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DTC codes / C06xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C060C

C060CLeft Park Brake Actuator Control Circuit Low

The code C060C indicates that the electronic control unit for the electric park brake has detected a low voltage condition on the control circuit for the left park brake actuator, which is the motor that applies and releases the parking brake on the left rear wheel. The computer monitors the voltage on the actuator's control wire and sets this code when the signal falls below the expected threshold, typically indicating a short to ground or excessive resistance in the circuit.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • The parking brake warning light on the dashboard illuminates, often accompanied by a message on the driver information center.
  • The left rear parking brake may fail to apply or release, causing the vehicle to roll when parked or drag when driving.
  • A chime or audible alert may sound when the parking brake is engaged or disengaged.
  • The electronic park brake system may default to a failsafe mode, preventing operation of either rear brake.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent or only affects one side.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A damaged or corroded wire in the left park brake actuator control circuit, often due to chafing or exposure to road debris.
  2. A faulty left park brake actuator motor with an internal short to ground or high resistance.
  3. A poor electrical connection at the actuator connector, such as loose pins or water intrusion.
  4. A short to ground in the wiring harness between the control module and the actuator.
  5. A malfunctioning electronic park brake control module that incorrectly detects a low voltage condition.
  6. Corrosion or damage at the control module connector affecting the circuit.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Use a scan tool to retrieve all codes and verify C060C is current or history, then clear codes and test-drive to see if it returns.
  2. Visually inspect the left park brake actuator connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins, and repair as needed.
  3. Disconnect the actuator and measure resistance across the motor terminals; compare to the manufacturer's specification to check for an open or shorted motor.
  4. Check for a short to ground on the control wire from the actuator to the control module using a multimeter and wiring diagram.
  5. Test the control module's output signal to the actuator with a multimeter or oscilloscope to confirm it is commanding the correct voltage.
  6. If the circuit and actuator test good, substitute a known-good actuator or control module to isolate the fault.
  7. After repair, clear codes and perform the park brake calibration procedure as required by the manufacturer.

Don't overlook the park brake calibration

  • A low voltage code on the actuator control circuit can be set by a weak battery or charging system issue, so always check battery voltage and connections before condemning the actuator.
  • The electronic park brake system often requires a calibration or reset procedure after any component replacement, and skipping this step can cause the code to reappear immediately.
  • Intermittent faults are common due to wire chafing near the rear suspension or through the body grommet, so wiggle-test the harness while monitoring live data.
  • A shorted actuator motor can back-feed voltage into the control module and damage it, so always check for a short to ground before installing a new module.
  • This code can be set by a faulty park brake switch or a door switch that prevents proper park brake operation, so check inputs to the control module as well.

Can I keep driving with C060C?

If the parking brake warning light is on and the left rear brake does not apply, avoid parking on inclines and use wheel chocks or an alternative braking method. If the brake drags or the vehicle feels sluggish, have it inspected immediately to prevent overheating and damage.

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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