C0290 code meaning
Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor Circuit Malfunction
What C0290 means
C0290 does not show up in the publicly available J2012 lists, and no maker ties it to a pedal stroke sensor. GM lists the number in PIP5094; AA1Car's GM brake table translates it as Lost Communications With PCM, a data bus fault between brake and engine module. A pedal stroke sensor measures how far the driver pushes the pedal or brake rod. Bosch builds such sensors on the Hall principle for up to 45 mm of travel or 55 degrees of rotation, and its iBooster reads the pedal through a differential travel sensor before its motor adds force. Electric boosters and blended regenerative brakes depend on this signal; when its circuit fails, the system falls back to an unassisted or less refined mode and the brake warning appears.
C0290 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0290
- Brake warning lamp on
- Higher pedal effort or changed pedal feel
- Regenerative braking reduced on hybrid or electric cars
Common causes of C0290
- PossibleDamaged wiring or connector at the pedal travel sensor
- PossiblePedal travel sensor failed or its magnet displaced
- Less likelyData bus fault between brake and engine module (GM meaning of the number)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Brake pedal stroke sensorBrake control moduleSensor wiring
What each part of C0290 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 90 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0290 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 C0290
What does C0290 mean?
C0290 means "Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor Circuit Malfunction". C0290 does not show up in the publicly available J2012 lists, and no maker ties it to a pedal stroke sensor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0290?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0290 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0290 fail an emissions test?
C0290 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 C0290 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0290 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.