C0265 ABS computer reports a fault in its relay circuit

EBCM relay circuit

C0265 in short

C0265 means the ABS brake module reports a fault in its relay circuit. On 1999-2007 GM trucks and SUVs the usual cause is a poor ground inside the module, with the ABS light on and sometimes lost communication. ABS may be off, so get it checked soon.

The ABS relay feeds battery power to the valve solenoids. The brake module switches the solenoids on and off, so when its own power or ground is poor it flags the relay circuit and shuts down ABS.

GM bulletins for 2003-2004 Silverado and Sierra name a poor ground as the cause, and a related bulletin for 1999-2006 trucks and SUVs says to reground the module. A repair page describes the ground as a connection inside the module itself.

Honda and Isuzu bulletins list C0265 on the Passport and Ascender, which share the platform with these GM trucks.

Most likely causes

  1. Poor ground connection at or inside the brake module

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin 01737A names a poor ground as the cause of C0265, and the 1999-2006 truck bulletin says to reground the module. A repair page says the bad connection is inside the unit. Both bulletins are unverified.
    What would change this
    Rises if C0201 and U1041 are stored with C0265 or the ABS light comes and goes. Falls if the module ground tests good.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  2. Brake module failed

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The repair page says the fix is a repaired or replaced module when the ground cannot be restored.
    What would change this
    Rises if the ground and power circuits are good and the code returns. Falls if regrounding clears it.
    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. Read all codes and note C0201 or U1041 stored with C0265.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

    • IfC0201 and U1041 are stored too

      It meansThis matches the GM ground bulletin.

      Go to step 2

    • IfC0265 is alone

      It meansCheck the ground and power supply to the module.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a shop check the module ground and power supply, and whether the module communicates.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Brake, stability and wiring checks need scan tools and a lifted vehicle. Let a shop do this.

Symptoms

  • ABS light on, constant or intermittent
  • No communication with the brake module
  • Brake warning light on 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.

Parts and cost context

  • Brake system control module (ABS module):A ground repair or module rebuild can cost less than a new module; labor varies, so get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

GMC

  • 01737AStatus unverified

    Poor ground connection causing C0265

    2003–2004sierra-1500 · NHTSA 10007312

    Names a poor ground connection as the cause of C0265 on the 2003-2004 Silverado and Sierra.

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

  • 040525002BStatus unverified

    ABS light on with C0265, C0201, U1041 or no module communication

    1999–2006envoy, sierra-1500, yukon · NHTSA 10008659

    Covers 1999-2006 full-size trucks and SUVs with the ABS light on and C0265, C0201 and U1041 stored; a related record says to reground the EBCM ground.

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

Chevrolet

  • 01737A (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Poor ground connection causing C0265

    2003–2004silverado-1500 · NHTSA 10007312

    Names a poor ground connection as the cause of C0265 on the 2003-2004 Silverado and Sierra.

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

  • 040525002B (chevrolet)Status unverified

    ABS light on with C0265, C0201, U1041 or no module communication

    1999–2006avalanche, silverado-1500, ssr, suburban, tahoe, trailblazer · NHTSA 10008659

    Covers 1999-2006 full-size trucks and SUVs with the ABS light on and C0265, C0201 and U1041 stored; a related record says to reground the EBCM ground.

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

Cadillac

  • 040525002B (cadillac)Status unverified

    ABS light on with C0265, C0201, U1041 or no module communication

    2002–2006escalade · NHTSA 10008659

    Covers 1999-2006 full-size trucks and SUVs with the ABS light on and C0265, C0201 and U1041 stored; a related record says to reground the EBCM ground.

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

Buick

  • 040525002B (buick)Status unverified

    ABS light on with C0265, C0201, U1041 or no module communication

    2004–2005rainier · NHTSA 10008659

    Covers 1999-2006 full-size trucks and SUVs with the ABS light on and C0265, C0201 and U1041 stored; a related record says to reground the EBCM ground.

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

Honda

  • 1203Status unverified

    C0265, open relay circuit (Passport)

    1998–2001passport · NHTSA 10014207

    Names C0265 as an open relay circuit on the 1998-2001 Passport.

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

Isuzu

  • 0709002Status unverified

    ABS light on with C0265, C0201, U1041 (Ascender)

    2003–2007ascender · NHTSA 10022543

    ABS light with C0265, C0201 and U1041 or no module communication on the Ascender. The summary gives no fix.

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

  • C0550A chassis control module reports an internal fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    GM bulletins list C0550 for brake module faults on the same truck family, and both are linked to module power and ground.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

Sources and review

  1. GM 04-05-25-002B: ABS light on, C0265, C0201, U1041 and/or loss of communication with the brake module — General Motors via NHTSA
  2. Honda 1203: DTC C0265, open relay circuit (1998-2001 Passport) — General Motors via NHTSA
  3. GM 01737A: poor ground connection causing DTC C0265 (2003-2004 Silverado and Sierra) — General Motors via NHTSA
  4. C0265 Engine Code: EBCM Relay Circuit - Diagnosis & Repair — Chevytrucks.org
  5. GM 04-08-49-006A: service message with DTC C0550 set, reprogram EBCM (2003 Yukon, Escalade, Avalanche) — General Motors via NHTSA
  6. Isuzu 0709002: ABS light on, C0265, C0201, U1041 and/or loss of communication with the brake module (2003-2007 Ascender) — General Motors via NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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