C0110 medium Severity

C0110: ABS pump motor circuit malfunction

May disable ABS/TCS/VSES systems leading to reduced braking performance in emergency or low-traction conditions

Overview

ABS pump motor circuit malfunction code C0110 ABS/EBCM brake pressure modulator valve pump motor feedback circuit fault wiring or motor failure

Common Symptoms

  • ABS warning light illuminated
  • Traction control / stability lights may also illuminate
  • Decreased or abnormal braking performance
  • Hard or pulsating brake pedal

Most Common Causes

Faulty ABS pump motor (BPMV) high

Pump motor fails to activate or provides incorrect feedback voltage to controller

Open, shorted or poor electrical connection in pump motor circuit high

Wiring harness faults between BPMV and ABS/EBCM

Faulty ABS control module / EBCM medium

Internal module fault may misdetect motor circuit or fail to drive relay

Corroded or damaged motor relay/fuse medium

Relay contact or fuse issues can interrupt pump motor power

Low brake fluid or unrelated sensor fault low

Some community sources suggest unrelated brake fluid level issues but not widely confirmed

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Scan ABS/EBCM for codes and record freeze frame data
    Expected: C0110 present, possibly with related ABS codes
    Interpretation: Verifies ABS pump circuit fault present
  2. Visually inspect wiring harness and connectors to ABS pump motor
    Expected: No damaged, corroded, loose connectors or broken wiring
    Interpretation: Excludes basic wiring faults
  3. Check supply voltage and ground at pump motor connector
    Expected: Battery voltage present on supply and good ground
    Interpretation: Validates power/ground feed to motor circuit
  4. Measure pump motor resistance with multimeter
    Expected: Resistance within manufacturer spec (typically low ohms)
    Interpretation: High/low resistance suggests motor winding fault
  5. Test pump motor relay operation and feedback signal
    Expected: Relay activates and feedback seen when ABS engages
    Interpretation: Failure indicates relay, motor, or controller issue

Repair Solutions

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $300

Depends on extent of wiring damage

Replace ABS pump motor assembly hard
Estimated Cost: $300 - $800

High cost due to part and labor

Replace or reprogram ABS control module / EBCM hard
Estimated Cost: $400 - $1200

Requires programming and often dealer or advanced shop

Replace pump motor relay/fuse easy
Estimated Cost: $10 - $60

Low cost if relay/fuse is source

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Wheel speed sensor faults incorrectly blamed instead of pump circuit
  • ABS control module assumed failed before basic wiring and motor tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a C0110 diagnostic trouble code signify?

ABS pump motor circuit malfunction is the standard definition for C0110. This diagnostic code is triggered when the ECU detects a problem in the Sensors.

Can C0110 cause engine damage?

This is a medium priority issue. May disable ABS/TCS/VSES systems leading to reduced braking performance in emergency or low-traction conditions

Common signs of the C0110 error code

The most typical signs are: ABS warning light illuminated, Traction control / stability lights may also illuminate, Decreased or abnormal braking performance.

Potential causes for OBDII code C0110

This code is frequently triggered by: Faulty ABS pump motor (BPMV), Open, shorted or poor electrical connection in pump motor circuit, Faulty ABS control module / EBCM.

Repair cost breakdown for C0110

The cost varies significantly based on the root cause. For example, replacing a Replace pump motor relay/fuse typically costs between $10 and $60, while fixing a Replace or reprogram ABS control module / EBCM can range from $400 to $1200.

Does C0110 affect Ford, Toyota, or Honda?

Yes, C0110 is a generic code that applies to all OBD-II compliant vehicles, including Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Nissan, Dodge, BMW, and more.

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