AutoCodes – Cadillac – C1709 Cadillac

C1709 Cadillac Code - Right Rear Center Sensor Circuit Failure

Quick Answer

Parking Aid Systems consist of the following: - Four ultrasonic parking aid sensors (located in the rear bumper) - Parking aid speaker-audible warning tone - Parking Aid Module (PAM) - Parking aid switch The parking aid system detects objects behind the vehicle when the vehicle reverse gear select input to the control module enabled.The PAM does this by calculating the distance to an object by the use of four ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper. Common causes include Faulty Right Rear Sensor, Right Rear Sensor harness is open or shorted to ground, Right Rear Sensor 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
C1709 Cadillac indicates Right Rear Center Sensor Circuit Failure.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Right Rear Sensor, Right Rear Sensor harness is open or shorted to ground, Right Rear Sensor 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.
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Code Popularity 1,944
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Nov 17, 2020
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Code C1709 Cadillac Description

Parking Aid Systems consist of the following:
- Four ultrasonic parking aid sensors (located in the rear bumper)
- Parking aid speaker-audible warning tone
- Parking Aid Module (PAM)
- Parking aid switch

The parking aid system detects objects behind the vehicle when the vehicle reverse gear select input to the control module enabled.The PAM does this by calculating the distance to an object by the use of four ultrasonic sensors mounted in the rear bumper. The ultrasonic field is emitted in a semicircular area around the rear of the vehicle. The sensors can detect objects approximately 1.8 m (5.9 ft) to the rear of the vehicle, 50 cm (1.6 ft) to the rear side of the vehicle, and 16 cm (6 in) above ground. A 750 kHz variable warning tone is generated from a speaker located inside the rear RH quarter trim panel. The speaker increases its warning tone rate as the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle. When an object is detected within 25 cm (10 in) of the sensors, the warning tone becomes continuous.
The parking aid system is enabled when the vehicle ignition is in RUN and the reverse (R) gear is selected. The parking aid disabled indicator will illuminate for three seconds when the ignition is turned to RUN. The system can be disabled by depressing the parking aid disable switch on the instrument panel. The parking aid system will indicate it is disabled by illuminating the parking aid disabled indicator. The system will always enable when the ignition is turned to RUN, or entry into reverse (R).
The parking aid system will be disabled if a fault is detected in one of the four sensors, the parking aid speaker or the parking aid module. This will be indicated by the parking aid disabled indicator being illuminated.
OBDII Code C1709 Cadillac - Right Rear Center Sensor Circuit Failure - AutoCodes.com
C1709 Cadillac Code - Right Rear Center Sensor Circuit Failure

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C1709 Cadillac?

  • Faulty Right Rear Sensor
  • Right Rear Sensor harness is open or shorted to ground
  • Right Rear Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC C1709 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 C1709 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.

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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 C1709 Cadillac Code

1. What does OBDII code C1709 mean on a Cadillac?

Code C1709 indicates a "Right Rear Center Sensor Circuit Failure," which points to an issue with the sensor responsible for detecting obstacles near the right rear center of the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of code C1709 on a Cadillac?

Symptoms include malfunctioning parking assist, warning alerts or beeps that occur unexpectedly, or the system failing to detect obstacles near the right rear of the vehicle.

3. What causes the C1709 code to appear on a Cadillac?

Common causes include a damaged or faulty right rear center parking sensor, corroded or loose electrical connections, or a wiring issue in the sensor circuit.

4. Can I continue driving with the C1709 code active?

Yes, you can drive, but the parking assist system may not function properly, increasing the risk of a collision when reversing.

5. How can I diagnose the C1709 code on my Cadillac?

Start by inspecting the right rear center sensor for physical damage, checking the wiring and connectors for corrosion or disconnection, and testing the sensor with a multimeter if necessary.

6. Is the C1709 code specific to Cadillacs?

While code C1709 is common in certain Cadillac models, it may also appear in other vehicles with similar parking assist systems, though the exact meaning can vary.

7. How do I fix the C1709 code on a Cadillac?

Repairs may involve cleaning or reconnecting the sensor's wiring, replacing the faulty right rear center sensor, or addressing any damaged components in the circuit.

8. How much does it cost to fix the C1709 code on a Cadillac?

Depending on the issue, repairs can range from $50 for basic wiring fixes to $200-$400 for sensor replacement. Costs may vary by location and labor rates.

9. Can I clear the C1709 code without repairing the problem?

You can clear the code temporarily with an OBDII scanner, but it will likely return unless the underlying issue is resolved.

10. Do I need professional help to fix the C1709 code?

If you are familiar with basic diagnostics and wiring, you can attempt the repair yourself. However, for complex issues or if you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

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