C0206 code meaning
ABS Solenoid Valve Rear Left Circuit
What C0206 means
C0206 is not documented publicly; the publicly available J2012 lists, the NHTSA bulletin index and maker indexes do not contain it. The title describes an electrical fault of the left rear ABS valves, which Saab's 9-5 TC/ABS data file as C2415 and watch for opens and shorts at all times, with the active valve check above 6 km/h. On the rear axle these valves matter even without wheel lock: Saab's 9-3 ESP description explains that electronic brake-force distribution operates each wheel's inlet and outlet valve, without the pump, to keep rear pressure from locking the rear wheels first. A failed rear valve therefore costs EBD as well as ABS, which is why the brake lamp lights next to the ABS lamp. MOTOR's current-probe recordings show such a coil fault as a missing test pulse.
C0206 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0206
- ABS and red brake warning lamps on
- No ABS or electronic brake-force distribution, rear may lock early
Common causes of C0206
- Most likelyOpen or shorted coil of a rear left valve
- PossibleCracked solder joint or contact strip, often worse when cold
- Less likelyFaulty valve driver in the control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ABS solenoid valve rlABS hydraulic blockABS control module
What each part of C0206 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 06 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0206 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 C0206
What does C0206 mean?
C0206 means "ABS Solenoid Valve Rear Left Circuit". C0206 is not documented publicly; the publicly available J2012 lists, the NHTSA bulletin index and maker indexes do not contain it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0206?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0206 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0206 fail an emissions test?
C0206 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 C0206 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0206 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.