C0291 code meaning
Brake Pedal Apply Sensor Circuit Malfunction
What C0291 means
C0291 is in no publicly available J2012 table, and no maker uses it for a brake apply sensor. GM names the number in its PIP5094 keyword list, and AA1Car's table of GM brake codes reads it as Lost Communications With BCM, a lost data link to the body module. An apply sensor tells the control units whether, and how firmly, the pedal is pressed. GM handles that job with a pedal position sensor: on the 2011 Saab 9-4X it is read by the body module, which needs 9 to 16 V supply and stores separate subcodes for grounded or open lines, battery shorts, implausible jumps and a missing rest position learn. A failure there affects stop lamps, shift lock and the electric park brake release.
C0291 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0291
- Stop lamps stay on or do not light
- Cruise control or shift lock release not working
- ABS or stability control warning lamp on
Common causes of C0291
- PossibleChafed wire or loose connector at the pedal sensor
- PossiblePedal sensor replaced or pedal adjusted without relearning the rest position
- Less likelyData link to the body module interrupted (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 position sensorBrake control moduleSensor wiring
What each part of C0291 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 91 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0291 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 C0291
What does C0291 mean?
C0291 means "Brake Pedal Apply Sensor Circuit Malfunction". C0291 is in no publicly available J2012 table, and no maker uses it for a brake apply sensor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0291?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0291 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0291 fail an emissions test?
C0291 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 C0291 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 C0291 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.