C1963: Stability control inhibit warning, stored in the ABS module (Ford)

Stability control inhibit warning

Severity: Inspect soon

With C1963 the ABS module has turned stability and traction control off and lit their warning lights, so the car will not correct a skid. Normal braking is not affected by this code alone. The fault behind it can be serious, so get it diagnosed soon.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Steering suddenly becomes heavy or a Power Steering Assist Fault or Service Power Steering Now message appears. Loss of steering assist raises crash risk, especially at low speed. Pull over safely and have the car inspected before driving on.
Stop: The red BRAKE warning light also stays on with the parking brake released. Ford says normal braking may then be affected and the brakes need servicing immediately.

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

C1963 in short

On Fords, C1963 means the ABS module has switched stability and traction control (AdvanceTrac) off because of another fault. It is a secondary code: the real problem is usually stored alongside it, such as a steering angle or power steering fault. Get it diagnosed soon; if steering turns heavy, pull over safely.

Ford's stability control relies on steering angle, wheel speed, yaw and engine data. When the ABS module cannot trust one of those inputs, it switches stability and traction control off, lights the warning and stores C1963. Code references describe it as a secondary code, so the other codes stored with it point to the cause.

On the 2009–2012 F-150, Ford bulletin 12-11-18 covers the traction control light flashing or staying on with C1963, C1278, C1280 and C1282 in the ABS module during low-speed manoeuvres. We have only read its summary.

On the 2010–2012 Fusion and Mercury Milan, owners report C1963 with C1277 when power steering assist fails, often with a Service AdvanceTrac message. A 2012 F-150 owner reports C1963 with C1B00 and the steering gear being replaced.

Pick your make

C1963 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.

C1963 on Ford

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Steering angle or electric power steering fault
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Owners of Fusions and F-150s report C1963 stored with steering codes such as C1277 or C1B00, and dealers replacing the steering gear.
What would change this
Rises if C1277, C1B00, C200D or U3000 is stored, or steering assist has been lost.
How to test the power steering control module
Cause 2: ABS module needing Ford's update (2009–2012 F-150)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ford bulletin 12-11-18 covers C1963 with C1278, C1280 and C1282 in the ABS module on the 2009–2012 F-150.
What would change this
Rises on those trucks when the light comes on in tight, low-speed turns. Falls on other models.
How to test the brake system control module (abs module)
Cause 3: Another sensor, network or voltage fault
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
Code references say C1963 sets whenever another input fault or an inhibit request stops stability control from working, so any stored primary code comes first.
What would change this
Rises if wheel speed, network (U-codes) or voltage codes are stored too.

What to test first

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

Step 1: Have codes read from the ABS module, power steering module and engine computer, and write down every code. C1963 is the result; the other codes point at the cause.
Low riskTool: scan tool with ABS and steering module access
- IfSteering codes (C1277, C1B00, C200D) or U3000 are stored
  It meansThe steering side is the likely cause.
  Go to step 2 Points to: Steering angle or electric power steering fault
- IfOn a 2009–2012 F-150, C1278, C1280 or C1282 is stored
  It meansFord bulletin 12-11-18 may apply.
  Go to step 2 Points to: ABS module needing Ford's update (2009–2012 F-150)
- IfOther sensor, network or voltage codes are stored
  It meansDiagnose those first.
  Go to step 2 Points to: Another sensor, network or voltage fault
Step 2: Have a technician diagnose the primary codes with Ford service information, check for applicable bulletins and recalls, then clear the codes and road test.
Best left to a shopTool: factory-level scan tool and service information
Warning:Stability control, brakes and steering are safety systems. Leave diagnosis to a qualified technician, and do not drive if steering assist is lost or the red BRAKE light is on.
- IfA primary fault is repaired and C1963 does not return
  It meansC1963 was a result of that fault.
- IfC1963 returns with no other codes
  It meansThe ABS module or its software is suspect.
  Points to: ABS module needing Ford's update (2009–2012 F-150)

Symptoms

AdvanceTrac or traction control light on or flashing
Service AdvanceTrac message
Heavy steering or Power Steering Assist Fault message Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Red BRAKE light also on 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

Depends on the primary code:C1963 itself rarely needs a part; fix the code stored with it. 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

2009–2012 · F-150
Supported by vehicle data
Ford bulletin 12-11-18 covers C1963 with C1278, C1280 and C1282 in the ABS module. One 2012 owner reports C1963 with C1B00 and the steering gear replaced. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2010–2012 · Fusion
Supported by vehicle data
Owners report C1963 with C1277 and loss of power steering assist; dealers replaced the steering gear.
2011 · Escape
Supported by vehicle data
A shop printout shows C1963-20 in the ABS module with U3000 and a power steering module code.

TSB-12-11-18Status unverified
Traction control light flashing or on with C1963, C1278, C1280, C1282 in the ABS module
2009–2012f-150 · issued April 6, 2013 · NHTSA 10051733
Codes stored in the ABS module during low-speed manoeuvres; only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C1963 questions

What causes C1963?

Something else. C1963 means stability control was switched off because of another fault. Look at the other codes stored with it, often steering angle or power steering codes.

Is it safe to drive with C1963?

Brakes and steering may work normally, but stability control is off. Drive carefully and get it diagnosed soon. If steering becomes heavy, pull over safely.

Sources and review

C1963: Stability Control Inhibit Warning — The Automotive Technician (TAT) scan data
Ford TSB 12-11-18: traction control light flashing or on with C1963, C1278, C1280, C1282 in the ABS module — Ford / NHTSA
Ford recall 15V340000: electric power steering assist may shut down — Ford / NHTSA (read via vehiclesafetyrecalls.com)
Owner complaints: 2010-2012 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan loss of steering assist with C1277 and C1963 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
2000 Windstar Owner's Guide — Ford Motor Company
NHTSA complaint 10632593: 2012 Ford F-150, dealer finds C1963 and C1B00 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint 10721046: 2011 Ford Fusion, dealer notes C1963, C1277-20 and C200D — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint 11470865: 2011 Ford Escape, shop printout C1963-20 in the ABS module — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint 10935503: 2010 Ford Fusion, mechanic reads C1277 and C1963 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

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: Steering angle or electric power steering fault

Cause 2: ABS module needing Ford's update (2009–2012 F-150)

Cause 3: Another sensor, network or voltage fault

What to test first

Step 1: Have codes read from the ABS module, power steering module and engine computer, and write down every code. C1963 is the result; the other codes point at the cause.

Step 2: Have a technician diagnose the primary codes with Ford service information, check for applicable bulletins and recalls, then clear the codes and road test.