C0220 code meaning
ABS Valve Block Supply Voltage
What C0220 means
C0220 has not turned up in any accessible J2012 table, NHTSA bulletin or maker index; there is no public evidence of its use. The title refers to the voltage that feeds the solenoid valves of the hydraulic unit. In GM-designed systems such as the TRW EBC450 of the 2011 Saab 9-5, the brake control module itself feeds both the valve coils and the pump motor. A Hella/Lucas patent routes battery voltage to all valves through the contact of a fail-safe relay and checks the switched voltage behind it; a wrong value drops the relay and lights the lamp. Saab's older ESP shows a typical limit for a supply fault, below 9 V for 0.5 s above 6 km/h, stored there as C1532. A weak battery, a blown fuse, poor grounds or charging faults are frequent causes.
C0220 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0220
- ABS, brake and stability lamps on, often intermittently
- ABS and traction control unavailable
Common causes of C0220
- Most likelyLow system voltage from a weak battery or charging fault
- PossibleBlown fuse or high resistance in the module supply line
- PossiblePoor ground connection of the brake control module
- Less likelyFaulty valve supply relay or driver inside the module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ABS hydraulic blockABS control modulePower supply wiring
What each part of C0220 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0220 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 C0220
What does C0220 mean?
C0220 means "ABS Valve Block Supply Voltage". C0220 has not turned up in any accessible J2012 table, NHTSA bulletin or maker index; there is no public evidence of its use. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0220?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0220 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0220 fail an emissions test?
C0220 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 C0220 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0220 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.