C1167 — Park Brake Actuator Assembly Switch Released Circuit Short to Gnd

C1167 — Park Brake Actuator Assembly Switch Released Circuit Short to Gnd. A fault in the ABS / stability control. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Typical causes: damaged tone (reluctor) ring on the hub, blown fuse or low voltage to the ABS module, failed wheel speed sensor.

chassis (brakes/steering/suspension)

Is it safe to drive?

Drive with caution The base brakes usually still work, so careful driving is possible — but ABS and stability control are disabled, which lengthens stopping distances on slippery roads. Fix promptly and avoid harsh driving.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm C1167 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
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.
Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the ABS / stability control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
Subsystem check Read all four wheel speed PIDs while driving slowly — the faulty sensor drops out or reads implausibly.
Subsystem check Inspect the sensor and tone ring for metal debris and damage near the hub.
Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm C1167 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for C1167 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Repair sensor wiring: $80–$250; Replace a wheel speed sensor: $120–$350; ABS module repair or replacement: $400–$1,200. Overall, fixing C1167 usually costs between $80 and $1,200. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

What is the most common cause of C1167?

The most common causes are: damaged tone (reluctor) ring on the hub, blown fuse or low voltage to the ABS module, failed wheel speed sensor.

How do I diagnose C1167 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm C1167, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the ABS / stability control, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What does OBD2 code C1167 mean?

How much does it cost to fix C1167?

Repair sensor wiring — $80–$250; Replace a wheel speed sensor — $120–$350; ABS module repair or replacement — $400–$1,200. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

Is it safe to drive with C1167?

The base brakes usually still work, so careful driving is possible — but ABS and stability control are disabled, which lengthens stopping distances on slippery roads. Fix promptly and avoid harsh driving.

The diagnostic code C1167 points to a problem within your vehicle's brake safety systems. Specifically, this code indicates a short-to-ground condition in the park brake actuator assembly switch circuit — the system that tracks whether your parking brake is released. When the ABS or stability control module detects that this circuit is behaving unexpectedly, it logs C1167 and illuminates the appropriate warning light on your dashboard.

This code falls under the chassis category, which means it relates to your vehicle's brakes, steering, or suspension components rather than the engine or transmission. The module that monitors your ABS and electronic stability control (ESC) constantly compares sensor readings against factory-calibrated thresholds. C1167 typically sets after the module observes this short-to-ground condition persisting across multiple drive cycles. When this happens, the control unit also captures a freeze frame — a snapshot showing engine RPM, load, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault occurred. Reviewing that snapshot early in your diagnosis helps you recreate the failure conditions and verify the repair.

Modern vehicles rely heavily on these safety systems working together. The parking brake switch tells your ABS module whether the park brake is engaged or released, which influences how the system manages traction control and stability interventions. When that communication breaks down due to a short circuit, the affected systems disable themselves as a protective measure. The good news is that your base hydraulic brakes typically remain functional, so you can still stop the vehicle — you simply lack the added safety net that ABS and stability control provide.

Common Symptoms of C1167

Dashboard illumination of the ABS or ESC warning light
Disabled stability control with an on-screen message
Intermittent or inaccurate speedometer readings
Cruise control that fails to engage or cuts out unexpectedly
ABS failing to activate during emergency braking situations
Noticeable changes in brake pedal pulsation or feel
Reduced traction control responsiveness on low-grip surfaces

What Causes C1167?

The underlying causes for C1167 range from simple electrical issues to component failures. Technicians typically see these problems in order of likelihood:

Corroded or damaged wiring in the park brake switch or ABS sensor circuits
Blown fuse or insufficient voltage supply to the ABS control module
Failed wheel speed sensor at one or more wheels
Faulty ABS module or pump motor assembly
Damaged or contaminated tone ring (reluctor ring) on the wheel hub
Poor electrical connection at sensor or module connectors

How to Diagnose C1167

A systematic approach prevents unnecessary part replacements and wasted money. Follow these steps:

Connect an OBD2 scanner and confirm C1167 is stored in the system. Save the freeze frame data before clearing anything — this record shows exactly what conditions triggered the fault and guides your testing.
Check for any related diagnostic trouble codes. Secondary codes often point directly to the failing component, whether it's a specific wheel speed sensor or a circuit issue.
Inspect the wiring harness and connectors serving the park brake switch and ABS system. Look for frayed insulation, broken wires, corrosion buildup, or loose plugs that could cause intermittent shorts.
Test all four wheel speed sensor signals using your scanner's live data function. While driving slowly, watch for sensors that drop out, show erratic readings, or report implausible speeds compared to others.
Physically examine each wheel speed sensor and its corresponding tone ring. Remove any accumulated metal debris, check for damage, and verify the sensor sits at the correct gap from the ring.
Clear C1167 after your inspection and road test the vehicle through a complete drive cycle, including the conditions from your freeze frame data. Monitor whether the code returns.

Repair Options and Costs

Tackle the least expensive possibilities before considering major component replacement. The following price ranges cover both parts and labor at independent shop rates in the United States.

Repair damaged sensor wiring or corroded connectors: $80–$250
Replace a faulty wheel speed sensor: $120–$350
Repair or replace the ABS hydraulic module: $400–$1,200

Total Cost to Fix C1167

Your actual repair bill depends entirely on which component caused the short circuit. Most straightforward fixes involving wiring repair or a single sensor fall in the $120 to $350 range. Only in cases where the ABS control module itself has failed does the repair approach the higher end of the spectrum. Spending time on accurate diagnosis before purchasing parts almost always saves money — the most expensive scenario should never be your first assumption.

Can You Drive with C1167?

Your standard hydraulic brakes remain operational when C1167 is active, so short-distance careful driving is possible. However, the ABS and electronic stability control systems will not intervene during hard braking or loss-of-traction situations. This means stopping distances increase on wet, icy, or loose surfaces, and you lose the vehicle stability assistance that helps maintain control during emergency maneuvers. Treat this code with caution — schedule repairs promptly and avoid aggressive driving until the system is restored.