenoid #1.

What are ABS solenoids?

ABS solenoids are electro-magnetic valves that control the flow of brake fluid to each wheel’s brake caliper. They are part of the ABS system, which consists of a pump, a controller, sensors, and solenoids. The ABS system monitors the speed of each wheel using sensors and compares it to the speed of the car. If it detects that one or more wheels are spinning faster or slower than the car’s speed, it means that they are about to lock up or lose traction. To prevent this, it sends signals to the solenoids to open or close them, allowing more or less brake fluid to reach each wheel’s brake caliper. This modulates the braking pressure on each wheel and helps them maintain optimal grip on the road.

There are usually two solenoids per wheel: one for normal braking and one for ABS braking. The normal braking solenoid is normally open and allows brake fluid to flow freely to the brake caliper when you press the brake pedal. The ABS braking solenoid is normally closed and blocks brake fluid from reaching the brake caliper when you press the brake pedal. When the ABS system detects a wheel lock-up or slip condition, it activates the ABS braking solenoid and deactivates the normal braking solenoid for that wheel. This reduces or increases the braking pressure on that wheel until it regains traction.

What are the symptoms of DTC codes C0080 and C0085?

DTC codes C0080 and C0085 indicate that there is a problem with the left rear ABS solenoid circuits. This means that either one or both of the left rear ABS solenoids are not working properly or that there is a problem with the wiring or connectors that connect them to the ABS controller. If this happens, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

1. The ABS warning light on your dashboard will illuminate, indicating that there is a problem with the ABS system. The ABS system will be disabled and you will not have the benefit of anti-lock braking. You will still have normal braking, but you will have to be careful not to brake too hard or too suddenly, as this may cause your wheels to lock up and skid.
2. You may notice reduced braking performance, especially on wet or slippery roads. Your left rear wheel may not receive enough or too much braking pressure, causing it to skid or lock up. This may affect your car’s stability and handling and increase your stopping distance.
3. You may hear a clicking or buzzing sound from the left rear wheel area when you brake. This is the sound of the ABS solenoids opening and closing rapidly. This may indicate that the ABS system is trying to modulate the braking pressure on the left rear wheel, but it is not able to do so effectively due to a faulty solenoid or circuit.

What are the causes of DTC codes C0080 and C0085?

There are several possible causes of DTC codes C0080 and C0085. Some of the most common ones are:

1. A faulty left rear ABS solenoid #1 or #2. The solenoid may be stuck open or closed, or it may have an internal short or open circuit. This may prevent it from receiving or sending signals from or to the ABS controller, or from controlling the flow of brake fluid to the left rear brake caliper.
2. An open or shorted circuit in the left rear ABS solenoid #1 or #2 circuit. The wiring or connectors that connect the solenoid to the ABS controller may be damaged, corroded, loose, or disconnected. This may interrupt the electrical current that powers the solenoid or carries the signals from or to the ABS controller.
3. A corrosion or damage to the left rear ABS solenoid #1 or #2 connector. The connector that attaches the solenoid to the wiring harness may be dirty, rusty, bent, broken, or disconnected. This may affect the quality of the electrical connection between the solenoid and the circuit.

How to diagnose and fix DTC codes C0080 and C0085

To diagnose and fix DTC codes C0080 and C0085, you will need a scan tool, a multimeter, a wiring diagram, and some basic tools. Here are the general steps that you can follow:

• Use a scan tool to read the ABS trouble codes from your car’s computer. If you see DTC code C0080, it means that there is a problem with the left rear ABS solenoid #1 circuit. If you see DTC code C0085, it means that there is a problem with the left rear ABS solenoid #2 circuit. If you see both codes, it means that there is a problem with both circuits.
• Visually inspect the left rear ABS solenoid #1 and #2 and their connectors for any signs of damage or corrosion. Look for any cracks, burns, breaks, bends, rust, dirt, or loose connections. If you find any problems, clean and repair them as needed.
• Test the left rear ABS solenoid #1 and #2 for electrical resistance using a multimeter. Disconnect the solenoids from their connectors and set your multimeter to ohms mode. Touch one probe to one terminal of the solenoid and touch another probe to another terminal of the same solenoid. Check the reading on your multimeter and compare it to the specifications in your car’s manual. The resistance should be within a certain range depending on your car’s make and model. If the resistance is too high or too low, it means that the solenoid is faulty and needs to be replaced.
• Test the left rear ABS solenoid #1 and #2 circuits for continuity using a multimeter. Reconnect the solenoids to their connectors and disconnect them from the ABS controller. Set your multimeter to continuity mode and touch one probe to one end of each wire in each circuit and touch another probe to another end of each wire in each circuit. Check if your multimeter beeps or shows zero ohms on its display. This means that there is continuity in each circuit and that there are no open circuits in them. If your multimeter does not beep or shows infinite ohms on its display, it means that there is an open circuit in one or both circuits and that you need to find and repair it.
• Test the left rear ABS solenoid #1 and #2 circuits for shorts using a multimeter. Reconnect the solenoids to their connectors and disconnect them from the ABS controller. Set your multimeter to voltage mode and touch one probe to the positive terminal of your car’s battery and touch another probe to each wire in each circuit. Check the reading on your multimeter and compare it to the specifications in your car’s manual. The voltage should be zero or very low, indicating that there are no shorts in each circuit. If the voltage is high, it means that there is a short circuit in one or both circuits and that you need to find and repair it.
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• If you have replaced any faulty solenoids or repaired any open or shorted circuits, reconnect the solenoids to the ABS controller and clear the DTC codes using your scan tool. Start your car and test drive it to see if the ABS warning light stays off and if the braking performance is restored. If the problem persists, you may need to check other components of the ABS system, such as the pump, the controller, or the sensors.

How to prevent DTC codes C0080 and C0085

To prevent DTC codes C0080 and C0085 from appearing again, you should follow some basic maintenance tips for your car’s brakes and ABS system. Here are some of them:

• Check your brake fluid level regularly and top it up if needed. Low brake fluid can cause air bubbles to form in the brake lines, which can affect the operation of the ABS solenoids.
• Change your brake fluid every two years or according to your car’s manual. Old brake fluid can become contaminated with water, dirt, or rust, which can corrode or clog the ABS solenoids.
• Inspect your brake pads and rotors for wear and tear and replace them if needed. Worn or damaged brake pads and rotors can cause uneven braking pressure on each wheel, which can trigger the ABS system unnecessarily.
• Keep your wheels and tires in good condition and make sure they are properly inflated and aligned. Damaged or mismatched wheels and tires can cause vibration or wobbling of the wheels, which can confuse the ABS sensors and solenoids.
• Avoid driving on rough or slippery roads or in extreme weather conditions that can affect your car’s traction and stability. These can cause your wheels to lose grip or skid more often, which can strain the ABS system and solenoids.

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