C0136 code meaning
Stop Lamp Switch Circuit
What C0136 means
No public J2012 list, NHTSA bulletin or manufacturer table carries C0136, so it cannot be matched to a vehicle. Its title is word for word that of C0205, and at GM the brake switch input of ABS/TCS modules is C0161; which number a given car uses can only come from its own service data. The function itself is well described. Bosch patented a monitor for ABS and traction control units that stores a suspected short or stuck switch when the signal is already present at ignition-on, and an open line when no signal appears during a later drive; with automatic gearboxes it waits for three repeats. A second Bosch patent rechecks a switch reported stuck high by demanding a clean low-high-low pattern at standstill. Stop lamps and cruise control share this signal.
C0136 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.2 to 1 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0136
- Stop lamps stay on or do not work
- Cruise control will not engage or cancels
- ABS or stability warning lamp may come on
Common causes of C0136
- Most likelyBrake light switch misadjusted, worn or sticking
- PossibleOpen or short in the switch circuit or connector
- Less likelyBlown stop lamp fuse
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Brake light switchABS control moduleWiring
What each part of C0136 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 36 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0136 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 C0136
What does C0136 mean?
C0136 means "Stop Lamp Switch Circuit". No public J2012 list, NHTSA bulletin or manufacturer table carries C0136, so it cannot be matched to a vehicle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0136?
C0136 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0136 fail an emissions test?
C0136 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 C0136 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.2 to 1 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0136 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.