C0616 code meaning
Park Brake Control Module Control Circuit Performance
Chassis system Generic code C06xx codes Check engine light
What C0616 means
C0616 is the one code in this range that GM really uses. Its 2025 EBCM tables file over twenty parking brake self-tests under it, all Type C without MIL: the left and right H-bridge supplies may not differ by more than 12 % at 8–20 V, the current measuring path must read 10.5–17 A in its self-test, the motor voltage must stay between 7 and 18 V for 700 ms, plus watchdog, ASIC and rollaway checks. The 2019 tables for the L3B engine list C0616 for an ADC reference fault in the EBCM as Type A with MIL. Bulletin 24-NA-122 traces a parking brake warning on 2024 Silverado and Sierra HD trucks to EBCM software; the fix is reprogramming, not a new module. Mitsubishi reports similar faults as C10B3.
C0616 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0616
- Service Parking Brake message in the driver information center
- Parking brake warning lamp; parking brake may be inhibited
- Check engine lamp on some GM models
Common causes of C0616
- Most likelySoftware anomaly in the brake module (GM 2024 HD trucks, fixed by reprogramming)
- PossibleWeak battery, poor ground or charging fault pushing motor voltage outside its window
- PossibleInternal hardware fault in the parking brake ASIC, bridge or measuring path
- Less likelyParking brake assembly check not completed after module replacement
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Epb control moduleABS control module
What each part of C0616 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0616 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 C0616
What does C0616 mean?
C0616 means "Park Brake Control Module Control Circuit Performance". C0616 is the one code in this range that GM really uses. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0616?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0616 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0616 fail an emissions test?
C0616 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 C0616 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0616 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.