C055C code meaning
ABS Pump Motor Supply Voltage Circuit A Range/Performance
What C055C means
The return pump motor of the ABS/ESC hydraulic unit has its own power feed, usually a fused line from the battery switched through a relay or a transistor stage in the module. C055C means this feed is present but its voltage does not behave as expected while the motor is off or running – sagging under load, slow to rise or drifting – as opposed to the hard open or short codes C052F, C055A and C055B. No maker publishes a C055C threshold. Ford checks the same motor supply under C052B: below 6 V with the pump off or 7.3 V with it on for 1.8 s. Mitsubishi files a motor or motor-relay fault (C1051-1C, up to 12 s) without an SAE code. GM used C055C in older power steering modules for an unrelated fault. With the pump unusable, ABS and stability control switch off.
C055C at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C055C
- ABS and stability control warning lamps on
- No pump buzz during the start-up self-test
- Normal braking remains, but without ABS regulation
Common causes of C055C
- Most likelyCorroded or loose pump motor fuse, feed terminal or ground at the hydraulic unit
- PossibleWeak battery or charging fault letting the supply collapse under motor load
- PossibleWorn or sticking pump motor drawing excessive current
- Less likelyFaulty motor relay or driver stage inside the ABS module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ABS pump motor supply aABS pump motor
What each part of C055C means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C055C 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 C055C
What does C055C mean?
C055C means "ABS Pump Motor Supply Voltage Circuit A Range/Performance". The return pump motor of the ABS/ESC hydraulic unit has its own power feed, usually a fused line from the battery switched through a relay or a transistor stage in the module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C055C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C055C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C055C fail an emissions test?
C055C 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 C055C to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C055C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.