What Does C1495 Mean?
This code indicates a general circuit failure in the traction control motor position potentiometer. The potentiometer provides analog feedback to the ABS/TC module about the exact position of the traction control motor actuator. Without this position feedback, the module cannot verify that the motor has moved to the correct position, resulting in a coherency fault (C1449) or direct disablement of the traction control system.
Common Causes
40%
Worn traction control motor potentiometer with degraded resistive element causing dead spots or erratic output
25%
Corroded potentiometer connector terminals creating intermittent signal loss
20%
Wiring fault between the potentiometer and the ABS/TC module on the signal, reference, or ground circuit
15%
ABS/TC module analog input fault on the potentiometer feedback channel
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Access the traction control motor assembly and locate the position potentiometer (typically integrated into the motor housing). Measure the potentiometer signal voltage at the connector — it should vary smoothly from approximately 0.5V to 4.5V as the actuator is manually rotated through its full range.
2
Step 2: Slowly rotate the actuator shaft while watching the signal voltage on a DVOM. Look for any sudden jumps, dropouts, or flat spots in the voltage as you sweep through the range. These indicate worn areas on the resistive element.
3
Step 3: Measure the total potentiometer resistance between the reference and ground pins (typically 2K-10K ohms). Then measure the wiper-to-end resistance and verify it changes smoothly and proportionally with actuator position.
4
Step 4: Verify the 5V reference supply at the potentiometer connector. If the reference is missing, the output will be zero regardless of position. Check for shared reference faults with other sensors.
5
Step 5: If the potentiometer is integral to the TC motor assembly and cannot be replaced separately, the entire motor assembly must be replaced. After replacement, perform a TC motor calibration procedure using the factory scan tool.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $700
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates a general circuit failure in the traction control motor position potentiometer. The potentiometer provides analog feedback to the ABS/TC module about the exact position of the traction control motor actuator. Without this position feedback, the module cannot verify that the motor...
The most common cause of C1495 (Traction Control Motor Potentiometer Circuit Failure) is: Worn traction control motor potentiometer with degraded resistive element causing dead spots or erratic output
Typical repair costs for C1495 range from $150 to $700, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Without position feedback, the traction control system cannot verify motor position and will be disabled. The vehicle loses traction control intervention during wheel spin events, increasing the risk of loss of control on low-friction surfaces.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1495 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
Traction Control System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
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