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C0268

Moderate

Pump Motor Circuit Open/Shorted

What Does C0268 Mean?

C0268 indicates the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module has detected an electrical fault in the hydraulic pump motor circuit. The control module found either an open circuit (broken wire or poor connection) or a short circuit (wire touching ground or power) in the pump motor wiring or the motor itself. This fault prevents the ABS/stability control system from building proper hydraulic pressure for brake modulation during ABS events.

Common Causes

35%

Damaged or corroded wiring harness connections at the ABS pump motor or control module connector

ABS pump motor wiring harness
Connector terminals
Electrical connectors

30%

Failed ABS hydraulic pump motor with open or shorted internal windings

ABS hydraulic pump motor
ABS modulator assembly

20%

Short to ground or power in pump motor circuit wiring due to chafing or damage

ABS pump motor wiring harness
Circuit wiring

10%

Failed ABS control module with damaged pump motor driver circuit

ABS control module
ABS ECU

5%

Blown fuse or faulty relay in ABS pump motor power supply circuit

ABS pump motor fuse
ABS pump relay
Power distribution fuses

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Perform visual inspection of ABS pump motor and wiring harness for obvious damage, chafing, corrosion, or loose connections. Check ABS pump motor fuse and relay in fuse box for proper operation and replace if blown.

2

Step 2: Using a digital multimeter, disconnect ABS pump motor connector and measure resistance across pump motor terminals. Typical readings should be 1-5 ohms. Infinite resistance indicates open motor windings; zero ohms indicates shorted windings.

3

Step 3: With pump motor disconnected, check for short to ground by measuring resistance from each motor circuit pin at the ABS module connector to chassis ground. Reading should be infinite (open circuit). Low resistance indicates wiring short to ground.

4

Step 4: Check pump motor power supply by measuring voltage at pump motor connector with key on. Should have battery voltage on power supply pin. No voltage indicates open circuit in wiring or failed ABS module driver circuit.

5

Step 5: If all wiring checks pass, perform resistance test on ABS module side of harness connector to verify control module pump driver circuit integrity. Compare readings to manufacturer specifications.

6

Step 6: After repairs, clear codes and perform ABS system functional test by driving vehicle above 15 mph and performing controlled ABS activation in safe environment to verify proper pump operation and no code return.

Estimated Repair Cost

$150 - $1,200

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does C0268 mean?

C0268 indicates the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module has detected an electrical fault in the hydraulic pump motor circuit. The control module found either an open circuit (broken wire or poor connection) or a short circuit (wire touching ground or power) in the pump motor wiring or the motor itse...

What causes C0268?

The most common cause of C0268 (Pump Motor Circuit Open/Shorted) is: Damaged or corroded wiring harness connections at the ABS pump motor or control module connector

How much does it cost to fix C0268?

Typical repair costs for C0268 range from $150 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with C0268?

Vehicle remains drivable with normal braking function, but ABS and stability control features will be disabled, increasing stopping distances on slippery surfaces and risk of wheel lockup during emergency braking. Repair should be completed promptly, especially before driving in adverse weather conditions.

How do I diagnose C0268?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C0268 to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Chassis

System

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Generic (SAE)

Recommended Tools

OBD2 Scanner

A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.