C1223: ABS control system malfunction seen by stability control (Toyota)

Malfunction in ABS control system

Severity: Inspect soon

Toyota's owner's manual says an ABS warning light means a fault in the ABS or brake assist system and the vehicle should be inspected by a dealer immediately. Normal braking remains, but anti-lock and stability help may be off.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The red BRAKE warning light stays on together with the ABS light. Toyota says to stop in a safe place, because braking can become unstable.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C1223 in short

On Toyotas, C1223 means the stability control system has detected a fault somewhere in the ABS system. It is a pointer code: another ABS code stored with it shows the real problem. The ABS and VSC lights come on, so have the brakes checked soon by a dealer or qualified shop.

Toyota's stability control (VSC) relies on the anti-lock system. When the VSC side sees that the ABS system has a fault, it stores C1223 and switches itself off. The code does not name a part on its own.

Toyota's repair manual says to clear the codes, cycle the ignition and recheck. If C1223 comes back, the fix is to repair whatever the other stored ABS code points to. Once that is fixed, C1223 should clear too.

On the 2003–2005 Sequoia, owners report C1223 stored with C1247 (brake pedal stroke sensor) and sometimes C1310 (brake booster solenoid circuit), with the ABS, VSC and brake lights on.

Pick your make

C1223 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.

C1223 on Toyota

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Another ABS fault shown by a second code
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
Toyota's repair manual defines C1223 as the VSC system detecting an ABS malfunction, and directs repair of the circuit named by the other code.
What would change this
Rises when another ABS code is stored. Falls only if C1223 is the sole code after clearing and rechecking.
Cause 2: Brake pedal stroke sensor or skid control ECU fault (Sequoia)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Sequoia owners report C1223 alongside C1247 and C1310, and Toyota has a bulletin for C1247 with C1310 on the 2003–2005 Sequoia. The bulletin is not verified as current.
What would change this
Rises on a 2003–2005 Sequoia with C1247 or C1310 also stored. Falls if neither code is present.

What to test first

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

Step 1: Have all ABS/VSC codes read with a scan tool and note every code stored with C1223.
Low riskTool: scan tool with ABS/VSC access
- IfC1247 or C1310 is also stored on a 2003–2005 Sequoia
  It meansToyota bulletin 00606 covers that pair; see the C1247 page.
  Points to: Brake pedal stroke sensor or skid control ECU fault (Sequoia)
- IfAnother ABS code is stored
  It meansDiagnose that code first.
  Points to: Another ABS fault shown by a second code
- IfC1223 is the only code
  It meansClear and recheck.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Have a technician clear the codes, cycle the ignition and recheck as Toyota's repair manual directs.
Best left to a shopTool: Toyota diagnostic tool and service information
Warning:This is brake system diagnosis. Leave it to a qualified technician, and do not drive if the red BRAKE light is on with the ABS light.
- IfC1223 returns with another code
  It meansRepair the circuit that code points to.
  Points to: Another ABS fault shown by a second code
- IfNo codes return
  It meansThe fault was temporary; watch for the lights coming back.

Symptoms

ABS and VSC lights on
Stability control switched off
Red BRAKE light on along with the ABS 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.

On your vehicle

Toyota

2003–2005 · Sequoia
Supported by vehicle data
Owners report C1223 with C1247 and sometimes C1310, and the ABS, VSC and brake lights on. Toyota bulletin 00606 covers C1247 with C1310 on these years; see the C1247 page.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C1223 questions

Why does C1223 come back after I clear it?

C1223 only reports that the ABS system has a fault. It comes back until the fault shown by the other stored ABS code is repaired.

Sources and review

Camry Owner's Manual (OM06291U) — Toyota
2005 Toyota Sequoia repair manual: DTC C1223/43 malfunction in ABS control system — Toyota Motor Corporation (third-party mirror)
Owner complaints: 2003-2005 Toyota Sequoia ABS, VSC and brake lights with C1223 and C1247 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Toyota 00606: MIL on with DTC C1247 and C1310, skid control computer logic change — Toyota / NHTSA , March 31, 2006
2005 Toyota Sequoia repair manual: ABS/VSC diagnostic trouble code chart — Toyota Motor Corporation (third-party mirror)

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
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

Severity: Inspect soon

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Another ABS fault shown by a second code

Cause 2: Brake pedal stroke sensor or skid control ECU fault (Sequoia)

What to test first

Step 1: Have all ABS/VSC codes read with a scan tool and note every code stored with C1223.

Step 2: Have a technician clear the codes, cycle the ignition and recheck as Toyota's repair manual directs.