C1116: Stop lamp switch circuit fault in the ABS system (Nissan)
C1116 stop lamp switch
Severity: Inspect soon
The code turns the VDC/ABS warnings on and can disable forward collision and traction systems, per owner reports and Nissan's Frontier bulletin.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop and have the vehicle inspected if a red BRAKE warning light comes on or the brake pedal feels different.
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
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.
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.
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.
Step 1: Check brake lights with the pedal pressed.
IfLights fail or stay on
It meansSwitch circuit.
IfLights work
It meansAsk for switch adjustment and bulletin check.
Step 2: Ask a dealer about Nissan/Infiniti bulletins for your VIN.
IfSwitch adjustment bulletin applies
It meansAdjust first.
Points to: Stop lamp or pedal position switch out of adjustment
IfABS reprogram applies
It meansUpdate.
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 PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
NissanYour car
2022 · Frontier
Supported by vehicle dataNTB22-084 handles C1116/C1142 with relay, harness, switch and ABS reprogram. Not verified as current.
2016–2017 · Armada
Supported by vehicle dataNTB18-013 reprograms the ABS module on Armadas with Distance Control Assist.
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.
InfinitiYour car
2016–2022 · QX60
Supported by vehicle dataInfiniti bulletins add a jumper harness or adjust the brake switches.
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.
Related codes
No curated relationships for C1116 yet.
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
- Nissan NTB22-084: DTC C1116 AND/OR C1142 STORED IN THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IF YOU CONFIRM Customer state
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11746916: 2022 Nissan Frontier, C1116
- Nissan NTB22-020: SERVICE INFORMATION FOR BRAKE SWITCH ADJUSTMENT FOR DTC C1142 AND/OR C1116 STORED SERV
- Infiniti ITB22-010: SERVICE INFORMATION FOR BRAKE SWITCH ADJUSTMENT FOR DTC C1142 AND/OR C1116 STORED SERV
- Nissan NTB18-013: 2017 ARMADA; DTC C1116 AND VDC WARNING LAMP ON This bulletin applies only to vehicles e
- Infiniti ITB18-006: 2016-2017 QX60; VDC WARNING LAMP ON WITH DTC C1116 STORED This bulletin applies only to
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11473944: 2014 Nissan Cube, C1116 stop lamp circuit
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11650802: 2022 Nissan Frontier, BR22-001 DTC C1116/C1142
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11761719: 2016 Nissan Sentra with C1116 Stop Lamp Switch
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error