C1246 ABS right rear outlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

ABS right rear outlet valve coil circuit failure

C1246 in short

On Fords, C1246 means the anti-lock brake module found a fault in the circuit of the right rear outlet valve inside the ABS hydraulic unit. The ABS light comes on and anti-lock braking is switched off. Normal brakes should still work, but have it checked soon by a qualified shop.

The ABS hydraulic unit has an inlet valve and an outlet valve for each wheel. The outlet valve lets brake fluid back out of the wheel to release pressure when a wheel starts to lock. The ABS module switches these valves on and off and checks that each one responds. When the right rear outlet valve does not respond as commanded, the module stores C1246, turns on the ABS light and shuts off anti-lock braking.

On the 1999–2003 Ford Windstar, owners' reports to NHTSA show this code rarely sets alone. Dealer readouts list it with the other ABS valve codes (C1194, C1198, C1242, C1246, C1250 and C1254) and usually C1185, the ABS power relay code. The light often comes and goes, and sometimes the red BRAKE light comes on with it.

When every valve reports a fault at the same moment, a problem they share, such as the module's power feed or the module itself, deserves a look before any single valve. Mazda's service manual for the same code numbers lists faults inside the control unit and poor connector contact as the causes.

Pick your make

C1246 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. Fault inside the ABS module and hydraulic unit

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mazda's service manual for these code numbers names an open or short in the valve circuits inside the control unit, and says to replace the unit if a valve does not respond to commands. Windstar owners report dealers replacing the ABS module for this group of codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code returns after clearing and a technician finds the power feed and connector good. Falls if a fuse, relay feed or connector fault is found.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  2. Power supply problem to the ABS valves

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    On the Windstar this code usually appears with all the other valve codes and C1185, the ABS power relay code, which points at something the valves share. One owner report names a blown ABS fuse.
    What would change this
    Rises if C1185 is stored too, or if the fault comes and goes with heat or bumps. Falls if the ABS fuses and power feed test good while the code is active.

  3. Loose or corroded ABS module connector

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Mazda's service manual lists poor contact at the connector terminals as a cause of these valve codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector shows corrosion or loose terminals. Falls if it is clean and tight.

What to test first

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

  1. Have all ABS codes read with a scan tool that can talk to the ABS module, and write down every code, not just this one.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with ABS access

  2. Have a technician command each ABS valve with a factory-level scan tool, check the ABS fuses, power feed and module connector, then clear the codes, road test above about 10 km/h (6 mph) and recheck.

    Best left to a shopTool: factory-level scan tool and service information

    Warning:This is brake system work. Do not open brake lines or the ABS unit yourself, and only drive the vehicle if the red BRAKE light is off and the pedal feels normal. Leave it to a qualified technician.

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light on
  • ABS light comes and goes, often after driving a while or in warm weather
  • Red BRAKE light comes on along with the ABS light Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • No anti-lock action in hard stops

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 and hydraulic unit:Owners report dealers replacing the ABS module for this group of codes. Have the fuses, power feed and connector checked first. 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

Ford

  • 1999–2003 · Windstar

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report this code stored with the other ABS valve codes and C1185, an ABS light that comes and goes, and dealers replacing the ABS module. We found no Ford bulletin or recall for it.

  • C1194ABS left front outlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    C1194 is the left front outlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar the six valve codes are usually stored together, pointing at a shared cause.

  • C1198ABS left front inlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    C1198 is the left front inlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar the six valve codes are usually stored together, pointing at a shared cause.

  • C1242ABS left rear outlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    C1242 is the left rear outlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar the six valve codes are usually stored together, pointing at a shared cause.

  • C1254ABS right rear inlet valve circuit fault (Ford)

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    C1254 is the right rear inlet valve code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar the six valve codes are usually stored together, pointing at a shared cause.

  • C1185ABS power relay output circuit failure (Ford)

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: C1185. C1185 is the ABS power relay code. On the 1999–2003 Windstar, dealer readouts usually list it with the valve codes, which points at something the valves share. Check C1185 and the module's power feed first.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C1246 questions

Can I drive with C1246?

Ford's owner guide says normal braking still works with only the ABS light on, but anti-lock is off, so get it serviced soon. If the red BRAKE light also stays on with the parking brake released, stop driving and have the brakes inspected.

Why are there so many ABS valve codes at once?

On the Windstar the module often flags all six valves and the ABS power relay together. That points at something they share, such as the power feed or the module, rather than six separate failures.

Sources and review

  1. 2000 Windstar Owner's Guide — Ford Motor Company
  2. 2003 Mazda RX-8 workshop manual: DTC C1194, C1198, C1242, C1246, C1250, C1254 (DSC HU/CM solenoid valves) — Mazda Motor Corporation (third-party mirror)
  3. Owner complaints: 1999-2003 Ford Windstar ABS light with C1194, C1198, C1242, C1246, C1250, C1254 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint 10423822: 2001 Ford Windstar ABS codes — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. C1246: ABS Outlet Valve Coil RR Circuit Failure — The Automotive Technician (TAT) scan data
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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