AutoCodes – Ford – C1821 Ford

C1821 Ford Code - Electronic Parking Brake Motor Failure

Quick Answer

The Parking Brake Module monitors the Electronic Parking Brake Motor. Common causes include Faulty Electronic Parking Brake Motor, Electronic Parking Brake Motor harness is open or shorted, Electronic Parking Brake Motor 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: C1821 Ford indicates Electronic Parking Brake Motor Failure.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Electronic Parking Brake Motor, Electronic Parking Brake Motor harness is open or shorted, Electronic Parking Brake Motor 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 3,684

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 Nov 30, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code C1821 Ford Description

The Parking Brake Module monitors the Electronic Parking Brake Motor. The Parking Brake Module sets the OBDII code when the Electronic Parking Brake Motor is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code C1821 Ford - Electronic Parking Brake Motor Failure - AutoCodes.com — C1821 Ford Code - Electronic Parking Brake Motor Failure

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC C1821 Ford?

Faulty Electronic Parking Brake Motor
Electronic Parking Brake Motor harness is open or shorted
Electronic Parking Brake Motor circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Parking Brake Module

How to Fix the DTC C1821 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 C1821 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.

Need more information about the C1821 Ford code?

Need more information on how to fix the C1821 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the C1821 Ford 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 C1821 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code C1821 Ford (Electronic Parking Brake Motor Failure)?

Symptoms include the electronic parking brake not functioning properly, warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and unusual noises coming from the parking brake system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code C1821 Ford?

Common causes include a faulty electronic parking brake motor, damaged wiring or connectors, low battery voltage, or a malfunctioning electronic control unit (ECU).

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code C1821 Ford?

Diagnosis typically involves using a professional OBDII scanner to read the fault code, conducting a visual inspection of the parking brake system components, and performing electrical tests on the motor and related circuitry.

4. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code C1821 Ford present?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as the electronic parking brake may not function as intended, potentially compromising safety.

5. How can I repair OBDII code C1821 Ford?

Repair options may include replacing the electronic parking brake motor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, resetting the ECU, or recalibrating the parking brake system using a professional diagnostic tool.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code C1821 Ford without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily clear the warning lights, but the issue is likely to reoccur, potentially leading to further problems with the electronic parking brake system.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code C1821 Ford at home?

Depending on the specific cause of the code, some DIY repairs may be possible for experienced individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge. However, complex issues may require professional diagnosis and repair.

8. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code C1821 Ford at a dealership or repair shop?

The cost of repairs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, labor rates in your area, and the need for any replacement parts. It's advisable to obtain quotes from multiple sources for an accurate estimate.

9. What should I do if OBDII code C1821 Ford keeps coming back after repairs?

If the code persists after repairs have been made, it may indicate an ongoing issue that requires further diagnosis. Consulting a professional technician or dealership for advanced troubleshooting is recommended.

10. Is OBDII code C1821 Ford covered under any warranties or recalls by Ford?

Check with your local Ford dealership or the manufacturer's website to see if there are any existing warranties, recalls, or service bulletins related to OBDII code C1821 for your specific vehicle model and year.