C1214: ABS inlet valve coil circuit failure, right front (Ford)
ABS right front inlet valve coil circuit
Severity: Inspect soon
With C1214 the ABS light is on; Ford says anti-lock is then disabled but normal braking still works, and the ABS should be serviced.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop and have it serviced immediately if the red BRAKE warning light stays on with the parking brake released.
C1214 in short
On Ford vehicles, chiefly the 1999–2003 Windstar, C1214 means the ABS module found a fault in the right front inlet valve coil circuit. It is often stored with C1185, a power relay fault, which should be checked first. Normal brakes still work but anti-lock does not; stop if the red BRAKE light stays on.
The anti-lock unit has an inlet valve for each wheel, worked by an electric coil. C1214 is set when the ABS module sees a fault in the right front inlet valve coil circuit. A code reference and Ford dealer scans quoted by Windstar owners give it this meaning; we could not get a Ford service document.
In Windstar complaints, C1214 usually appears in a group of valve codes together with C1185, the ABS power relay code. One Ford dealer said the valve codes were caused by C1185, so that code comes first in diagnosis.
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
C1214 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: Set as a result of the ABS power relay fault (C1185)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford dealer readouts quoted in Windstar complaints list C1214 with C1185, and one dealer said the valve codes were caused by C1185.
- What would change this
- Rises when C1185 and several other valve codes are stored at the same time.
Cause 2: Fault in the right front inlet valve coil or its circuit
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- The code itself names the right front inlet valve coil circuit. If C1214 is stored alone, the coil or its circuit needs testing.
- What would change this
- Rises if C1214 is the only ABS code stored.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Release the parking brake fully and note whether only the ABS light is on, or the red BRAKE light too.
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.
IfOnly the ABS (and maybe traction control) light is on
It meansNormal brakes should work, but anti-lock is off. Have it serviced soon.
Step 2: Have the ABS codes read with a scan tool that reads Ford ABS codes, and note whether C1185 is stored with C1214.
IfC1185 is stored with C1214
It meansDiagnose C1185 first; the valve code may follow from it.
Points to: Set as a result of the ABS power relay fault (C1185)
IfC1214 is stored alone
It meansThe right front valve circuit needs testing.
Step 3: Have a Ford dealer or brake shop run the ABS self-test and pinpoint tests on the valve circuit.
Warning:Brake system work. ABS module or hydraulic unit testing and replacement, including any bleeding, should be done by a shop.
IfThe valve coil circuit fails the test
It meansThe right front inlet valve coil or its circuit is at fault.
Points to: Fault in the right front inlet valve coil or its circuit
IfThe circuit tests good and C1185 is also present
It meansThe power relay fault is the likely root.
Points to: Set as a result of the ABS power relay fault (C1185)
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 when C1214 came with C1185. Labor 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
FordYour car
1999–2003 · Windstar
Supported by vehicle dataFord dealer readouts quoted in Windstar complaints give C1214 as the right front inlet valve coil circuit failure, stored with C1185 and other valve codes. 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 and hydraulic unit
Related codes
C1214 questions
Is it safe to drive with C1214?
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.
Sources and review
- 2000 Ford Windstar Owner's Guide
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10263112: 2000 Ford Windstar ABS code readout
- C1214 fault code information
- NHTSA complaints listing Ford dealer ABS code readouts with C1210 and C1214 on 2002 Ford Windstar
- 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