C1244 — ABS Outlet Valve Coil LR Circuit Short To Battery

OBD2 code C1244 flags a problem with the ignition system (ABS outlet valve coil LR circuit short to battery). Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Common culprits: moisture or oil in the spark plug wells, failed ignition coil or coil pack, damaged coil wiring or connector.

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

Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm C1244 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 ignition system for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
Subsystem check Swap the coil to another cylinder and see if the fault code follows it.
Subsystem check Inspect spark plugs for wear, oil or carbon tracks and check plug gaps.
Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm C1244 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for C1244 (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 C1244 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

Will C1244 clear itself?

Sometimes C1244 clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

How do I diagnose C1244 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm C1244, 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.

Is it safe to drive with C1244?

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.

What is the most common cause of C1244?

The most common causes are: moisture or oil in the spark plug wells, failed ignition coil or coil pack, damaged coil wiring or connector.

What are the symptoms of C1244?

Drivers most often notice: misfires under load or at idle, loss of power and jerking, Check Engine Light on, increased fuel consumption.

When your vehicle's anti-lock braking system control unit detects a voltage level that should not be present in the left-rear outlet valve circuit, it logs trouble code C1244. Specifically, this indicates a short-to-battery condition on the ABS outlet valve coil for the left rear wheel. In simpler terms, power from the vehicle's battery is finding an unintended path into the ABS valve control circuit where it does not belong.

The anti-lock braking system relies on a network of electromagnetic valves inside the hydraulic unit to modulate brake pressure at each wheel independently during hard braking or low-traction situations. Each valve has a dedicated control coil that the ABS module energizes or de-energizes thousands of times per second when needed. The module constantly monitors the electrical state of every valve coil circuit. When C1244 appears, the module has seen a voltage reading on the left-rear outlet valve circuit that matches battery voltage when it should be either grounded or at a controlled pulse width. The module typically needs to observe this condition across multiple drive cycles before confirming the fault, and it captures a freeze frame snapshot showing vehicle speed, brake application status, and other sensor data at the exact moment the problem was detected.

Symptoms of C1244

ABS warning lamp stays illuminated on the instrument cluster
Anti-lock brake function disabled until the fault is repaired
Conventional brakes continue operating normally, but without ABS intervention
Unusual brake pedal feel or extended stopping distances under panic braking
Traction control or stability control systems may also disable
Possible momentary activation of the brake system warning lamp along with the ABS light

Common Causes of C1244

Corroded or damaged wiring harness near the left-rear wheel well or along the frame rail feeding the ABS hydraulic unit
Short circuit inside the ABS hydraulic assembly affecting the outlet valve coil for the left rear
Moisture intrusion into the ABS module or connector causing unintended voltage paths
Failed electrical connector with bent pins or weakened springs preventing proper contact
Blown fuse or relay supplying power to the ABS system that has created a cross-circuit condition
Aftermarket accessories wired incorrectly into the brake circuit

How to Diagnose C1244

Connect a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to the vehicle and retrieve all stored codes. Confirm C1244 is present, then record the freeze frame data and check for any other ABS, brake, or traction-related trouble codes that appeared at the same time.
Inspect the visible ABS wiring and connectors, particularly the harness routed near the left-rear wheel, suspension components, and the main ABS hydraulic unit connector. Look for chafed insulation, corroded terminals, broken wires, or evidence of water or road salt intrusion.
Check all fuses and relays associated with the ABS circuit. A fuse that blew from overload may be masking a deeper short that also triggers C1244. Replace any suspect fuses and test whether the fault returns immediately.
Disconnect the ABS module connector and perform resistance and continuity checks on the individual pins corresponding to the left-rear outlet valve coil circuit. Compare your readings against the manufacturer's specifications in a service manual.
If your scanner supports ABS module bidirectional controls, command the left-rear outlet valve on and off while monitoring circuit behavior. An abnormal voltage reading confirms the circuit is shorted.
Clear the code and complete a thorough test drive that includes hard braking and turns. Return to the scanner and verify whether C1244 reappears, especially under conditions matching the original freeze frame.

Repair Options for C1244

Repair damaged wiring harness or connectors: $80–$250
Replace the ABS hydraulic assembly (includes all valve coils): $700–$1500
Replace individual fuses or relays if found defective: $15–$75

How Much Does It Cost to Fix C1244?

Most repairs for C1244 involve either wiring work or replacement of the ABS hydraulic assembly. Wiring repairs run between $80 and $250 when performed at an independent shop, depending on how accessible the damaged section is. The more expensive scenario involves a failed ABS hydraulic unit itself, which typically requires replacement of the entire assembly at a cost of $700 to $1500 including parts and labor. In most cases, an honest diagnosis that distinguishes between a wiring fault and a failed hydraulic unit saves hundreds of dollars, because swapping the expensive assembly is rarely necessary when the harness itself is damaged.

Can You Drive with C1244?

Drive with caution. The anti-lock braking system will be disabled, meaning your vehicle will rely on conventional brakes only. Under panic braking or low-traction conditions, you lose the wheel-speed sensing and pressure modulation that prevents wheel lockup. Have the fault diagnosed and repaired before extended highway driving or any situation demanding maximum braking performance.