C1116: Stop lamp switch circuit fault in the ABS system (Nissan)

C1116 stop lamp switch

C1116 in short

On Nissan, C1116 means the ABS module sees a problem with the stop lamp (brake) switch signal. It lights the VDC or ABS warning and can switch off traction and collision systems. Causes include switch adjustment, wiring or software; have it checked soon.

The ABS module reads the stop lamp switch and brake pedal position switch to know when the brakes are applied.

Nissan and Infiniti bulletins say the code can set if the switches are out of adjustment, and their fixes range from adjustment, to a jumper harness or relay, to an ABS module reprogram on trucks and SUVs.

Frontier owners report ABS, traction, forward and rear collision systems disabled with this code.

Pick your make

C1116 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Cause 1: Stop lamp or pedal position switch out of adjustment

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan NTB22-020 and Infiniti ITB22-010 say adjustment may clear it.
    What would change this
    Rises if switch adjustment is off. Falls if adjustment is correct.
  2. Cause 2: ABS module software or harness update

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Armada and QX80 bulletins reprogram the ABS module; QX60 adds a jumper.
    What would change this
    Rises if a bulletin applies to your VIN and options. Falls otherwise.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)
  3. Cause 3: Failed stop lamp switch

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    The Frontier bulletin installs a new switch, and a Cube owner's shop found the stop lamp circuit.
    What would change this
    Rises if brake lights fail. Falls if switch tests good.

What to test first

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

  1. Step 1: Check brake lights with the pedal pressed.

    Low risk

  2. Step 2: Ask a dealer about Nissan/Infiniti bulletins for your VIN.

    Low risk

Symptoms

  • VDC or ABS warning light on
  • Traction, forward or rear collision features disabled
  • Brake lights not working or always on
  • Red brake warning light 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):Software before parts where a bulletin applies. Labour varies; 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

Nissan

  • NTB22-084Status unverified

    C1116 and/or C1142 in ABS module

    2022frontier · issued · NHTSA 10222724

    Install the stop lamp relay and jumper harness, a new stop lamp switch and reprogram the ABS module.

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

  • NTB18-013Status unverified

    C1116 and VDC lamp (Distance Control Assist)

    2016armada · issued · NHTSA 10130498

    Reprogram the ABS control module on Armadas with Distance Control Assist.

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

  • NTB22-020Status unverified

    Brake switch adjustment for C1142/C1116

    2020titan · issued · NHTSA 10212011

    Adjust the stop lamp switch and brake pedal position switch before replacing parts.

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

Infiniti

  • ITB18-006Status unverified

    VDC lamp with C1116 stored

    2016qx60 · issued · NHTSA 10130482

    Install a harness jumper after confirming the brake lamp switch works.

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

  • ITB22-010Status unverified

    Brake switch adjustment for C1142/C1116

    2022qx60 · issued · NHTSA 10211983

    Adjust the switches before replacing components.

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

No curated relationships for C1116 yet.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C1116 questions

Can brake switch adjustment fix C1116?

Nissan and Infiniti say misadjusted switches can set it, so adjustment comes before replacing parts.

Sources and review

  1. Nissan NTB22-084: DTC C1116 AND/OR C1142 STORED IN THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IF YOU CONFIRM Customer state — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10222724)
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11746916: 2022 Nissan Frontier, C1116 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. Nissan NTB22-020: SERVICE INFORMATION FOR BRAKE SWITCH ADJUSTMENT FOR DTC C1142 AND/OR C1116 STORED SERV — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10212011)
  4. Infiniti ITB22-010: SERVICE INFORMATION FOR BRAKE SWITCH ADJUSTMENT FOR DTC C1142 AND/OR C1116 STORED SERV — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10211983)
  5. Nissan NTB18-013: 2017 ARMADA; DTC C1116 AND VDC WARNING LAMP ON This bulletin applies only to vehicles e — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10130498)
  6. Infiniti ITB18-006: 2016-2017 QX60; VDC WARNING LAMP ON WITH DTC C1116 STORED This bulletin applies only to — NHTSA manufacturer communications (flat file, NHTSA ID 10130482)
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 11473944: 2014 Nissan Cube, C1116 stop lamp circuit — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  8. NHTSA complaint ODI 11650802: 2022 Nissan Frontier, BR22-001 DTC C1116/C1142 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  9. NHTSA complaint ODI 11761719: 2016 Nissan Sentra with C1116 Stop Lamp Switch — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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