C1267 — ABS Functions Temporarily Disabled
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 C1267 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 C1267 does not return.
Approximate repair cost
Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for C1267 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): ABS module repair or replacement: $400–$1,200; Replace a wheel speed sensor: $120–$350; Repair sensor wiring: $80–$250. Overall, fixing C1267 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
How do I diagnose C1267 myself?
Start with a scan: confirm C1267, 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.
How much does it cost to fix C1267?
ABS module repair or replacement — $400–$1,200; Replace a wheel speed sensor — $120–$350; Repair sensor wiring — $80–$250. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.
Will C1267 clear itself?
Sometimes C1267 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.
What are the symptoms of C1267?
Drivers most often notice: brake pedal pulsation changes, speedometer or cruise control issues, ABS or ESC warning light on, stability control disabled message.
What is the most common cause of C1267?
The most common causes are: damaged tone (reluctor) ring on the hub, failed wheel speed sensor, blown fuse or low voltage to the ABS module.
Your vehicle's anti-lock braking system relies on continuous communication between wheel speed sensors and the ABS control module. When this communication breaks down, the system detects the problem and sets code C1267 — a flag indicating that ABS functions have been temporarily disabled. The underlying brakes will still work; you just lose the automated assistance designed to prevent wheel lockup during emergency stops.
The ABS module constantly compares rotation speed at all four corners. It expects each signal to stay within a reasonable range relative to vehicle speed and acceleration. The moment one or more signals become erratic, missing, or implausible across multiple verification cycles, the module logs C1267, illuminates the warning lamp, and cuts off the anti-lock and stability functions as a safety measure. Freeze frame data captured with the code shows exactly what was happening — engine speed, load, ambient temperature, and vehicle velocity — when the fault first appeared. This snapshot points you toward the conditions most likely to reproduce the problem.
Symptoms of C1267
When C1267 is active, you may notice one or more of the following:
- Dashboard ABS warning lamp stays lit
- Stability control indicator appears or a message reads "Stability Control Disabled"
- Brake pedal pulsation feels different or disappears during hard braking
- Speedometer readings become unstable or the cruise control refuses to engage
- The vehicle pulls to one side under braking when the fault affects a single wheel
Common Causes
Wheel speed sensor failure leads the list of suspects for C1267 — these components endure constant vibration, moisture, and road debris. After that, consider the following:
- Wiring harness damage: chafed insulation, bent pins, or corrosion at the sensor connectors interrupt the electrical signal
- Faulty electrical supply: a blown fuse or low voltage to the ABS module prevents proper operation
- Contaminated or damaged tone ring: the toothed ring mounted on the hub collects metal particles and can crack or gap unevenly
- Worn wheel bearing: a failing hub bearing allows the sensor to drift out of position
- Failed ABS module or pump motor: internal electronics inside the controller itself can break down over time
How to Diagnose C1267
Follow these steps to confirm the root cause before spending money on parts:
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner, record all stored codes, and capture the freeze frame data — that record shows the engine and vehicle state when C1267 first appeared and guides your road test.
- Look up any TSBs tied to this code on the NHTSA website or your manufacturer's service portal; some C-series codes have documented factory fixes or calibration updates.
- Inspect the wiring between each wheel speed sensor and the ABS module — check for cracked looms, rubbed-through wires near the suspension, and moisture inside the connectors.
- Monitor live wheel speed data on the scanner while raising the vehicle and spinning each tire by hand; a faulty sensor will drop out or report impossible values.
- Examine the tone ring and sensor face for metal buildup, chips, or physical damage.
- Clear the code, recreate the freeze frame conditions on a test drive, and verify C1267 does not return.
Repair Options and Costs
Tackle the least expensive and most probable causes before resorting to major component replacement:
- Repair sensor wiring or replace corroded connectors — $80–$250
- Install a new wheel speed sensor — $120–$350
- Rebuild or replace the ABS module and/or pump motor — $400–$1,200
Cost Summary
The total bill hinges entirely on which part is at fault. A simple wiring repair or sensor swap typically falls between $80 and $350. Full ABS module replacement — the least common scenario — can reach $1,200 at independent shop rates. Getting a precise diagnosis before purchasing components is the single best way to keep costs down.
Driving Safety Verdict
C1267 carries a caution severity rating. Normal friction brakes remain operational, so you can continue driving short distances with care. The tradeoff is real: ABS prevents individual wheels from locking and stability control counters oversteer or understeer. With both systems offline, your stopping distance grows on wet pavement, ice, or loose gravel, and you lose the electronic correction that helps maintain your intended line through a corner. Drive conservatively, avoid panic braking, and arrange the repair as soon as a shop confirms the faulty component.
Related OBD2 Codes
- C1200: ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Battery
- C1201: ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Ground
- C1202: ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Failure
- C1203: ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Open
- C1204: ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Battery
- C1205: ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Ground