C0617 code meaning
Park Brake Control Module Control Circuit Low
What C0617 means
C0617 says the supply or control line feeding the parking brake electronics reads too low. Because both caliper motors draw several amps when they clamp, a weak battery, a poor ground or a corroded feed shows up here first. Mitsubishi's ABS unit on the 2023 Outlander PHEV sets C10B7-16 when the ignition feed drops to 10 V or less for about a second and then suspends the parking brake and hill start assist. GM's 2025 EBCM tables stop the motor and block actuation when its voltage stays under 7 V for 700 ms, but they store that as C0616. In the integrated layout described for VDA 305-100 the power stage belongs to the ESC host, so the feed is shared. No maker publishes C0617; charge the battery before chasing it.
C0617 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0617
- Parking brake warning lamp, often together with other low-voltage messages
- Parking brake applies slowly or not at all
- Hill start assist unavailable
Common causes of C0617
- Most likelyDischarged or failing 12 V battery
- PossibleHigh resistance in the module ground or power feed
- Less likelyControl or enable line shorted to ground
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 C0617 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 17 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0617 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 C0617
What does C0617 mean?
C0617 means "Park Brake Control Module Control Circuit Low". C0617 says the supply or control line feeding the parking brake electronics reads too low. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0617?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0617 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0617 fail an emissions test?
C0617 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 C0617 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0617 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.