Fault code lookup

ChassisC0081

Caution

Severity: Caution - get it checked when you can

ABS Malfunction Indicator

23 brands affected · Generic SAE J2012 description.

Key terms: ABS: anti-lock braking, which stops the wheels locking · Stability control: helps stop the car skidding · Wheel speed sensor: measures how fast each wheel turns · SAE J2012: the standard generic code list

1What it means in plain English

A chassis system has a fault, usually ABS, traction control or stability control, but some makes use this range for airbags, electric power steering or park brakes.

2Common causes

  1. Faulty wheel speed sensor
  2. Damaged sensor ring or wiring
  3. Faulty ABS module
  4. Low brake fluid
  5. Wheel bearing damage

3Can I drive?

Caution · drive with care

If the code names an airbag or SRS system, the airbag may not deploy in a crash: have it diagnosed promptly. If it names electric power steering, the assist may fail and the steering can become heavy: stop safely if that happens. If it names the brakes or park brake, have it checked before driving when braking feels abnormal. Otherwise ABS and stability control may be disabled: drive carefully, especially in wet conditions, and have it checked soon.

This page gives general information. It is not professional advice. For a definite diagnosis and a repair quote, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect the car.

4Brand data 23

BrandCodeDescriptionSystem
Ashok Leyland CVC0081Particulate Matter (PM) Control Sensor BrandChassis
BAIC MotorC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
BYDC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
CheryC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
DaewooC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
DFFSC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
DFFXC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
DFXKC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
EOBDC0081ABS hibajelző BrandChassis
GeelyC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
GMC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
Great WallC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
HafeiC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
HoldenC0081Invalid Data Received From Brake System Control Module BrandChassis
HyundaiC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator SAEChassis
Land RoverC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator SAEChassis
OpelC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
PeugeotC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator SAEChassis
SaabC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator BrandChassis
MG (SAIC)C0081ABS Lamp defective BrandChassis
SubaruC0081System Failure BrandChassis
TataC0081ABS Malfunction Indicator SAEChassis
ToyotaC0081ABS malfunction indicator BrandChassis

Legend: SAE is the generic J2012 description; Brand is text taken from that manufacturer’s data. Manufacturer rows keep the wording and language of the source data, and non-English text is tagged so screen readers pronounce it correctly.

5Extended variant codes 1

These 7-character codes are manufacturer-specific variants of C0081 and may be reported by some scan tools.

BrandCodeDescriptionSystem
Mercedes-BenzC008100Brakes overheated during active braking by BMR or ACB. BrandChassis

6Related codes

Browse Cxxx codes or C008xx codes.

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