C0302 code meaning
Outlet Valve Front Left Performance
What C0302 means
C0302 has no public footprint: the publicly available J2012 tables, GM's PIP5094, the AA1Car chart and the NHTSA bulletin index all lack it. This text therefore covers only the front left outlet valve named in the title. Unlike the inlet valve it stays closed at rest and opens only when the brake module wants to drop pressure at a locking wheel; the released fluid goes into an accumulator from which the return pump feeds it back. TRW calls this part the dump valve. If it opens too slowly, the front left wheel can lock; if it leaks, pressure escapes and the pedal sinks or the car pulls right. Bosch places these valves, the return pump and the control unit together in one hydraulic unit, so a valve fault usually means repairing that unit.
C0302 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0302
- ABS warning lamp on, ABS switched off
- Front left wheel locks or pedal sinks slowly
Common causes of C0302
- PossibleOutlet valve seat leaking because of dirt or wear
- PossibleValve coil or its driver in the brake module faulty
- Less likelyOld or wrong brake fluid slowing the valve
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Lf ABS outlet valveABS hydraulic blockABS control module
What each part of C0302 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 02 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0302 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 C0302
What does C0302 mean?
C0302 means "Outlet Valve Front Left Performance". C0302 has no public footprint: the publicly available J2012 tables, GM's PIP5094, the AA1Car chart and the NHTSA bulletin index all lack it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0302?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0302 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0302 fail an emissions test?
C0302 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 C0302 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0302 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.