You can drive short-term, but ABS, traction and stability control are off - repair it soon, especially before wet or icy conditions. C1228 is a Toyota chassis code for an open or short in the STR solenoid circuit inside the brake actuator's master cylinder solenoid. The skid-control ECU uses this solenoid to help modulate brake pressure for ABS and stability control; when it reads the circuit open or shorted for a fraction of a second it stores C1228 and disables ABS, traction and VSC. Regular braking still works.
What C1228 means
Inside the master cylinder solenoid (part of the brake actuator) are several solenoid valves the skid-control ECU switches during ABS and stability-control events. C1228 sets when the STR solenoid coil circuit reads open or short for about 0.05 seconds or more. Because the solenoid and its wiring live inside the master cylinder solenoid, the circuit cannot be probed from outside - the factory method is to confirm the fault while driving and, if it repeats, replace the actuator. It is usually stored with the related solenoid codes (C0226-C0256, C1225-C1228).
Symptoms
- ABS warning light on
- VSC/traction (skid) and slip lights on
- Brake system warning light on
- ABS, traction and stability control disabled (normal braking retained)
- Often accompanied by other solenoid codes (C1225, C1226, C1227)
Common causes
- Internal open or short in the STR solenoid coil or its internal wiring
- Failed brake actuator assembly
- Low system voltage or a poor ground during solenoid operation
- Connector or harness fault at the brake actuator
- Rarely, a faulty skid-control ECU driver
Severity & driving advice
Severity: Moderate — ABS and stability control are disabled; base brakes still work, so drive carefully.
Can I drive? You can drive short-term, but ABS, traction and stability control are off - repair it soon, especially before wet or icy conditions.
Diagnostic approach
- Read all chassis codes — Scan the ABS/VSC system and record any companion solenoid codes stored with C1228.
- Check voltage and grounds — Verify battery/charging voltage and clean grounds; a weak supply can briefly open the coil circuit.
- Inspect the actuator connector and harness — Examine the brake actuator connector and wiring for corrosion, damage or loose pins and repair as needed.
- Reconfirm the fault under driving — Clear the codes, drive at about 32 km/h (20 mph) for 60 seconds or more, then recheck whether C1228 returns.
- Replace the actuator if the code repeats — Since the STR solenoid and its circuit are internal and not separately serviceable, a returning DTC means the master cylinder solenoid / brake actuator is replaced.
- Calibrate and clear — Perform the required calibration after replacement, clear the codes and confirm the warning lights go out.
Estimated repair costs
Typical US repair costs (parts & labour) for the faults behind C1228. These are national-average estimates, not a quote— your actual price varies by region, shop labour rate, and your vehicle’s make, model and year. Figures reviewed 2026.
| Repair | Estimated cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis (scan and inspection) | $75–$150 |
| Brake actuator (master cylinder solenoid) assembly with calibration | $900–$2,000 |
Make & model notes
Toyota: Seen on 2014 Toyota models sharing this brake actuator - including 4Runner, Avalon, Camry, Prius, Sequoia and Tundra. The STR solenoid is internal to the master cylinder solenoid, so C1228 is confirmed by driving and resolved at the actuator.
FAQ
Can the STR solenoid be replaced separately?
No - it is internal to the master cylinder solenoid within the brake actuator assembly, so the assembly is replaced as a unit.
Why confirm the fault by driving first?
The solenoid circuit can't be tested externally, so Toyota's procedure re-runs the fault under real operation before replacing the non-serviceable part.
Can I drive with C1228?
Normal braking still works, but ABS, traction and stability control are disabled, so the car won't help in a skid or hard stop. Repair it promptly.
Is C1228 different from C1226 or C1227?
They are the same type of fault on different internal solenoid circuits (STR vs SA2/SA3); all point to the master cylinder solenoid inside the brake actuator.