AutoCodes – Cadillac – C0690 Cadillac

C0690 Cadillac Code - Damper Control Relay Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

Battery voltage for the strut actuators is supplied to the Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) module through the damper drive relay circuit. Common causes include Faulty Damper Control Relay, Damper Control Relay harness is open or shorted, Damper Control Relay circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: C0690 Cadillac indicates Damper Control Relay Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Damper Control Relay, Damper Control Relay harness is open or shorted, Damper Control Relay circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 3,593

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 31, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code C0690 Cadillac Description

Battery voltage for the strut actuators is supplied to the Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) module through the damper drive relay circuit. The ESC module energizes the damper relay by opening and closing an internal ground for the damping relay coil control circuit. The ESC module monitors the damper drive relay circuit and each strut actuator high-side and low-side drive circuits for fault conditions.

OBDII Code C0690 Cadillac - Damper Control Relay Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — C0690 Cadillac Code - Damper Control Relay Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C0690 Cadillac?

Faulty Damper Control Relay
Damper Control Relay harness is open or shorted
Damper Control Relay circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC C0690 Cadillac?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the C0690 Cadillac code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the C0690 Cadillac code?

Need more information on how to fix the C0690 Cadillac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the C0690 Cadillac code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about C0690 Cadillac Code

1. What does the OBDII code C0690 mean on a Cadillac?

C0690 indicates a malfunction in the damper control relay circuit, which is part of the vehicle's suspension or ride control system.

2. What are the symptoms of code C0690 on a Cadillac?

Common symptoms include a rough or uncomfortable ride, suspension warning lights on the dashboard, and possible loss of adaptive suspension functionality.

3. What causes the C0690 code to appear?

The code can be triggered by a faulty damper control relay, damaged wiring, corroded electrical connections, or an issue with the control module.

4. Can I drive my Cadillac with the C0690 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring the issue can lead to further suspension problems or reduced ride quality.

5. How do I diagnose the C0690 code?

Diagnose the code by inspecting the damper control relay, checking for damaged or corroded wiring, and testing the circuit with a multimeter.

6. How is the C0690 code fixed?

Repairs may include replacing the damper control relay, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or cleaning corroded connectors.

7. How much does it cost to fix code C0690?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $100 to $300, depending on whether the issue is with the relay, wiring, or other components.

8. Can a bad suspension control module cause code C0690?

Yes, a faulty suspension control module can also trigger this code if it fails to communicate properly with the damper control relay.

9. How can I prevent the C0690 code from recurring?

Regularly inspect the suspension system's wiring and connections for damage or corrosion, and address any issues promptly to avoid circuit malfunctions.

10. Do I need professional help to fix code C0690?

If you have experience with electrical systems, you may be able to repair it yourself. Otherwise, itâ€™s recommended to seek professional assistance for accurate diagnostics and repair.