What Does C1269 Mean?
The ABS module has detected a short to battery voltage in the ABS pump motor relay #1 control circuit. The relay that drives the ABS hydraulic pump motor is being energized when it should not be, or the control circuit is seeing constant 12V. This can cause the ABS pump to run continuously or prevent the module from controlling it, disabling ABS function entirely.
Common Causes
35%
Chafed or damaged wiring shorting the motor relay control wire to a 12V source
25%
Failed ABS motor relay with welded contacts or internal short
20%
Corroded ABS module connector with voltage bridging between pins
10%
ABS module internal relay driver circuit failure
10%
Aftermarket wiring or accessory back-feeding voltage into the relay circuit
Diagnostic Steps
1
With the key on, listen for the ABS pump motor running continuously — this would indicate the relay is stuck closed. Remove the relay and check if the pump stops.
2
With the relay removed, measure voltage on the control coil pin at the relay socket — any voltage with the ABS module commanding the relay off indicates a short to battery in the wiring or a module driver issue.
3
Inspect the wiring from the ABS module to the motor relay for chafing, damage, or routing near 12V power sources. Check under-hood areas where heat and vibration cause wire insulation failure.
4
Examine the ABS module connector for water damage, corrosion, or bent pins that could bridge the relay control pin to an adjacent 12V pin.
5
Measure the relay coil resistance (typical 50-80 ohms) and check for welded contacts with a continuity test across the load-side terminals — contacts should be open with the relay de-energized.
Estimated Repair Cost
$50 - $600
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ABS module has detected a short to battery voltage in the ABS pump motor relay #1 control circuit. The relay that drives the ABS hydraulic pump motor is being energized when it should not be, or the control circuit is seeing constant 12V. This can cause the ABS pump to run continuously or preven...
The most common cause of C1269 (Motor Relay # 1 Circuit Short to Battery) is: Chafed or damaged wiring shorting the motor relay control wire to a 12V source
Typical repair costs for C1269 range from $50 to $600, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
If the pump runs continuously, it can overheat and fail permanently. If the relay is stuck on, the ABS may not function correctly. Standard braking is unaffected. If the pump is running non-stop, address immediately to avoid burning out the pump motor. Otherwise, safe to drive short distances to a repair facility.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1269 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
ABS / Traction Control
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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