C0960 code meaning
Tire Pressure Monitoring Module Internal Fault
What C0960 means
Public material does not show C0960 in use by any maker; it is missing from the public lists, indexes and bulletins. The title points to a self-test failure in the control unit that evaluates the tire sensors. Makers with their own codes for this: Honda's TPMS unit reports code 81 when its RAM, ROM, A/D converter, EEPROM or arithmetic unit fails the check, and Mitsubishi's 2022 BCM-based system lists C1700 control unit faults with several subcodes. Land Rover keeps the function in a separate TPM module. FMVSS 138 requires a malfunction telltale within 20 minutes of any fault that stops the system working, so the warning lamp is the visible sign. Wheel sensors are usually fine; the module is reprogrammed or replaced.
C0960 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0960
- TPMS malfunction lamp lit permanently
- No tire pressures shown at all
Common causes of C0960
- Most likelyMemory or processor fault inside the TPMS control unit
- PossibleCorrupted or incomplete software after programming
- Less likelyLow supply voltage or poor ground disturbing the self-test
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Tpms module
What each part of C0960 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 C0960 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 C0960
What does C0960 mean?
C0960 means "Tire Pressure Monitoring Module Internal Fault". Public material does not show C0960 in use by any maker; it is missing from the public lists, indexes and bulletins. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0960?
C0960 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will C0960 fail an emissions test?
C0960 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 C0960 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0960 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.