C0599 code meaning
Brake Booster Control Module Missing Calibration
What C0599 means
C0599 means the control unit of an electric brake booster finds no valid calibration data. Stand-alone electromechanical boosters such as Bosch's iBooster carry their own controller, which converts the reading of a built-in differential travel sensor into motor commands; how the pedal feels is set by software parameters. A Bosch patent describes keeping the characteristic between booster travel and driver input in exactly this unit. If that data set or its learned values are absent, typically after a booster or module swap or an aborted flash, the code is stored. No maker documents C0599 publicly. As a yardstick, GM's check for a pressure sensor calibration (C0560) only reads the stored end-of-line status 500 ms after wake-up. Expect weak or missing assist and a hard pedal until the setup routine has run.
C0599 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0599
- Brake warning or service brake assist message in the cluster
- Hard brake pedal with reduced power assist
- Driver assistance functions using the booster (e.g. emergency braking) unavailable
Common causes of C0599
- Most likelyBooster or its control module replaced without running the setup/calibration routine
- PossibleSoftware update or programming of the booster module aborted or incomplete
- Less likelyInternal memory fault in the booster control module losing stored data
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Brake booster module
What each part of C0599 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 99 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0599 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 C0599
What does C0599 mean?
C0599 means "Brake Booster Control Module Missing Calibration". C0599 means the control unit of an electric brake booster finds no valid calibration data. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0599?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0599 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0599 fail an emissions test?
C0599 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 C0599 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0599 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.