What Does C1104 Mean?
This code indicates that the body control module (BCM) or ABS/traction control module has detected a short to battery voltage in the circuit that controls the traction control active indicator lamp on the instrument cluster. The control module found continuous voltage present on the lamp control wire when it should not be there, typically when the lamp should be off. This electrical fault causes the traction control indicator lamp to illuminate continuously or behave erratically regardless of actual system operation.
Common Causes
40%
Damaged wiring harness with insulation worn through causing bare wire contact with battery voltage source, commonly in areas where harness flexes or rubs against metal components
30%
Failed instrument cluster with internal short circuit in the traction control lamp driver circuit or printed circuit board damage
20%
Faulty body control module with failed lamp driver transistor or output circuit stuck in high state
10%
Pinched or damaged connector terminals at instrument cluster or BCM creating intermittent short to adjacent power pins
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Perform a visual inspection of the instrument cluster connector and wiring harness for obvious signs of damage, melted pins, corrosion, or chafed insulation. Check for any aftermarket accessories or modifications that may have damaged wiring.
2
Step 2: Using a multimeter, disconnect the instrument cluster connector and measure voltage on the traction control lamp control wire (typically labeled in wiring diagram). With ignition on, you should see 0-0.5V when module is commanding lamp off. If battery voltage (12V+) is present, the short is between the module and cluster.
3
Step 3: Disconnect the BCM or ABS module connector (whichever controls the lamp per manufacturer) and recheck voltage at the instrument cluster lamp wire. If voltage disappears, the module has an internal short. If voltage remains, the short is in the harness between connectors.
4
Step 4: If harness short is confirmed, perform continuity test between the lamp control wire and all power distribution circuits in the same harness bundle to isolate the exact location. Wiggle test the harness at flex points while monitoring for intermittent shorts.
5
Step 5: Repair or replace the identified faulty component (harness, cluster, or module), clear codes, and verify lamp operation by cycling ignition and activating traction control system through test drive or scan tool bidirectional controls.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $800
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates that the body control module (BCM) or ABS/traction control module has detected a short to battery voltage in the circuit that controls the traction control active indicator lamp on the instrument cluster. The control module found continuous voltage present on the lamp control wir...
The most common cause of C1104 (Traction Control Active Lamp - Circuit Short to Battery) is: Damaged wiring harness with insulation worn through causing bare wire contact with battery voltage source, commonly in areas where harness flexes or rubs against metal components
Typical repair costs for C1104 range from $150 to $800, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
This is primarily an indicator circuit fault and does not affect the actual operation of the traction control system itself. The vehicle is safe to drive, but the driver may not receive proper notification when traction control activates or if there is an actual traction control malfunction.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1104 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
Chassis - Traction Control/Stability System Indicator
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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