C0860 code meaning
Trailer Stability Assist Performance
What C0860 means
No carmaker documents C0860 openly, and it does not appear in any accessible list. The title names trailer sway control, an extra function of the stability control that uses the existing ESC sensors to spot a swinging trailer and then brakes single wheels and trims engine torque until the combination calms down. A Bosch patent detects sway as the gap between target and measured yaw rate, filtered to roughly 0.5 to 1.5 Hz so that normal steering is ignored, and can counter it by shifting drive torque between rear wheels instead of braking. A performance fault means the function cannot work as intended. Acura shows how makers label this: on the 2007-11 MDX the warning for trailer stability assist lit up together with codes 59-1, 66-1, 67-1 or 69-1, and a faulty brake pedal position switch was to blame.
C0860 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0860
- Trailer stability or ESC warning lamp on
- No automatic braking when the trailer sways
Common causes of C0860
- Most likelyFault in an ESC input such as brake pedal switch, yaw or wheel speed signal
- PossibleTrailer not recognised because of trailer socket or wiring faults
- Less likelyStability control software or configuration needing an update
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ABS control moduleYaw rate sensorBrake light switch
What each part of C0860 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 60 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0860 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 C0860
What does C0860 mean?
C0860 means "Trailer Stability Assist Performance". No carmaker documents C0860 openly, and it does not appear in any accessible list. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0860?
C0860 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0860 fail an emissions test?
C0860 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 C0860 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0860 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.