P1708 — Brake Switch Out Of Self Test Range

P1708 — Brake Switch Out Of Self Test Range. A fault in the ABS / stability control. Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Typical causes: failed wheel speed sensor, damaged tone (reluctor) ring on the hub, damaged sensor wiring or corroded connector.

For Ford vehicles

clutch switch input circuit

powertrain (engine/transmission)

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 P1708 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 P0xxx 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 P1708 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P1708 (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 P1708 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

Is it safe to drive with P1708?

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 much does it cost to fix P1708?

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 P1708 clear itself?

Sometimes P1708 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 P1708?

Drivers most often notice: speedometer or cruise control issues, ABS or ESC warning light on, ABS not operating during hard braking, stability control disabled message.

What is the most common cause of P1708?

The most common causes are: failed wheel speed sensor, damaged tone (reluctor) ring on the hub, damaged sensor wiring or corroded connector.

When your check engine light comes on and an OBD2 scanner reveals code P1708, you're looking at a fault inside the anti-lock braking or stability control system. Specifically, P1708 indicates the brake switch has fallen outside its expected operating range during the module's self-test routine. The powertrain control module stores this code in the engine/transmission fault group after running multiple verification checks and confirming the anomaly persists under specific driving conditions.

The brake switch plays a straightforward but essential role: it tells the ABS control unit whether the brake pedal is pressed or released. During normal operation, the switch sends a clear on/off signal. When the module performs its self-diagnostic test and receives a signal that doesn't match the expected pattern, P1708 gets triggered. This isn't a one-time glitch detection—the system requires the fault condition to appear consistently before lighting up your dashboard. The freeze frame data stored alongside P1708 is particularly valuable, as it records engine load, RPM, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the fault was logged, helping you recreate those conditions during diagnosis.

Common Symptoms of P1708

When P1708 is active, several warning signs typically surface:

Inconsistent or non-functional cruise control operation
ABS warning indicator illuminated on the instrument cluster
Anti-lock brakes failing to activate during emergency braking scenarios
Stability control system disabled with a corresponding dashboard message
Noticeable change in brake pedal pulsation feel during hard stops
Erratic speedometer readings or complete speedometer failure

What Causes P1708?

The root cause of P1708 typically traces back to one of these components, listed from most to least common:

Wheel speed sensor failure on one or more corners of the vehicle
Damaged or contaminated tone ring (reluctor ring) mounted to the wheel hub
Faulty ABS control module or pump motor assembly
Blown fuse or insufficient voltage supply to the ABS module
Damaged wiring harness or corroded electrical connectors in the sensor circuit

How to Diagnose P1708

Follow these practical steps to accurately identify the underlying issue:

Connect an OBD2 scanner and verify P1708 is stored in the ECU memory. Save the associated freeze frame data—this snapshot of engine conditions at failure time guides your entire diagnosis.
Pull all stored diagnostic trouble codes from every module. Related codes often point directly to the failing component rather than the brake switch itself. Cross-reference any relevant technical service bulletins for your specific make and model.
Perform a thorough visual inspection of the wiring harness and connectors feeding the ABS module and wheel speed sensors. Look for damaged insulation, broken wires, corrosion buildup, or loose connections.
Monitor live wheel speed sensor data through the scanner while driving slowly in a safe area. A faulty sensor will drop out intermittently or display implausible speed readings compared to other wheels.
Physically examine each wheel speed sensor and its corresponding tone ring. Remove any accumulated metal debris, road grime, or rust that could interfere with the magnetic signal. Check the tone ring teeth for chips, cracks, or deformation.
Clear the stored code and perform a complete drive cycle, recreating the exact conditions captured in the freeze frame. Re-scan to confirm whether P1708 reappears.

Repair Options and Costs

Address the least expensive likely causes before committing to costly component replacement:

Wheel speed sensor replacement typically runs $120–$350 for parts and labor
Sensor circuit wiring repair generally costs $80–$250 depending on extent of damage
ABS module repair or complete replacement runs $400–$1,200 depending on whether you choose remanufactured or new

How Much Does Fixing P1708 Cost?

Total repair costs for P1708 vary significantly based on which component actually failed. At independent shop rates in the United States, expect to budget anywhere from $80 for wiring repairs up to $1,200 for full ABS module replacement. The most common scenario—a single wheel speed sensor—is also among the least expensive to correct. Always pursue accurate diagnosis through the steps above before purchasing parts; the most expensive repair is rarely the correct starting point.

Can You Drive with P1708?

Your conventional hydraulic brakes will continue functioning, so limited driving remains possible with caution. However, P1708 disables both ABS and electronic stability control, which substantially increases stopping distances on wet, icy, or loose surfaces. Have this code investigated and repaired promptly, and avoid aggressive driving maneuvers until the system is restored to proper operation.