C0110 code meaning
ABS Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction
What C0110 means
C0110 does not appear in the accessible J2012 code tables; it is documented by General Motors, whose brake modules use it for the electric motor of the ABS return pump. In the Saab 9-5 (2010–2011) and 9-4X service data the motor sits in the brake pressure modulator valve while its relay is inside the EBCM; the module leaves the motor off during ordinary braking and runs it only for ABS, traction or stability intervention. The 9-5 logs symptom 06 after an open or grounded feed lasting 0.01 s, the 9-4X uses a 1.8 s window, and symptom 61 marks a seized or worn motor. ABS, TCS and ESC are then disabled for the ignition cycle with ABS and brake lamps lit. A GM bulletin for the 2014 Cadillac ELR also lists C0110.
C0110 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0110
- ABS and red brake warning lamps on
- Traction and stability control indicator on, systems disabled
- No ABS intervention on slippery surfaces
Common causes of C0110
- Most likelyOpen or high-resistance pump motor supply or ground (fuse, connector, ground point)
- PossibleSeized or worn pump motor in the modulator valve assembly
- PossibleFaulty pump motor relay inside the brake control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ABS pump motorABS control moduleABS relayPower supply wiring
What each part of C0110 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 10 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0110 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0110
What does C0110 mean?
C0110 means "ABS Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction". C0110 does not appear in the accessible J2012 code tables; it is documented by General Motors, whose brake modules use it for the electric motor of the ABS return pump. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0110?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0110 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0110 fail an emissions test?
C0110 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0110 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0110 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.