C0767 is a Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code that points to a brake control signal plausibility condition reported by the vehicle’s braking control system. It is a system-level alert about unexpected or non‑plausible input or message behavior affecting brake/traction stability functions, not a guaranteed failed part. Interpretation commonly varies by make, model, and model year. Confirming the root cause requires test-driven checks of wiring, power and ground, sensor signal plausibility, and network message health rather than replacing parts on assumption.
What Does C0767 Mean?
SAE J2012 standardizes the format and classification of Diagnostic Trouble Codes, and the SAE J2012-DA digital annex publishes many standardized DTC descriptions. This article follows that formatting: C0767 is shown here without a hyphen suffix or Failure Type Byte (FTB). An FTB, when present, describes a subtype or failure mode byte that narrows how the base code occurred (for example intermittent vs. stuck vs. out of range), but the base C0767 meaning remains a brake control signal plausibility concern.
There is no single universal component-level definition for many chassis codes, including C0767; OEMs may map it to different sensors, harness segments, or control unit inputs. That variability means you must confirm the suspect circuit with basic electrical checks and network message verification before assigning a failed part.
Quick Reference
- System: Chassis brake/traction control signal plausibility alert.
- Typical signs: brake stability lights, limited traction assist, or stored fault only.
- First checks: ignition power, dedicated fuse, module supply and ground integrity.
- Essential tests: signal voltage/pulse plausibility and Controller Area Network (CAN) message presence.
- Repair approach: trace wiring/connectors and verify sensor/module inputs before module replacement.
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In workshop practice, C0767 often appears after intermittent water ingress at a brake control connector or after suspension work where a harness was flexed. One possible cause commonly associated with this code is a corroded or bent terminal that creates intermittent or corrupted wheel/speed or brake pressure input signals. Another commonly associated scenario is network message loss between an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (Anti-lock Brake System) module and other controllers due to a loose CAN (Controller Area Network) splice or a failing transceiver at a module.
Technicians frequently find that the vehicle still drives but with stability assist features disabled; the code stored without an obvious mechanical fault usually indicates signal plausibility rather than a seized actuator. A good field practice is to wiggle harnesses while monitoring live data and freeze-frame or Mode 06 results; if the fault appears with harness movement, focus on wiring and connectors. If wiring and connectors test clean, the issue commonly associated may shift to an input-stage problem in a control module, but only after verifying all external inputs, power, and ground.
Symptoms of C0767
- ABS lamp may illuminate on the dash and stay lit, indicating a chassis-related brake control fault.
- Traction control or stability control warning and loss of those functions during driving.
- Pulsing or feel changes at the brake pedal such as unexpected pulsation or reduced modulation.
- Noisy pump or actuator sounds from the hydraulic control unit that occur with the fault present.
- Inconsistent braking where braking response varies or one wheel behaves differently under ABS events.
- Intermittent faults that clear and return, often correlating with vibration, temperature change, or moisture.
Common Causes of C0767
Most Common Causes
Many manufacturers use this chassis-level code for faults related to brake hydraulic control signal plausibility or related chassis circuits. Most commonly you will find wiring or connector issues, poor power or ground to the brake control unit, or implausible sensor inputs that the module flags. Corroded connectors, chafed wiring in the harness, or intermittent power/ground are frequent contributors.
Less Common Causes
Less commonly the cause is an internal processing or input-stage issue inside the hydraulic control module after all external checks pass. Other less common causes include failing wheel speed or pressure sensors (varies by make/model), software/hardware anomalies in the chassis control module, or CAN bus communication errors caused by network device interaction.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
Tools: OBD-II scan tool with chassis/ABS capability, digital multimeter, lab-style oscilloscope (or CAN/LIN bus analyzer), backprobe leads, wiring diagrams, jumper harness, dielectric grease, basic hand tools.
- Retrieve freeze frame and live data with a capable scan tool; note state when C0767 set and any accompanying chassis data (wheel speeds, pressure, pump status).
- Check for an FTB (Failure Type Byte) suffix. If no FTB shown, document that the code is base-only; an FTB would narrow the subtype or failure mode.
- Visually inspect harnesses and connectors at the brake hydraulic control unit and nearby junctions for corrosion, damage, or moisture ingress.
- With ignition on, verify module power and ground voltages with a DMM at the module harness—confirm stable supply and low resistance ground paths.
- Backprobe the signal and sensor circuits while operating the vehicle or simulating inputs; verify sensor voltages/resistances are within expected ranges and change plausibly with motion.
- Use an oscilloscope on key sensor lines to check waveform integrity and timing; look for noise, dropouts, or implausible values compared with other sensors.
- Check CAN bus health: measure bus voltages, termination presence, and use a bus analyzer to confirm correct messaging and no error floods affecting the chassis module.
- Wiggle test harnesses under load and monitor live data and DTCs to reproduce intermittent faults caused by broken conductors or poor connector pins.
- If all external wiring, power, ground, and network tests pass, confirm with a second scan tool or bench test to reproduce; only then consider possible internal processing or input-stage issues in the module.
- Clear codes and road-test while monitoring live data to verify repair or to capture intermittent behavior for further isolation.
Professional tip: Always confirm wiring and network integrity before suspecting internal module failure. Use both static voltage/resistance checks and dynamic waveform/CAN analysis to prove plausibility under real-world conditions; replace or program modules only after external inputs consistently test good.
Repairs below are tied to specific test findings and inspection results; do not replace parts without confirming with measurements. This section assumes you followed electrical and network checks and have plausibility data showing the brake pressure-related signal is out of expected range or inconsistent with other inputs. Focus on wiring, connectors, power/ground, and network message plausibility before considering module-level work. Confirm each recommended fix with a repeatable test result.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
Low (minor): $40–$150 — Typical for connector cleaning, corrosion removal, or securing a loose chassis ground. Justified when you measure intermittent continuity, visible corrosion at a connector, or low battery terminal voltage that resolves the fault and clears the code during retest. Typical: $150–$450 — Repair or replacement of an inline sensor harness, damaged wire repair, or replacement of a low-cost sensor assembly. Justified when back-probing shows a persistent open, short-to-ground, or out-of-range sensor voltage that fails plausibility checks. High (major): $450–$1,200+ — Complex repairs such as module replacement, hydraulic control unit removal, or labor-intensive harness replacement. Only consider after all external wiring, power, ground, and network message tests pass and bench or OEM diagnostics indicate a possible internal processing or input-stage issue. Factors affecting cost: labor rates, accessibility of components, needed OEM parts, and diagnostic time. Always document your test results (voltage, resistance, scope traces, Controller Area Network (CAN) data) to justify the selected repair path and to avoid unnecessary parts replacement.
Can I Still Drive With C0767?
You can often drive short distances with a C0767-style brake pressure signal plausibility fault, but it depends on what system behavior you observed during testing. If braking performance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), or stability control warnings are present, limit driving and tow if possible. If the fault is intermittent and tests show safe brake function, careful driving to a shop is reasonable. Always verify brake pedal feel and stopping distances before driving and avoid heavy loads or high-speed conditions until confirmed safe.
What Happens If You Ignore C0767?
Ignoring this plausibility fault risks degraded brake assist, inconsistent ABS or stability interventions, and unexpected loss of advanced brake functions. Intermittent signal faults can become permanent as corrosion or wiring damage worsens, increasing safety risk and repair complexity later.
Related Codes
- C0766 – Tire Pressure Monitor System – High Tire Pressure
- C0765 – Wheel Speed Sensor Signal Plausibility - Chassis
- C0764 – Tire Pressure Monitor System – Low Tire Pressure (Right Rear)
- C0763 – Steering Sensor Signal Plausibility
- C0762 – Brake Pressure Signal Plausibility
- C0761 – Brake Pressure Signal Plausibility
- C0759 – Steering Assist Communication Fault
- C0758 – Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- C0757 – Steering Angle Signal Circuit Fault
- C0756 – Steering Angle Signal Plausibility (Chassis)
Key Takeaways
- System-level fault: C0767 indicates a brake pressure signal plausibility issue, not a guaranteed failed part.
- Test-first approach: Verify power, ground, wiring, and signal plausibility prior to part replacement.
- Network checks: Confirm related Controller Area Network (CAN) messages and module responsiveness.
- Costs vary: Simple connector fixes are cheap; module or harness replacement is expensive.
- Safety: Address brake-related plausibility faults promptly to avoid compromised braking systems.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by C0767
This fault is commonly seen on vehicles with complex electronic brake control systems from mainstream manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, and European luxury brands. These platforms frequently use distributed hydraulic modules, multiple pressure sensors, and dense Controller Area Network (CAN) architectures, which increase the chance that wiring, connector corrosion, or message plausibility checks will trigger a code. Interpretation and exact affected components vary by make, model, and year; always confirm with vehicle-specific service information and tests.
FAQ
Can I clear C0767 and assume the problem is fixed?
Clearing the code only removes the stored trouble code; it does not confirm a repair. If the underlying cause remains, the code will likely return after a drive cycle or relevant monitoring conditions. Use measured data—sensor voltages, continuity, scope traces, and Controller Area Network (CAN) message consistency—to verify the issue is resolved before declaring the repair complete.
Is C0767 likely caused by a bad sensor or wiring?
Both are possible. Wiring and connectors are common causes and should be inspected first because they’re easier and cheaper to fix. If power, ground, and signal wiring test good and the sensor output still fails plausibility checks against other inputs, then the sensor or input stage of the module becomes more likely. Always follow step-by-step electrical testing to isolate the failure.
Can electrical tests alone confirm the repair for C0767?
Electrical tests are necessary but should be combined with plausibility checks and dynamic validation. Use a multimeter for power/ground, a lab scope for signal waveform and timing, and a scan tool to monitor live values and Controller Area Network (CAN) messages during operation. Successful repairs are confirmed when measured signals fall within expected ranges and the fault does not reappear after test drives.
Can a CAN bus issue create a C0767 fault?
Yes, a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication error or missing messages can cause plausibility failures if the receiving module cannot correlate pressure data with other inputs. If wiring and sensors test good, inspect CAN physical layer (wiring, terminations) and message presence using a capable scan tool. Intermittent bus errors often show in message counters, bus-off events, or related communications faults during diagnosis.
Is module replacement common for this code?
Module replacement is a last-resort option. Only consider it after comprehensive testing shows correct power, ground, wiring continuity, valid sensor signals, and confirmed Controller Area Network (CAN) messaging, yet the module still flags plausibility errors. Document all external test results before module replacement, and be prepared for programming or calibration steps per OEM requirements if replacement is justified.