Broken, corroded, or disconnected wire in the ABS pump motor power or ground circuit; Failed ABS pump motor relay or blown fuse supplying the motor; Corroded or loose connector at the ABS pump motor or at the ABS control module; Open winding or worn brushes inside the ABS pump motor itself; Internal open circuit in the ABS control module's motor driver circuitry; Damaged wiring harness from road debris, chafing, or rodent damage; Poor ground connection for the ABS pump motor circuit

DTC codes / C05xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C052C

C052CABS Pump Motor Control Circuit/Open

Q: What does code C052C mean?

ABS Pump Motor Control Circuit/Open. C052C means the antilock braking system (ABS) controller has detected an open circuit in the wiring that powers or controls the ABS pump motor, so the motor cannot be commanded to run. The controller typically monitors the motor circuit for expected voltage or current when the pump is activated and flags an open when that electrical path is broken.

C052C means the antilock braking system (ABS) controller has detected an open circuit in the wiring that powers or controls the ABS pump motor, so the motor cannot be commanded to run. The controller typically monitors the motor circuit for expected voltage or current when the pump is activated and flags an open when that electrical path is broken.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard, often accompanied by the traction control and stability control lights
ABS disabled, so the wheels can lock during hard braking and the pedal may feel different or pulse abnormally
Pump motor never runs during an ABS self-test, which a technician can confirm by listening or feeling for pump activation
Traction control and stability control systems may be disabled as a consequence of the ABS fault
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, because normal braking without ABS still works
In some vehicles a chime or message displays warning that ABS and stability control are unavailable

Common causes, most likely first

Broken, corroded, or disconnected wire in the ABS pump motor power or ground circuit
Failed ABS pump motor relay or blown fuse supplying the motor
Corroded or loose connector at the ABS pump motor or at the ABS control module
Open winding or worn brushes inside the ABS pump motor itself
Internal open circuit in the ABS control module's motor driver circuitry
Damaged wiring harness from road debris, chafing, or rodent damage
Poor ground connection for the ABS pump motor circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules for codes and record freeze-frame data to confirm C052C is current and not history
Check the ABS pump motor fuse and relay, then test the relay operation and fuse continuity
Inspect the pump motor connector and wiring for corrosion, looseness, or physical damage
Measure resistance and voltage drop across the pump motor power and ground circuits with a multimeter
Command the ABS pump motor on with a scan tool and listen for operation while monitoring circuit voltage
If the circuit tests good, test the pump motor directly with fused power and ground to isolate a motor fault
If the motor and wiring are good, diagnose the ABS control module's motor output circuit or replace the module as needed

What the open circuit really means

A failed pump motor relay is one of the most common causes and is often overlooked because the relay may click audibly while its contacts are burned and not passing current.
The ABS pump motor circuit is separate from the valve circuits, so a vehicle can have normal ABS valve function but still set C052C if only the motor path is open.
Corrosion inside the pump motor connector is frequently misdiagnosed as a failed ABS module, so always inspect and load-test the connector before condemning the module.
Some vehicles set C052C when battery voltage is low during cranking, so clear the code and verify it returns before replacing parts.
A pump motor that runs but draws excessive current can eventually open the circuit, so check motor current draw when the circuit is restored.

Can I keep driving with C052C?

The vehicle remains driveable with normal hydraulic brakes, but ABS, traction control, and stability control are disabled, so leave extra stopping distance and avoid slippery or emergency-braking situations until 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.