Quick Answer
C0916 means: C0916 indicates a communication issue in the electric parking brake system.
Can I drive with C0916? Immediate inspection recommended to prevent safety risks.
Common Questions
What does C0916 mean and how does it affect my car?
The C0916 code indicates a problem with the communication in your vehicle's electric parking brake system. If ignored, it can lead to safety issues such as the parking brake failing to engage, which could cause your vehicle to roll when parked. It's crucial to address this issue promptly to maintain safe vehicle operation.
What are the most common causes of C0916 and how much does it cost to fix?
Common causes of C0916 include faulty wiring (60% likelihood), a malfunctioning electric parking brake actuator (25%), and software issues in the chassis control module (10%). Repair costs can range from $100 for wiring repairs to $600 for actuator replacement, depending on the specific issue.
Can I drive my car with C0916 or should I stop immediately?
It's advisable to stop driving your car if the C0916 code appears, as it can affect your parking brake's functionality. Continuing to drive with this issue may lead to safety risks, especially on inclines.
How can I diagnose C0916 myself using GeekOBD APP?
To diagnose C0916 with the GeekOBD APP, first connect the app to your vehicle's OBD2 port. Retrieve the DTCs and analyze freeze frame data to understand when the fault occurred. Use the app to conduct component tests and clear error codes after repairs.
What vehicles are most commonly affected by C0916?
DTC C0916 is frequently seen in 2015-2020 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles such as the Silverado, Sierra, and Equinox. Checking for any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to the parking brake system may also be beneficial.
How can I prevent C0916 from happening again?
To prevent future occurrences of C0916, regularly inspect the vehicle's wiring and connectors for damage, perform routine maintenance on the parking brake system, and keep software updated through authorized service centers.
What is C0916?
The DTC C0916 code is a diagnostic trouble code that indicates a communication issue within the vehicle's chassis control module, specifically related to the control of the electric parking brake. This code is commonly found in 2015-2020 Chevrolet and GMC models, including the Silverado, Sierra, and Equinox. When the C0916 code is triggered, it typically means that the electric parking brake system is unable to properly relay information to the vehicle's main computer. This can result in a range of issues, from the inability to engage or disengage the parking brake to potential safety risks if the vehicle rolls unintentionally when parked. Ignoring this code can lead to more significant problems over time, including increased repair costs and compromised vehicle safety. For drivers, it can manifest as a persistent warning light on the dashboard, which not only is annoying but could also indicate underlying electrical issues. It’s essential to address this code promptly to ensure reliable operation of your vehicle's parking brake functionality.
System: C - Chassis (ABS, Steering, Suspension)
Symptoms
Common symptoms when C0916 is present:
- Check engine light or parking brake warning light remains illuminated on the dashboard, indicating that the system requires attention.
- Difficulty engaging or disengaging the electric parking brake, which may result in the vehicle rolling when parked if not addressed.
- Unusual noises coming from the parking brake mechanism, such as grinding or clicking, which can indicate mechanical failure or misalignment.
- Inconsistent performance of the parking brake, such as not holding the vehicle securely on an incline, which can pose safety risks.
- Error messages displayed on the dashboard related to the parking brake system, providing additional clues about the underlying issue.
Possible Causes
Most common causes of C0916 (ordered by frequency):
- Faulty wiring or connectors in the electric parking brake system (60% likelihood) - Damaged wires or loose connections can disrupt communication between the control module and the braking system.
- Malfunctioning electric parking brake actuator (25% likelihood) - If the actuator fails, it may prevent the system from engaging or disengaging properly, triggering the C0916 code.
- Software issues within the chassis control module (10% likelihood) - Sometimes, outdated or corrupted software can cause communication errors, which may require a software update to resolve.
- Less common but serious cause includes a completely failed chassis control module, which may require replacement.
- Rarely, a short circuit in the vehicle's wiring harness could trigger this code, necessitating thorough inspection and repair.
C0916 Repair Costs
Cost Breakdown by Repair Type
Wiring Repair
Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors in the parking brake system.
- Total: $100 - $300
- Success rate: 80%
Electric Parking Brake Actuator Replacement
Replacing a faulty actuator that has failed to operate properly.
- Total: $300 - $600
- Success rate: 90%
Chassis Control Module Update
Software update for the chassis control module to resolve communication issues.
- Total: $100 - $200
- Success rate: 70%
Money-Saving Tips for C0916
- Start with the most common and least expensive repairs first
- Use GeekOBD APP to confirm diagnosis before replacing expensive parts
- Consider preventive maintenance to avoid future occurrences
- Compare prices for OEM vs aftermarket parts based on your needs
- Address the issue promptly to prevent more expensive secondary damage
Diagnostic Steps
Professional C0916 Diagnosis Process
Follow these systematic steps to accurately diagnose C0916. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Step 1: Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connectors, or corrosion around the parking brake system (5-10 minutes)
Step 1: Initial visual inspection - Check for obvious signs like damaged wiring, loose connectors, or corrosion around the parking brake system (5-10 minutes).
Step 2: Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve any stored codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes)
Step 2: OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP - Use the app to retrieve any stored codes and freeze frame data to understand the fault context (10-15 minutes).
Step 3: Step 3: Component testing - Utilize a multimeter to test the electric parking brake actuator and associated wiring for continuity and proper voltage (20-30 minutes)
Step 3: Component testing - Utilize a multimeter to test the electric parking brake actuator and associated wiring for continuity and proper voltage (20-30 minutes).
Step 4: Step 4: System function test - After making repairs, verify the operation of the parking brake system and clear codes using the GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes)
Step 4: System function test - After making repairs, verify the operation of the parking brake system and clear codes using the GeekOBD APP (10-15 minutes).
Step 5: Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm that the parking brake functions correctly and that the warning light does not reappear (15-20 minutes)
Step 5: Road test verification - Drive the vehicle under various conditions to confirm that the parking brake functions correctly and that the warning light does not reappear (15-20 minutes).
Important Notes
- Always verify the repair with GeekOBD APP after completing diagnostic steps
- Clear codes and test drive to ensure the problem is resolved
- Address underlying causes to prevent code recurrence
Real Repair Case Studies
Case Study 1: Chevrolet Silverado 2018 - C0916 Communication Issue
Vehicle: 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 50,000 miles
Problem: Customer reported a persistent parking brake warning light and difficulty engaging the parking brake.
Diagnosis: After performing an OBD2 scan with GeekOBD APP, C0916 was confirmed. A visual inspection revealed frayed wiring near the actuator.
Solution: Repaired the damaged wiring and replaced the actuator. Cleared the codes and tested the system.
Cost: $350 (wiring repair: $150, actuator replacement: $200)
Result: The parking brake functioned properly after repairs, and the warning light did not reappear.
Case Study 2: GMC Sierra 2017 - C0916 Software Update
Vehicle: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, 75,000 miles
Problem: Owner experienced intermittent parking brake issues and a check engine light.
Diagnosis: Diagnostics indicated C0916; further investigation revealed the need for a software update.
Solution: Performed a software update on the chassis control module and cleared the trouble codes.
Cost: $150 (software update fee)
Result: The parking brake system operated without issues post-update, resolving the warning light problem.