Faulty brake pedal position sensor; Damaged or disconnected wiring or connector at the sensor; Corroded or dirty electrical contacts in the sensor circuit; Misadjusted sensor or brake pedal linkage; Failed brake light switch (often integrated with the position sensor); Faulty ABS control module (less common)

DTC codes / C02xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0230

C0230Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit

Q: What does code C0230 mean?

Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit. C0230 indicates that the antilock braking system (ABS) control module has detected an implausible or missing signal from the brake pedal position sensor circuit. The computer expects a specific voltage or signal pattern when the brake pedal is pressed or released, and it sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range or is absent entirely.

C0230 indicates that the antilock braking system (ABS) control module has detected an implausible or missing signal from the brake pedal position sensor circuit. The computer expects a specific voltage or signal pattern when the brake pedal is pressed or released, and it sets this code when the signal falls outside the expected range or is absent entirely.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
Traction control or stability control warning light may also be on
Brake lights may fail to illuminate when the pedal is pressed
Cruise control may not disengage when the brake pedal is applied
Often no symptoms besides the warning light
In some cases, the transmission may be hard to shift out of park

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty brake pedal position sensor
Damaged or disconnected wiring or connector at the sensor
Corroded or dirty electrical contacts in the sensor circuit
Misadjusted sensor or brake pedal linkage
Failed brake light switch (often integrated with the position sensor)
Faulty ABS control module (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the brake pedal position sensor and its connector for physical damage or corrosion
Check the sensor circuit wiring for continuity and shorts using a multimeter
Verify the sensor signal voltage at the ABS module with a scan tool while pressing and releasing the brake pedal
Adjust or replace the brake pedal position sensor if the signal is erratic or out of specification
Clear the diagnostic trouble codes and test-drive the vehicle to confirm the repair
If the code persists, diagnose the ABS control module and its power/ground circuits

Common misdiagnosis traps for C0230

A brake pedal position sensor that is simply misadjusted can set this code without being defective, so always check adjustment before replacement.
The sensor often shares a circuit with the brake light switch, so a faulty brake light switch can cause C0230 even if the position sensor itself is good.
Corrosion at the sensor connector is a frequent cause that is easily overlooked when only the sensor is replaced.
This code can be set by a low battery or charging system issue that causes voltage spikes, so check battery health first.
On some vehicles, the ABS module requires a relearn or calibration procedure after sensor replacement, and skipping it will cause the code to return.

Can I keep driving with C0230?

The vehicle remains safe to drive under normal conditions because the base brakes are unaffected, but ABS and stability control may be disabled, so avoid emergency braking or slippery road conditions until the fault is repaired.

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.