C1101 OBD-II Trouble Code: ABS Hydraulic Valve Circuit Failure

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Cost of diagnosing the C1101 code

C1101 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "ABS Hydraulic Valve Circuit Failure". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
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Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

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C1101 code definition

A C1101 trouble code indicates that the vehicle's Engine Control Unit (ECU) has detected an unspecified failure in the Antilock Braking System's (ABS) hydraulic valve circuit.

What the C1101 code means

The ABS system is a featured in modern vehicles, used to minimize the risk of losing control while making hard turns or driving on rugged surfaces. ABS brakes use hydraulic fluid to regulate their function. A C1101 trouble code occurs when the ECU has recognized and verified a failure with the ABS hydraulic valve. This will restrict the function of the ABS system.

What causes the C1101 code?

If your vehicle is suffering from a C1101 code, a faulty valve or control unit is a likely cause. Corroded, damaged, faulty and otherwise poorly installed circuitry may be to blame for this circuit failure. In some rare cases, the ECU itself may be faulty, mistakenly reporting the trouble code as a result. Due to the rareness of this cause, it should only be considered once all other plausible causes have been exhausted.

What are the symptoms of the C1101 code?

The ABS system may be severely limited or disabled in the event of a C1101 code. Regular braking should still work so long as other trouble codes are not present in the ECU. In addition to the practical concerns, the C1101 code will be accompanied by an illuminated check engine light on the vehicle's dashboard, as well as a stored trouble code in the ECU that can be read using an OBD-II scanner. These symptoms are present in a purely diagnostic context, and may be disregarded once the specific issue has been identified.

How does a mechanic diagnose the C1101 code?

The C1101 code is first diagnosed by reading the code using an OBD-II scanner on the vehicle's ECU. Circuitry related to the C1101 description should looked over for signs of disconnection, corrosion, improper wiring/installation, damage and faultiness. ABS-related components should be examined and tested, specifically the ABS control unit, ABS sensors and hydraulic valve itself. Faulty components should be noted and scheduled for replacement.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the C1101 code

Chassis-related trouble codes (beginning with the letter C) can describe different issues depending on the make and model of vehicle in question. In Mercedes vehicles, for example, a C1101 trouble code refers to a circuit issue with the car's right-front axle. Contact the vehicle's manufacturer or reach out to a YourMechanic technician if you're uncertain how to interpret a certain code. Your OBD-II scanner may be programmed to specify the description alongside a code it registers.

How serious is the C1101 code?

With a failure of the antilock braking system's hydraulic function, the ABS feature will be likely disabled. Although regular braking should still be fine, you are strongly recommended against operating the vehicle like this, as your vehicle will handle differently than usual without its proper ABS traction. Although the vehicle may still technically be drivable without the Antilock Braking System, it significantly increases the risk of accidents.. A C1101 trouble code is considerably more serious if the vehicle is typically driven on less-than-optimal driving conditions and routes.

What repairs can fix the C1101 code?

Damaged, faulty, disconnected or corroded wiring related to the circuit will need to be addressed. Simple rewires and repairs may be done if the circuit issue is mild enough, but the circuitry may need to be replaced. In the rare event that the ECU has been identified as faulty, it will need to be reprogrammed or replaced altogether. Once you've made any necessary repairs to fix the ABS hydraulic valve circuit, restart the vehicle. Turning the ignition and letting it stand for a couple of minutes will allow the code to recur if it hasn't been addressed yet. If this is the case, return to the diagnostic stage and see if there is anything you may have missed.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the C1101 code

ABS braking is featured on virtually all modern cars.

Need help with a C1101 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

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