WOMS
C code chassis Medium severity

C1163 Park Brake Switch # 2 Applied Circuit Short to Gnd

The OBD2 code C1163 indicates that there is a short circuit to ground in the Park Brake Switch #2 applied circuit, which means the system is detecting an unexpected electrical connection to ground in that circuit

Definition

The OBD2 code C1163 indicates that there is a short circuit to ground in the Park Brake Switch #2 applied circuit, which means the system is detecting an unexpected electrical connection to ground in that circuit

Common causes

  • Faulty park brake switch
  • Damaged wiring or connectors
  • Short circuit in the wiring harness
  • Corroded terminals
  • Faulty ground connection
  • Malfunctioning brake control module
  • Water intrusion or moisture in the electrical system

Common misdiagnoses

  • Faulty park brake switch
  • Damaged wiring or connectors
  • Shorted wiring harness
  • Faulty brake control module
  • Incorrectly installed or malfunctioning brake system components
  • Issues with the vehicle's body control module (BCM)
  • Grounding issues in the electrical system
  • Faulty or corroded fuses

Troubleshooting steps

  1. 1. Understand the Code

    C1163 typically indicates that the vehicle's system has detected a short circuit in the park brake switch circuit. This could mean that the switch is either malfunctioning or there is a wiring issue

  2. 2. Visual Inspection

    Check the Park Brake Switch: Inspect the park brake switch for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections

  3. 3. Wiring and Connectors

    Look for damaged, frayed, or pinched wires in the circuit leading to the park brake switch. Ensure all connectors are secure and free of corrosion

  4. 4. Test the Park Brake Switch

    Continuity Test: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the park brake switch. With the brake engaged, there should be continuity; with it disengaged, there should be none

  5. 5. Resistance Check

    Measure the resistance across the switch terminals. If the resistance is too low (indicating a short), the switch may need to be replaced

  6. 6. Check for Shorts to Ground

    Wiring Inspection: Trace the wiring from the park brake switch back to the control module. Look for any points where the wire may be shorting to ground

  7. 7. Multimeter Test

    With the ignition off, use a multimeter to check for continuity between the park brake switch circuit and ground. If there is continuity, there is a short somewhere in the circuit

  8. 8. Inspect Related Components

    Check Other Switches: If the vehicle has multiple park brake switches, check the other switches for proper operation

  9. 9. Control Module

    In some cases, the issue may lie within the control module itself. Check for any software updates or known issues with the module

  10. 10. Clear the Code and Test Drive

    After performing the above checks and repairs, clear the code using an OBD-II scanner

  11. 11. Take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code reappears. Monitor the park brake operation during the drive

  12. 12. Seek Professional Help

    If you are unable to resolve the issue after following these steps, it may be best to consult a professional mechanic or technician who has experience with your specific vehicle make and model. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the C1163 code