C1167 Code: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes & Fix

Overview

Symptoms

• chassis warning indicator
• reduced stability control performance
• longer braking intervention

Common causes

• Disconnected or loose connector affecting park brake actuator assembly switch released circuit short to gnd
• Broken terminal inside harness
• Connector pin damage/corrosion or harness stress near related components

How to diagnose C1167

1. Confirm C1167 and capture freeze-frame data with a professional scan tool.
2. Inspect wiring, connectors, and grounds related to park brake actuator assembly switch released circuit short to gnd for obvious defects.
3. Use a continuity test from module pin to component to identify opens/high resistance.
4. Check for related DTCs to identify the root-cause chain before replacing parts.
5. After repair, clear codes and confirm readiness monitors complete without recurrence.

Severity of code C1167

Moderate: This code is moderate severity: the vehicle may still operate, but fault progression can increase repair cost over time.

Can you drive with C1167?

Most vehicles can be driven short-term with C1167, but postpone heavy load/highway driving until repaired.

If the warning lamp is flashing or drivability/safety is affected, avoid driving and diagnose immediately.

How to fix it (step-by-step)

1. Repair obvious wiring/connector faults first to prevent repeat parts replacement.
2. Address the root fault mode (open) in the park brake actuator assembly switch released circuit short to gnd circuit/system.
3. Apply the required relearn/adaptation procedure if specified by service information.
4. Road-test and verify C1167 remains cleared under the conditions that originally set the code.

Fix options

• Restore continuity and verify pin tension.
• Clear corrosion and protect terminals.
• Clear DTCs and verify with live data and completed drive cycle.

Typical repair cost

$240-$1200

Common mistakes when diagnosing C1167

• Replacing parts without verifying voltage, ground, and signal integrity first.
• Ignoring related stored/pending codes that indicate upstream faults.
• Skipping post-repair verification drive cycle and readiness checks.

C1167 in common vehicles

C1167 appears across makes such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo. Failure patterns differ by platform: wiring routes, software calibration, and component supplier revisions can change root cause.

Frequently asked questions

What causes C1167?

C1167 is commonly set by open faults affecting park brake actuator assembly switch released circuit short to gnd.

How much does it cost to fix C1167?

For C1167, repair costs are typically $240-$1200 depending on exact root cause, labor rates, and part quality.

Can I clear C1167 without repair?

You can clear C1167 temporarily, but the code usually returns until the underlying fault is corrected.

Helpful tools

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