OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
C0160 — Traction Control Switch Circuit
C0160 points to the traction control on/off switch circuit. The brake control module saw a switch signal that was out of range, stuck or implausible, such as the switch reading pressed for an extended time. Exact meaning varies by OEM; on some platforms this code number is used for other ABS inputs, so confirm with the service information.
Severity 2/5
Truck-relevant
Service soon
Severity
Service soon
Traction Control Switch Circuit
Code
C0160
Category
Chassis
Subsystem
Brakes
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
C0160 (Traction Control Switch Circuit) — the on/off switch for traction control has a circuit fault. TC may be permanently on or off. Replace switch.
Before you replace parts — try this first
C0160 on the Brakes system is most often stuck or failed traction control switch in the dash — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Traction control or stability control light on, and traction control may stay off or not respond to the switch. Braking and ABS usually work normally. Drivers may notice wheel spin on slick roads because traction control is disabled.
Common causes
- CommonStuck or failed traction control switch in the dash ($50–$200)
- OccasionalDamaged wiring or connector behind the switch panel ($80–$300)
- OccasionalLiquid spilled into the switch bank ($60–$250)
- RareBrake module input fault ($700–$2000)
How to fix
Watch the switch status on a scan tool while pressing and releasing it
When to use: First check to see if the module sees the switch change
Test switch continuity and replace the switch if it sticks or reads wrong
When to use: When scan data shows a stuck or erratic switch
Inspect the harness behind the dash for pinched or chafed wires and repair
When to use: When the switch tests good but signal is still wrong
Check for module software updates before replacing the EBCM
When to use: Only after switch and wiring are confirmed good
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → C0110 — Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction
- → C0121 — Valve Relay Circuit Malfunction
- → C0131 — ABS Pressure Sensor Circuit
- → C0161 — ABS / TCS Brake Switch Circuit
- → C0186 — Yaw Rate Sensor Bias Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code C0160?
C0160 is severity 2 — service this week. Not an immediate stop, but ignoring it usually compounds the problem. Most common cause for this code is a worn sensor or minor performance fault that won't strand you today but will get more expensive the longer you wait.
How much does it cost to fix C0160 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $50–$2000 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Stuck or failed traction control switch in the dash — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will C0160 fail a DOT inspection?
C0160 is generally not a direct DOT inspection fail item by itself. Inspectors focus on safety-critical systems (brakes, steering, tires, lights, hours-of-service). However, the check engine light alone can trigger additional inspection scrutiny. Best practice: fix the code and clear it before a planned inspection.
What's the difference between C0160 and related codes?
C0160 is closely related to: C0110 (Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction), C0121 (Valve Relay Circuit Malfunction), C0131 (ABS Pressure Sensor Circuit), C0161 (ABS / TCS Brake Switch Circuit). These codes share the same subsystem (brakes) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only C0160 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent C0160 from coming back after a repair?
For C0160 (Traction Control Switch Circuit), prevention centers on the brakes system. Clean wheel speed sensors at every brake service. Inspect tone rings for cracks or rust. Keep ABS sensor harnesses away from chafe points. Don't drive through deep water that can flood the rear wheel-speed sensor connectors.