AutoCodesFord – C1A96 Ford

C1A96 Ford Code - Brake Light Signal Stuck High

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Brake Light. Common causes include Faulty Brake Light, Brake Light harness is open or shorted, Brake Light 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
C1A96 Ford indicates Brake Light Signal Stuck High.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Brake Light, Brake Light harness is open or shorted, Brake Light 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 5,380
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Feb 23, 2019
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Code C1A96 Ford Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Brake Light. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Brake Light is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code C1A96 Ford - Brake Light Signal Stuck High - AutoCodes.com
C1A96 Ford Code - Brake Light Signal Stuck High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C1A96 Ford?

  • Faulty Brake Light
  • Brake Light harness is open or shorted
  • Brake Light circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Stop Lamp Switch
  • Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC C1A96 Ford?

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 C1A96 Ford 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 C1A96 Ford Code

1. What does the OBDII code C1A96 on a Ford vehicle mean?

The C1A96 code indicates that the brake light signal is stuck in the high position, meaning the system detects the brake pedal is engaged when it shouldn't be.

2. What are the common symptoms of the C1A96 code?

Symptoms include the brake lights staying on continuously, issues with cruise control disengaging, or warning lights on the dashboard.

3. What causes the C1A96 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty brake pedal position sensor, a stuck or misaligned brake light switch, damaged wiring, or a short circuit in the brake light circuit.

4. Can a faulty brake light switch trigger the C1A96 code?

Yes, a faulty or misaligned brake light switch is one of the primary causes of this code.

5. How do I diagnose the C1A96 code?

Start by inspecting the brake light switch and wiring for damage or misalignment. Use a scan tool to monitor the brake pedal position sensor readings for abnormalities.

6. Can I still drive my car with the C1A96 code?

While the car may still be drivable, it’s not recommended to ignore this code as it can affect safety systems like brake lights and cruise control.

7. How do I fix the C1A96 code on a Ford vehicle?

Fixes include replacing or adjusting the brake light switch, repairing damaged wiring, or replacing the brake pedal position sensor if necessary.

8. How much does it cost to repair the C1A96 code?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $50 to $200, depending on whether the brake light switch or other components need replacement.

9. Can a blown fuse cause the C1A96 code?

A blown fuse is unlikely to cause this specific code, but electrical issues in the brake light circuit can contribute to the problem.

10. Will clearing the C1A96 code solve the problem?

Clearing the code will not fix the underlying issue. The root cause, such as a faulty brake switch or wiring issue, must be addressed for the code to stay cleared.

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