What Does C1196 Mean?
The ABS outlet valve coil for the left front circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The ABS module detects constant high voltage on the valve coil circuit, preventing it from properly controlling the solenoid. This may be caused by a wiring fault introducing external voltage into the circuit or the solenoid coil shorting to a power source. ABS is disabled as the valve cannot be reliably controlled.
Safety Warning
ABS is disabled. A short to battery on a valve coil can also cause the valve to be permanently energized, which could alter braking characteristics on the LF corner even under normal (non-ABS) braking. Drive cautiously, test brake feel at low speed, and have a professional diagnose and repair this promptly.
Common Causes
35%
Wiring short between the LF outlet valve coil circuit and a 12V power source in the ABS harness
25%
ABS outlet valve solenoid coil shorted to its power supply pin internally
20%
Corroded ABS hydraulic unit connector with conductive bridge between the valve pin and a power pin
15%
ABS module output driver failed in the energized (high) state
5%
Water intrusion into the ABS module or connector creating unintended current paths
Diagnostic Steps
1
Disconnect the ABS hydraulic unit connector. Measure voltage on the LF outlet valve coil pins at the harness side. If battery voltage is present with the connector unplugged, there is a wiring short to power — trace and repair.
2
Inspect the ABS hydraulic unit connector carefully for corrosion, bent pins, or debris. A conductive bridge between the valve signal pin and the pump power pin (which carries battery voltage) would cause this code.
3
With the connector disconnected, measure resistance of the LF outlet valve coil. Normal is 3-8 ohms. Also measure from each coil pin to the positive power pin — should be OL. If low resistance to the power pin, the coil has an internal short to the supply.
4
Check for water intrusion evidence (mineral deposits, rust stains) in the ABS module housing and connector. Water can cause conductive paths between pins.
5
If the wiring and valve test good, the ABS module output driver may be failed in the high state. Reconnect and monitor the circuit with the scan tool's actuator test to confirm the module cannot toggle the valve correctly.
Estimated Repair Cost
$300 - $1,500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ABS outlet valve coil for the left front circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The ABS module detects constant high voltage on the valve coil circuit, preventing it from properly controlling the solenoid. This may be caused by a wiring fault introducing external voltage into the circuit or the ...
The most common cause of C1196 (ABS Outlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Battery) is: Wiring short between the LF outlet valve coil circuit and a 12V power source in the ABS harness
Typical repair costs for C1196 range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
ABS is disabled. A short to battery on a valve coil can also cause the valve to be permanently energized, which could alter braking characteristics on the LF corner even under normal (non-ABS) braking. Drive cautiously, test brake feel at low speed, and have a professional diagnose and repair this promptly.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1196 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
ABS / Traction Control
Difficulty
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