C0268 code meaning
Brake Pump Run Time Exceeded
What C0268 means
C0268 appears in no public J2012 table. It is a GM number named in PIP5094, and AA1Car repeats for it the wording of C0267, Pump Motor Circuit Open/Shorted. A run-time limit as in the title is documented by no maker for this code. Why pump run time matters is shown by a Kelsey-Hayes patent for GM-type ABS: one DC motor drives the return pumps that empty the low-pressure accumulators after the dump valves open; if the motor runs too slowly the accumulators fill and pressure at the wheel can no longer be lowered. The patent starts the motor at full voltage for about 0.3 s, then regulates speed by PWM and back EMF. A motor running too long or too slow points to wear, low voltage or a poor ground.
C0268 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 C0268
- ABS warning lamp on, ABS and traction control disabled
- Pump runs audibly long during self-test or ABS events
Common causes of C0268
- PossibleWorn or sluggish ABS pump motor
- PossibleLow supply voltage or poor ground at the pump motor circuit
- PossibleOpen or shorted pump motor wiring or connector (GM wording)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Brake pump motorABS hydraulic unitABS control module
What each part of C0268 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 68 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0268 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 C0268
What does C0268 mean?
C0268 means "Brake Pump Run Time Exceeded". C0268 appears in no public J2012 table. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0268?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0268 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0268 fail an emissions test?
C0268 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 C0268 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0268 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.