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C1112 — ABS Power Relay Coil Short Circuit To Ground #

Note: The code title may vary depending on the manufacturer.

  • ABS Relay Coil Shorted to Ground (Nissan)
  • ABS Power Relay Control Circuit Low (Ford)
  • ABS Main Relay Coil Shorted (Toyota)

Summary of DTC C1112 #

The C1112 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates that the ABS power relay coil—the electrically actuated switch providing power to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module—has experienced a short circuit to ground. This means the electrical current intended for the relay coil is unintentionally diverted directly to the vehicle’s chassis ground, rather than properly energizing the relay. As a result, the ABS module may not receive the power it needs for proper operation, potentially disabling advanced braking safety features. Most OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) monitor this circuit continuously for faults to ensure your ABS is always ready to intervene. This code is most often associated with wiring faults, relay failure, or sometimes a problem in the ABS module itself.

Common Symptoms for Code C1112 #

A vehicle with a C1112 ABS power relay coil short to ground may drive normally under most conditions, but the safety net provided by ABS could be compromised. Drivers may notice one or more warning signs, including:

  • ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
  • Traction control or stability control lights on (if integrated with ABS)
  • ABS system inoperative—brakes function normally but without anti-lock capability
  • Intermittent or complete loss of traction/stability assistance during hard braking
  • Possible brake pedal feedback changes (harder or softer pedal feel)

Likely Causes of C1112 (in order of frequency) #

This code is almost always the result of an electrical problem affecting the ABS relay coil circuit. The most common culprits, ranked by likelihood, are:

  1. Damaged, shorted, or corroded wiring between the ABS module and the power relay
  2. Failed or internally shorted ABS power relay
  3. Poor or loose ground connections at the relay or module
  4. Water intrusion or corrosion at electrical connectors
  5. Rarely, a malfunctioning ABS module itself

Step-by-Step Diagnosis for Code C1112 #

Diagnosing a C1112 code requires methodical electrical testing. Always follow proper safety procedures and disconnect the battery before working on the ABS system.

  • Step 1: Confirm code presence with a scan tool and check for any related codes (especially other ABS or power supply codes).
  • Step 2: Visually inspect ABS relay, fuse, and the related wiring harness for obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or disconnection.
  • Step 3: Test the ABS power relay by removing it and checking coil resistance with a multimeter (compare to OEM specs; a reading near zero ohms often means a short).
  • Step 4: Check for continuity between the relay coil terminal and ground—there should not be a direct short. If present, trace the harness for pinched or rubbed-through wires.
  • Step 5: Inspect and clean all ground points associated with the ABS relay and module.
  • Step 6: If wiring and relay test fine, use a wiring diagram to check for possible internal faults in the ABS module (consult OEM procedures for final confirmation).

Possible Repairs for C1112 #

Once the root cause is found, repairs are straightforward—address the underlying electrical fault to restore proper ABS function:

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring (splicing, soldering, or replacing harness sections as needed)
  • Replace the ABS power relay with an OEM-approved component
  • Clean and tighten ground connections at the relay and module
  • Address any water intrusion or connector corrosion issues
  • In rare cases, replace the ABS module (after verifying all other possibilities)

Is It Safe to Drive With Code C1112? #

Limited: While your basic braking system should remain functional, the anti-lock braking and possibly stability/traction control features are disabled as long as this code is active. This means you could be at higher risk of wheel lockup and loss of vehicle control in emergency stops or slippery conditions. Therefore, avoid driving the vehicle unless absolutely necessary and have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

Vehicles Most Commonly Affected by C1112 #

While C1112 can appear on various makes, it is most frequently seen on certain models from these manufacturers:

  • Nissan (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, Titan)
  • Infiniti (G35, FX35, QX60)
  • Toyota (Camry, Corolla, RAV4 in some regions)
  • Ford (Edge, Fusion, Escape)

Always refer to your vehicle’s OEM service documentation for model-specific circuit details.

Common Mistakes & Best Practices for C1112 #

Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary parts replacement or persistent issues. Here’s how to avoid the most frequent pitfalls:

  • Replacing the ABS relay without first checking wiring—wiring faults are more common than relay failures
  • Overlooking poor ground connections or corroded terminals
  • Ignoring signs of water intrusion at connectors or the relay box
  • Not clearing codes after repairs—always perform a post-repair scan and road test
  • Always use OEM relays and connectors to ensure correct operation

Quick FAQ for Code C1112 #

Still have questions about C1112? Here are some fast answers:

  • Q: Can a weak battery cause C1112?
    A: Not directly. However, low voltage can sometimes trigger multiple ABS codes, so always check battery health during diagnosis.
  • Q: Will replacing the ABS fuse clear this code?
    A: No. This code is specific to a short in the relay coil circuit, not the fuse. Fuses usually blow due to a different type of fault.

If your ABS warning light is on and you see C1112 stored, don’t ignore it—restoring your vehicle’s full braking safety is worth the effort!