C0205 code meaning
Stop Lamp Switch Circuit
What C0205 means
C0205 cannot be found in the accessible J2012 lists, in NHTSA bulletins or in maker indexes; its title is identical to that of C0136, and GM-designed brake modules such as that of the Saab 9-4X use C0161 for the brake switch input. The switch itself is a closing contact that passes battery voltage to the brake module and the stop lamps when the pedal is pressed, as Saab's 9-3 ESP data show. Saab's 9-5 ESP module supervises the line by feeding a small current into it that returns to ground through the stop lamp bulbs; an interruption there is stored as C2470. Bosch and Nissan Diesel patented a scheme with two pedal switches that must agree, counting repeated mismatches before declaring both failed. Dark or permanently lit stop lamps are the first hint.
C0205 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 C0205
- Stop lamps stay off or stay on
- Cruise control will not engage or does not switch off when braking
- ABS/ESC warning lamp on
Common causes of C0205
- Most likelyStop lamp switch misadjusted, worn or broken
- PossibleBlown stop lamp bulbs or fuse interrupting the monitoring path
- PossibleBroken wire or corroded connector at the pedal
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Stop lamp switchABS control moduleCruise control module
What each part of C0205 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 05 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0205 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 C0205
What does C0205 mean?
C0205 means "Stop Lamp Switch Circuit". C0205 cannot be found in the accessible J2012 lists, in NHTSA bulletins or in maker indexes; its title is identical to that of C0136, and GM-designed brake modules such as that of the Saab 9-4X use C0161 for the brake switch input. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0205?
C0205 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0205 fail an emissions test?
C0205 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 C0205 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 C0205 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.