Damaged or corroded wiring harness or connector at the right rear ABS solenoid; Failed right rear ABS outlet solenoid coil inside the hydraulic control unit; Open or shorted circuit in the wiring between the ABS module and the solenoid; Corrosion or water intrusion into the ABS module connector or solenoid connector; Failed ABS control module driver circuit for the right rear outlet solenoid; Loose or damaged ground connection for the ABS system; Aftermarket electrical accessories improperly tapped into the ABS wiring

DTC codes / C01xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0173

C0173Right Rear ABS Outlet Solenoid Circuit Malfunction

Q: What does code C0173 mean?

Right Rear ABS Outlet Solenoid Circuit Malfunction. C0173 indicates that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) control module has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for the right rear outlet solenoid, which is the valve that releases hydraulic pressure from that wheel during ABS operation. The module monitors the solenoid's voltage and current and sets this code when the circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to power.

C0173 indicates that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) control module has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for the right rear outlet solenoid, which is the valve that releases hydraulic pressure from that wheel during ABS operation. The module monitors the solenoid's voltage and current and sets this code when the circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to power.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the ABS warning light on the instrument cluster
Illumination of the traction control or stability control warning light on vehicles so equipped
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with normal braking performance in non-ABS stops
ABS may not activate on the right rear wheel during hard braking or slippery conditions
Possible slight pull or uneven braking feel during ABS engagement
A stored diagnostic trouble code in the ABS module that may disable the system entirely

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or corroded wiring harness or connector at the right rear ABS solenoid
Failed right rear ABS outlet solenoid coil inside the hydraulic control unit
Open or shorted circuit in the wiring between the ABS module and the solenoid
Corrosion or water intrusion into the ABS module connector or solenoid connector
Failed ABS control module driver circuit for the right rear outlet solenoid
Loose or damaged ground connection for the ABS system
Aftermarket electrical accessories improperly tapped into the ABS wiring

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the right rear ABS solenoid connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose pins, and clean or repair as needed
Disconnect the ABS module connector and check for corrosion or water intrusion, then verify terminal tension and cleanliness
Measure the resistance of the right rear outlet solenoid with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Check for continuity and short circuits in the wiring between the ABS module and the solenoid, repairing any damaged sections
Verify the ABS module ground connection is clean and tight, and check battery voltage and charging system operation
If the solenoid coil is out of specification, replace the hydraulic control unit or solenoid as required by the manufacturer's procedure
If all circuits test good but the code persists, diagnose or replace the ABS control module after confirming power and ground

What the code does not always mean

A C0173 code does not automatically mean the ABS module is faulty; wiring and connector issues are far more common and should be ruled out first.
The right rear outlet solenoid is part of the hydraulic control unit, and on many vehicles the solenoid itself is not serviceable separately, requiring replacement of the entire unit.
Corrosion at the ABS module connector can mimic a failed solenoid and is often overlooked during diagnosis.
A weak battery or poor charging system can cause the ABS module to set solenoid codes intermittently, so always check battery and ground integrity.
After a collision or suspension repair, the right rear wiring may be pinched or stretched, causing this code even though the solenoid is fine.

Can I keep driving with C0173?

The vehicle remains safe to drive under normal conditions because the base brakes still function, but the ABS and traction control systems are disabled, so avoid hard braking or slippery surfaces until the fault is repaired. Have the system diagnosed promptly to restore full safety features.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.