C1185 ABS power relay output circuit failure (Ford)

ABS power relay output circuit

C1185 in short

On Ford vehicles, chiefly the 1999–2003 Windstar, C1185 means the ABS module found a fault in its power relay output circuit. Dealers quoted in owner complaints often traced it to a relay inside the ABS module. Normal brakes still work but anti-lock does not; get it serviced, and stop if the red BRAKE light stays on.

The ABS module uses a power relay to feed the pump motor and valves in the anti-lock unit. C1185 is set when the module sees that the relay output is not doing what it should. A code reference and Ford dealer scans quoted by Windstar owners give it this meaning; we could not get a Ford service document.

NHTSA has many complaints from 1999–2003 Windstar owners about this code. Ford dealers quoted in them describe a failed relay inside the ABS module, and other ABS valve codes such as C1210 and C1214 are often stored at the same time. Owners often say the light comes and goes with heat.

With the ABS light on, anti-lock braking is off but normal braking still works, Ford says. If the red BRAKE light also stays on with the parking brake released, the brakes may not be working properly.

Pick your make

C1185 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. Failed power relay inside the ABS module

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford dealers quoted in Windstar complaints describe C1185 as a power relay failure within the ABS module (HCU/ECU) and recommended a new module.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 1999–2003 Windstar, and when C1185 comes with a group of valve codes.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  2. Intermittent connection in the module that acts up with heat

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Many owners report the light coming and going with heat or cold and clearing on restart, and blame a solder joint on the module relay. These are owner opinions, not dealer findings.
    What would change this
    Rises if the light comes on only after the van warms up and goes off after a restart.

  3. Power, fuse or ground fault in the relay circuit

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The code describes a relay output circuit fault, so the power and ground feeding the ABS module should be tested before the module is condemned.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring, fuse or ground problems are found.

What to test first

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

  1. Release the parking brake fully and note whether only the ABS light is on, or the red BRAKE light too.

    Low risk

    • IfThe red BRAKE light stays on with the parking brake released

      It meansFord says the brakes may not be working properly. Do not keep driving; have it serviced immediately.

      Go to step 3

    • IfOnly the ABS (and maybe traction control) light is on

      It meansNormal brakes should work, but anti-lock is off. Have it serviced soon.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have the ABS codes read with a scan tool that reads Ford ABS codes, and note every code stored with C1185.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads Ford ABS codes

  3. Have a Ford dealer or brake shop run the ABS self-test and pinpoint tests, checking power and ground to the ABS module before replacing it.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with Ford ABS self-test

    Warning:Brake system work. ABS module testing and replacement, including any bleeding, should be done by a shop.

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light on, often coming and going
  • Traction control light on
  • Red BRAKE warning light on with the parking brake released 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

  • ABS module (Windstar):Dealers quoted in complaints recommended a new ABS module for C1185. Ask for power and ground checks first. Labor 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

Ford

  • 1999–2003 · Windstar

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford dealers quoted in Windstar owner complaints read C1185 as an ABS power relay output circuit failure and blamed a relay inside the ABS module, often with valve codes such as C1210 and C1214. Based on NHTSA owner complaints quoting dealer scans; there is no Ford bulletin or recall for it in our cache.

    Where it is:ABS module

  • C1210ABS outlet valve coil circuit failure, right front (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. Ford dealer readouts quoted in Windstar complaints list C1210 alongside C1185, and one dealer said the valve codes were caused by C1185. Diagnose C1185 first.

  • C1214ABS inlet valve coil circuit failure, right front (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. Ford dealer readouts quoted in Windstar complaints list C1214 alongside C1185, and one dealer said the valve codes were caused by C1185. Diagnose C1185 first.

  • C1194ABS left front outlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. C1194 is the left front outlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar it is usually stored with C1185 and the other valve codes. Diagnose C1185 first.

  • C1198ABS left front inlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. C1198 is the left front inlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar it is usually stored with C1185 and the other valve codes. Diagnose C1185 first.

  • C1242ABS left rear outlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. C1242 is the left rear outlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar it is usually stored with C1185 and the other valve codes. Diagnose C1185 first.

  • C1246ABS right rear outlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. C1246 is the right rear outlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar it is usually stored with C1185 and the other valve codes. Diagnose C1185 first.

  • C1254ABS right rear inlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. C1254 is the right rear inlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar it is usually stored with C1185 and the other valve codes. Diagnose C1185 first.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C1185 questions

Is it safe to drive with C1185?

Ford's Windstar owner's guide says normal brakes still work with only the ABS light on, but anti-lock does not, so have it serviced. If the red BRAKE light also stays on with the parking brake off, have it serviced immediately.

Why are so many other ABS codes stored with C1185?

When the relay that powers the ABS unit fails, the valve circuits it feeds can also look faulty. A Ford dealer quoted in one complaint said the valve codes were caused by C1185.

Sources and review

  1. 2000 Ford Windstar Owner's Guide — Ford Motor Company (via Internet Archive)
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 10233646: 2002 Ford Windstar ABS code readout — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10359580: 2003 Ford Windstar ABS code readout — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 10263112: 2000 Ford Windstar ABS code readout — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. NHTSA complaints describing intermittent, heat-related C1185 on 1999–2003 Ford Windstar — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. C1185 fault code information — TAT (tat.net.au) scan data
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 10423822: 2001 Ford Windstar ABS code readout — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  8. Owner complaints: 1999-2003 Ford Windstar ABS light with C1194, C1198, C1242, C1246, C1250, C1254 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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