C0602 code meaning
Active Air Dam Control Circuit Low
What C0602 means
C0602 says the control line to the air dam actuator is held below its expected voltage, most often because a motor lead touches ground or because water has bridged pins in the connector. Smart H-bridge drivers such as the DRV8873-Q1 see a grounded output as overcurrent, trip within a few microseconds and turn that half-bridge off, so the motor never gets drive. For a 2025 Ram 1500 with air dam codes, Stellantis has technicians look for corrosion, cut or chafed wires and excess resistance before replacing the dam. Ford fits separate left and right actuators on the F-150, so one side can be at fault alone. No maker documents C0602 itself. The panel stops moving and a warning text may show; high and open faults are C0603 and C0601.
C0602 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0602
- Air dam warning message in the instrument cluster
- Air dam stays in one position
- Fault returns as soon as the system commands movement
Common causes of C0602
- Most likelyActuator wire chafed through and touching the body or frame
- PossibleWater and corrosion in the actuator connector after a damaged seal
- PossibleShorted motor or electronics inside the actuator
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Active air dam actuatorActive air dam module
What each part of C0602 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 C0602 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 C0602
What does C0602 mean?
C0602 means "Active Air Dam Control Circuit Low". C0602 says the control line to the air dam actuator is held below its expected voltage, most often because a motor lead touches ground or because water has bridged pins in the connector. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0602?
C0602 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0602 fail an emissions test?
C0602 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 C0602 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0602 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.