C0131 Brake pressure circuit fault (GM)

C0131 traction control pressure circuit

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Saab workshop information says C0131 disables ABS, traction and stability control; no source rates drive safety, and brakes are safety-critical, so have it checked.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C0131 in short

C0131 is a brake pressure circuit fault: the brake control module sees an implausible or faulty pressure signal. ABS, traction and stability control are switched off and the Service Stability lamp comes on. GM and Saab information points first at the brake pressure modulator valve. Have a shop check it.

A pressure sensor in the brake hydraulic unit tells the module how hard the brakes are applied. C0131 sets when that signal is shorted, open or does not match the brake switch and vehicle motion.

Saab workshop information lists a short on the 5 V reference circuit and says the module disables ABS, traction, stability and hill start assist. GM bulletins show C0131 behind Service Stability or Stabilitrak messages on Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade and others, and a later one on Sonic, Trax, Encore and Spark after the modulator valve was replaced.

Brakes are safety-critical, so this page gives no do-it-yourself steps.

Most likely causes

  1. Brake pressure modulator valve (pressure sensor circuit)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    The Saab diagnostic path replaces the modulator valve first, and GM PIC5704 series covers C0131 on vehicles that had the modulator valve replaced.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code is current with no wiring fault. Falls if a wiring or connector fault is found.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  2. Wiring, connector or module

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Saab conditions include shorts or opens on related circuits, and Saab says to replace the control module if the code persists after the valve.
    What would change this
    Rises if the 5 V reference or signal wiring tests faulty. Falls if wiring is sound.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Ask a shop to read the ABS codes, check the pressure circuit and wiring, and look for a GM bulletin for your VIN.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Brake faults are safety-critical; leave diagnosis and repair to a qualified shop.

Symptoms

  • Service Stability or Stabilitrak message
  • ABS and traction control lamps on
  • Red brake lamp on or pedal feels wrong Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

On your vehicle

GMC

  • 2004–2005 · Yukon

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 3396 lists C0131 among the codes behind a Service Stability message. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 3396Status unverified

    Service Stability message with C0290, C0292, C0131 or C0196 set in the EBCM

    2004–2005yukon · NHTSA 10013537

    Lists C0131 among the EBCM codes behind a Service Stability message.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • 2009 · Escalade ESV

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIT 4162 covers a Service Stability lamp with C0131. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIT 4162Status unverified

    Service Stability lamp, DTC C0131

    2009escalade-esv · NHTSA 10022693

    Service Stability lamp with C0131; the summary does not give the fix.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2012 · Sonic

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIC5704A covers C0131 setting on vehicles that had the brake pressure modulator valve replaced. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIC5704AStatus unverified

    Brake pressure modulator valve replaced, C0131 now set

    2012sonic · NHTSA 10112992

    Describes vehicles that had the brake pressure modulator valve replaced and now set C0131.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • C0196Stability system sees a sensor or motion fault (GM)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 3396 lists C0131 with C0196 behind a Service Stability message.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C0131 questions

Is it safe to drive with C0131?

Normal braking usually still works, but ABS and stability control are off. Stop and get help if the red brake lamp comes on or the pedal feels wrong.

Sources and review

  1. DTC C0131 (Saab 9-5 workshop information, traction/ESP fault diagnosis) — Saab Automobile (WIS Online mirror)
  2. GM 3396: Service Stability message, DTCs C0290, C0292, C0131 or C0196 set in the EBCM — General Motors via NHTSA
  3. GM PIC5704A: Brake Pressure Modulator Valve replaced, DTC C0131 now set current — General Motors via NHTSA
  4. GM PIT 4162: Service Stability lamp, DTC C0131 — General Motors via NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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