C1113 — ABS Power Relay Coil Short Circuit To Battery

chassis (brakes/steering/suspension)

Is it safe to drive?

Drive with caution Drive with caution and avoid load. Ignition faults cause misfires that quickly overheat and destroy the catalytic converter; if the Check Engine Light flashes, stop and fix it first.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

  1. Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm C1113 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many C0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the ignition system for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Subsystem check Swap the coil to another cylinder and see if the fault code follows it.
  5. Subsystem check Inspect spark plugs for wear, oil or carbon tracks and check plug gaps.
  6. Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm C1113 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for C1113 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Replace an ignition coil: $150–$380; Repair coil wiring or connector: $80–$250; Replace spark plugs: $90–$250. Overall, fixing C1113 usually costs between $80 and $380. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

What are the symptoms of C1113?

Drivers most often notice: Check Engine Light on, misfires under load or at idle, hard starting, especially in damp weather, loss of power and jerking.

Is it safe to drive with C1113?

Drive with caution and avoid load. Ignition faults cause misfires that quickly overheat and destroy the catalytic converter; if the Check Engine Light flashes, stop and fix it first.

How do I diagnose C1113 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm C1113, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the ignition system, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

How much does it cost to fix C1113?

Replace an ignition coil — $150–$380; Repair coil wiring or connector — $80–$250; Replace spark plugs — $90–$250. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What does OBD2 code C1113 mean?

ABS Power Relay Coil Short Circuit To Battery (C1113): a chassis (brakes/steering/suspension) fault affecting the ignition system. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Most often caused by worn spark plugs or wrong plug gap, failed ignition coil or coil pack, damaged coil wiring or connector.

The OBD2 trouble code C1113 points to a problem within the anti-lock braking system's electrical architecture. Specifically, this code indicates that the ABS control module has detected a short circuit condition affecting the power relay coil — the fault is drawing voltage directly from the battery rather than through the normal control circuit. When the module's internal diagnostics identify this abnormal voltage path, it stores C1113 and typically illuminates the ABS warning light on the dashboard.

The ABS power relay serves as a critical switch that supplies battery voltage to the pump motor and hydraulic valves when the system needs to activate during an emergency stop. The relay coil relies on a controlled ground signal from the ECU to energize it. When a short to battery exists in this circuit, the coil may stay energized when it should not, or the module may detect unexpected voltage on a signal line that should remain low. Because this fault can compromise the module's ability to control braking safely, the system often defaults to a limp-home mode or disables ABS functionality entirely until the issue is resolved.

To set C1113, the module must observe the fault condition across multiple ignition cycles rather than reacting to a single anomalous reading. This deliberate threshold prevents false triggers from temporary electrical noise. The freeze frame data saved alongside the code captures engine rpm, vehicle speed, brake pressure, and other sensor values at the exact moment the fault was detected, giving you reproducible conditions for testing.

Symptoms of C1113

  • ABS warning light remains on after engine start
  • ABS system fails to activate during braking, even in panic-stop scenarios
  • Traction control or stability control indicators also illuminate
  • Brakes may lock up normally without the anti-lock function
  • Unusual clicking or humming sounds from the brake module when the ignition is on
  • In some vehicles, the speedometer or odometer stops functioning

Causes of C1113

  • Failed ABS power relay coil with internal short to battery voltage
  • Corroded or damaged wiring harness feeding the ABS relay circuit
  • Faulty ABS control module with damaged internal transistors
  • Blown fuse in the ABS power supply circuit causing secondary damage
  • Water intrusion into the brake module connector promoting conductivity
  • Aftermarket alarm or accessory wiring incorrectly tapped into the ABS circuit
  • Failed ground connection for the ABS module creating phantom voltage feedback

How to Diagnose C1113

  1. Connect an OBD2 scanner and verify C1113 is present. Record all associated freeze frame data and check for any pending or permanent related codes in the ABS module memory.

  2. Consult manufacturer technical service bulletins using your vehicle's VIN — certain makes have documented software updates or known wiring defects tied to C1113 that the dealer or factory service manual may reference.

  3. Visually inspect the ABS fuse panel and main power connectors. Look for melted insulation, corrosion buildup on pins, loose terminals, or evidence of water exposure near the brake control unit.

  4. Using a digital multimeter, verify battery voltage is present at the ABS relay coil supply circuit with the ignition in the on position. Then check for unexpected voltage on the relay control signal wire — this line should toggle between ground and high impedance, not hold a constant 12V supply.

  5. Swap the suspected relay with a known-good unit from the same vehicle if possible, or test the relay coil resistance against factory specifications to confirm internal failure.

  6. Clear the code and perform a test drive that includes multiple brake applications from various speeds. Return to the scanner and verify C1113 does not reappear; if it does, the problem lies deeper in the module or harness.

Repair Options with Pricing

  • Replace ABS power relay — $85–$220 for parts; labor adds $60–$120 at independent shop rates
  • Repair damaged wiring harness or connector terminals — $95–$275 depending on harness accessibility and whether splice or full replacement is required
  • Replace complete ABS hydraulic control unit if the internal module is damaged — $650–$1,400 parts alone; significantly higher at dealership service departments

Total Cost Summary

The total invoice for addressing C1113 typically falls between $85 and $1,400 depending on which component failed. The most common fix involves relay or wiring replacement at the lower end of that range. Control unit replacement represents the most expensive scenario and should only be pursued after circuit testing definitively rules out external causes.

Driving Safety Verdict

Proceed with caution when C1113 is active. Without functional anti-lock braking, your vehicle's wheels can lock during hard braking, extending stopping distances and reducing your ability to steer around obstacles. Have the system diagnosed promptly — if the ABS light is flashing rather than solid, it indicates an active fault that demands immediate attention before any further driving.