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DTC codes / C06xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C060A

C060APark Brake Switch Stuck

C060A indicates that the electronic brake control module has detected a continuous 'park brake applied' signal from the parking brake switch even when the lever or pedal is released. The module compares the switch input against vehicle speed and other brake data, and it sets this code when the switch remains closed or grounded longer than plausibly possible.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • Parking brake warning light stays illuminated on the dashboard after the brake is released
  • Chime or message on the driver information display warning that the park brake is engaged
  • Cruise control may refuse to engage or may disengage unexpectedly while driving
  • Automatic parking brake may not release automatically when accelerating from a stop
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with normal braking performance
  • On some vehicles, a stability control or hill-start assist warning appears alongside the brake light

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Parking brake switch stuck closed internally or mechanically jammed in the applied position
  2. Switch plunger or lever contact not returning fully due to dirt, corrosion, or worn linkage
  3. Damaged or chafed wiring between the switch and the electronic brake control module shorting to ground
  4. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the park brake switch or at the module
  5. Misadjusted switch position so it reads applied even when the lever or pedal is fully released
  6. Faulty electronic parking brake actuator or motor that fails to release and keeps the switch signal active
  7. Internal fault in the electronic brake control module or body control module interpreting the switch input

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Verify the parking brake lever or pedal is fully released and inspect the switch for mechanical binding or debris
  2. Scan all modules for stored codes and view live data for the park brake switch status while operating the brake by hand
  3. Disconnect the switch connector and check for a short to ground on the signal circuit with a multimeter
  4. Inspect the switch, connector pins, and wiring harness for corrosion, chafing, or loose terminals
  5. Test the switch continuity through its full travel and replace it if it does not open and close cleanly
  6. Adjust or replace the switch mounting so it changes state at the correct lever or pedal position
  7. If the circuit and switch test good, diagnose the electronic parking brake actuator and module circuits before condemning the module

Why the park brake light lies

  • A stuck switch often has nothing to do with the brake mechanism itself, so replacing cables or shoes before testing the switch circuit wastes money.
  • On vehicles with an electronic parking brake, a motor that fails to release can hold the switch signal active and mimic a failed switch.
  • Water intrusion into the switch connector or lever area is a common cause that a simple continuity test at the switch pins will not reveal.
  • The code can set intermittently from a switch that only sticks in cold weather or after the vehicle sits, so live data should be watched during a cold start.
  • A misadjusted switch that reads applied at the very top of pedal or lever travel can trigger this code without any hard failure at all.

Can I keep driving with C060A?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the service brake is unaffected, but avoid relying on cruise control and confirm the parking brake is physically released before moving off. Have the switch circuit inspected soon so the warning light does not mask a genuine brake fault.

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.

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