C1167

Park Brake Actuator Assembly Switch Released Circuit Short to Gnd

Chassis Chassis/Safety Park brake control 🔴 Serious — Stop or limit driving 🚫 Do Not Drive
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What This Actually Means

In plain language — no jargon

The park brake actuator's release switch circuit is shorted to ground, meaning the electrical signal is being grounded instead of properly communicating with the ECU. Think of it like a light switch where the wire is touching the metal frame—the signal can't get through properly.

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Symptoms You May Notice

3 known symptoms for this code
Park brake warning light stays on or flickers
Park brake won't release or releases intermittently
Electronic parking brake system malfunction
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How Your ECU Detects This

Technical sensor logic and voltage thresholds

The ECU monitors the voltage signal from the park brake actuator release switch circuit. The switch should produce a specific voltage change when the brake is released. A short to ground pulls the voltage to 0V, preventing normal signal detection and triggering the fault code.

Voltage & Parameter Thresholds

ParameterNormal RangeFault Condition
Switch signal voltage 5V or higher when released Below 0.5V (shorted to ground)
Circuit resistance Open or high impedance when inactive Less than 10 ohms (short condition)
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Diagnostic & DIY Fix Guide

Check these in order — from cheapest to most complex
1
Wire harness connector
Inspect and clean the park brake actuator connector for corrosion, moisture, or bent pins that could cause a short.
2
Wiring and cable routing
Check the release switch circuit wires from the actuator to the ECU for damaged insulation or pinched areas creating a ground short.
3
Park brake actuator assembly
Replace the entire actuator if internal switch contacts are corroded or shorted; this requires removing the parking brake assembly.
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When to See a Professional Mechanic

Not all fault codes are safe to DIY

Code C1167 is classified as a serious fault. If your check engine light is flashing — not just steady — pull over safely and do not continue driving. A flashing CEL indicates an active misfire or critical failure that can cause catalytic converter damage within minutes or permanent engine harm within miles. Contact a certified mechanic immediately. Do not attempt roadside repairs on high-severity codes unless you are trained to do so.

Safety note: OBD-II codes identify the system or circuit where a fault was detected — they do not always identify the exact failed component. A professional mechanic using live sensor data will diagnose the root cause more accurately than replacing parts based on the code alone.
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How to Clear Code C1167

What happens after you fix the fault

Once the fault is repaired, C1167 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.

The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.

✅ Safe to Clear When
  • Fault has been diagnosed and repaired
  • You want to confirm the repair worked
  • Code appeared after a sensor was cleaned
⚠️ Do Not Clear When
  • Preparing for an emissions/PUC test
  • Root cause is still undiagnosed
  • Check engine light is flashing
Emissions test note: Clearing codes resets OBD readiness monitors. Most vehicles need 50–100 km of mixed driving before monitors complete. Do not clear codes immediately before an emissions or PUC inspection.