Park Brake Switch Circuit
The park brake switch signal is out of range or missing.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
The park brake switch, which signals if the parking brake is applied, isn’t giving the correct signal to the computer, either it's broken or there’s a wiring issue.
What the computer is actually seeing
The computer expects a voltage level that indicates whether the parking brake is engaged or not, usually around 0 volts (released) to near battery voltage (applied). When it sees a voltage outside this expected range or none at all, it triggers this fault code.
What a healthy reading looks like
Expected voltage is typically 0V with the park brake released and close to battery voltage (around 12V) when engaged.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Check the wiring and connectors at the park brake switch for damage or corrosion.
- 22. Make sure the park brake is fully disengaged and recheck the switch's operation by measuring voltage at the connector while operating the brake.
- 33. If voltage readings are normal, test the park brake switch with a multimeter comparing to expected values (output should change with brake engagement).
- 44. If the switch is faulty, replace it, clear the code, and retest the system.
- 55. If the issue persists, check ground connections and the ECM for faults.
Common causes
- Faulty park brake switch
- Wiring issues (broken, shorted or corroded connectors)
- Faulty ECM (computer)
- Poor ground connections
- Corroded terminals or connectors
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code present?
It's generally safe to drive, but your parking brake functionality may be unreliable.
Will this code come back after clearing it?
If the underlying issue isn't fixed, yes, the code will likely return.
Why does this code sometimes pair with other SPN codes?
Multiple faults can stem from similar wiring issues or common components, leading to more than one code being triggered.
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