C0230 code meaning
Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit
What C0230 means
C0230 is in none of the accessible J2012 tables and in no NHTSA bulletin or manufacturer index, so it cannot be traced to a vehicle. The title points to the electrical side of a brake pedal position sensor: a supply, signal or ground line that is open or shorted, so the reading falls outside the band the module accepts. GM's patent for a two-output resistive sensor names these out-of-range low and high conditions as the standard on-board check before it adds a test for faults within the range. Bosch's Hall-type PWG sensor delivers two independent PWM outputs; if one disappears or both disagree, the controller can tell a wiring fault from a real pedal movement. Expected effects are stop lamp or cruise control trouble, a lit warning lamp and, on hybrids, limited brake blending.
C0230 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0230
- Brake or stability warning lamp on
- Stop lamps or cruise control behave incorrectly
Common causes of C0230
- Most likelyOpen or shorted supply, signal or ground wire of the sensor
- PossibleCorroded or loose connector at the pedal sensor
- PossibleInternal sensor fault (worn track, failed Hall element)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Brake pedal position sensorSensor wiring
What each part of C0230 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 30 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0230 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 C0230
What does C0230 mean?
C0230 means "Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit". C0230 is in none of the accessible J2012 tables and in no NHTSA bulletin or manufacturer index, so it cannot be traced to a vehicle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0230?
C0230 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0230 fail an emissions test?
C0230 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 C0230 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0230 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.