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DTC codes / C05xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0576

C0576Brake Pressure Sensor D Circuit High

C0576 means the antilock braking system (ABS) control module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the signal circuit from brake pressure sensor D, which is one of the hydraulic pressure sensors used to monitor brake apply pressure. The computer expects the sensor's output to stay within a calibrated voltage window, and a sustained high reading tells it the circuit is open, shorted to voltage, or the sensor itself has failed.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • The ABS warning light illuminates steadily on the dashboard.
  • The traction control and stability control warning lights may also come on because those systems share the brake pressure signal.
  • The ABS may be disabled, so the wheels can lock during hard braking.
  • A soft or unusually firm brake pedal feel is possible if the sensor is skewing the pressure reading.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with normal base braking performance.
  • On some vehicles a chime or message center alert appears for a brake system fault.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A failed brake pressure sensor D that is internally shorted or has drifted out of range.
  2. An open or high-resistance connection in the sensor's signal wire, including a broken wire or corroded terminal.
  3. A short to voltage on the signal circuit, often from chafed wiring near the ABS module or hydraulic unit.
  4. A poor ground connection at the sensor or ABS module, which raises the reference voltage seen by the module.
  5. Contaminated or aerated brake fluid that causes the sensor to read outside its expected pressure range.
  6. A faulty ABS control module with an internal circuit fault on the sensor input channel.
  7. A damaged sensor connector or pins that are pushed back or spread, creating an intermittent high-voltage signal.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules for stored and pending codes, and record the freeze-frame data for C0576 before clearing anything.
  2. Inspect the brake pressure sensor D connector and the ABS module connector for corrosion, pushed pins, or loose terminals.
  3. Check the sensor's signal circuit for a short to voltage and for continuity to ground using a digital multimeter, referring to the factory wiring diagram.
  4. Verify the sensor's reference voltage and ground at the connector with the key on, engine off, and compare against the manufacturer's specification.
  5. Test the brake pressure sensor output with a scan tool while a helper applies and releases the brake pedal, looking for a smooth voltage or pressure change.
  6. If the wiring and connectors pass, replace the brake pressure sensor D and clear the codes to see whether C0576 returns.
  7. If the code persists after sensor replacement, perform a guided diagnostic on the ABS module and check for a software update or module replacement as a last resort.

What a high brake pressure reading really means

  • A high voltage on the signal circuit does not automatically mean the sensor is bad; a short to voltage on a nearby wire or a bad ground can produce the same reading.
  • Technicians often overlook the brake fluid level and condition, but low or aerated fluid can make the pressure sensor report a value outside the expected range.
  • On some vehicles the brake pressure sensor is part of the hydraulic control unit and cannot be replaced separately, so confirm the part strategy before quoting a repair.
  • C0576 can be set intermittently by vibration or temperature changes, so a wiggle test of the harness while watching live data is a valuable step.
  • A failing ABS module can set this code even when the sensor and wiring test good, so do not skip the module ground and power checks.

Can I keep driving with C0576?

You can usually drive the vehicle with the warning light on because normal hydraulic braking remains, but the ABS and stability control systems may be disabled. Avoid hard braking, slippery road conditions, and towing until the fault is repaired, and have the system diagnosed promptly.

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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