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DTC codes / C05xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0575

C0575Park Brake Actuator Position Signal Malfunction

The electronic parking brake control module has detected an abnormal signal from the park brake actuator position sensor, which reports the physical travel of the brake caliper piston or cable. The module compares the commanded actuator position with the actual sensor feedback and sets this code when the two do not agree within the expected range.

SystemChassis
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

  • The red brake warning light or yellow service parking brake light stays illuminated on the dashboard.
  • The electronic parking brake may fail to apply or release, leaving the vehicle stuck in park or with the brake dragging.
  • A message such as 'Parking Brake Fault' or 'Service Parking Brake' appears in the driver information center.
  • The parking brake may apply and release erratically, sometimes working and sometimes not.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the parking brake still functioning normally in mild cases.
  • An audible whine or click from the rear brakes that continues longer than usual when the parking brake is commanded.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A faulty park brake actuator position sensor or a damaged sensor wiring harness at the caliper.
  2. Corrosion or water intrusion in the electrical connector at the park brake actuator, common on vehicles driven in wet or salted roads.
  3. A sticking or binding park brake actuator mechanism that prevents the actuator from reaching its commanded position.
  4. A weak or failing park brake actuator motor that cannot move the caliper through its full range of travel.
  5. A low or weak vehicle battery causing voltage drops that disrupt the actuator position signal during apply or release.
  6. A software calibration issue in the electronic parking brake control module that misinterprets the position sensor signal.
  7. A mechanical bind in the rear brake caliper or cable that forces the actuator to work outside its expected position range.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Connect a scan tool capable of reading electronic parking brake module data and record the actuator position sensor voltage or counts during apply and release.
  2. Inspect the park brake actuator connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or water intrusion, and clean or repair as needed.
  3. Check battery voltage and charging system output, as low voltage can set false position signal codes on electronic parking brake systems.
  4. Command the parking brake through its full apply and release cycle with the scan tool and watch for a position signal that sticks, jumps, or drops out.
  5. Perform a parking brake calibration or relearn procedure with the scan tool after any actuator or sensor service.
  6. If the position signal remains erratic after wiring and voltage checks, replace the park brake actuator assembly or position sensor as a unit.
  7. Clear the code and verify the repair by cycling the parking brake several times and confirming the warning light stays off.

What the position sensor is really telling you

  • A park brake actuator position signal code often sets because the actuator motor is weak and cannot reach its commanded position, not because the sensor itself has failed.
  • Water intrusion at the actuator connector is a frequent cause on vehicles that see road salt, and the connector often looks fine until it is unplugged and inspected.
  • A low battery or a failing charging system can set this code intermittently, so voltage checks belong before any parts replacement.
  • After replacing an actuator or sensor, many electronic parking brake systems require a calibration or relearn procedure that a basic code reader cannot perform.
  • A binding rear caliper or parking brake cable can force the actuator outside its expected travel range and set this code even though the sensor is healthy.

Can I keep driving with C0575?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive if the parking brake still applies and releases, but avoid parking on steep inclines until the fault is repaired. If the parking brake is stuck applied or will not engage, do not drive the vehicle and have it serviced.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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