What Does C1497 Mean?
This code indicates the traction control motor potentiometer circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The position feedback signal is being pulled to 12V+ when the module expects a signal range of 0.5-4.5V. This over-voltage condition on the analog input can damage the module's input circuitry if sustained and completely prevents the module from reading the actual motor position.
Common Causes
40%
Potentiometer signal wire chafed against a nearby 12V power wire in the engine bay harness bundle
25%
Connector terminal spreading or contamination causing the signal pin to bridge with an adjacent battery voltage pin
20%
Potentiometer internal failure where the wiper element contacts the reference supply directly, outputting full reference voltage regardless of position
15%
Incorrect wiring from a prior motor replacement where the signal and power wires were reversed at the connector
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Disconnect the TC motor potentiometer connector and measure voltage on the signal wire at the harness side (toward the module) with key on. If battery voltage is present with the potentiometer disconnected, the short is in the wiring between the connector and the module.
2
Step 2: If no battery voltage is present with the potentiometer disconnected, the short may be internal to the potentiometer or its connector. Inspect the connector for bent pins, solder bridges, or conductive contamination.
3
Step 3: Verify the pin-out of the potentiometer connector matches the wiring diagram. If the motor was recently replaced, confirm the replacement part's connector pinout is identical to the original.
4
Step 4: Trace the potentiometer signal wire through the harness and look for areas where it crosses or runs alongside battery voltage wires. Repair any insulation damage found.
5
Step 5: After repair, verify the potentiometer signal voltage is within the expected 0.5-4.5V range across the full actuator travel. Check the ABS module input for any damage from the over-voltage condition by monitoring the signal quality on an oscilloscope.
Estimated Repair Cost
$80 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates the traction control motor potentiometer circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The position feedback signal is being pulled to 12V+ when the module expects a signal range of 0.5-4.5V. This over-voltage condition on the analog input can damage the module's input circuitry if sust...
The most common cause of C1497 (Traction Control Motor Potentiometer Circuit Short to Battery) is: Potentiometer signal wire chafed against a nearby 12V power wire in the engine bay harness bundle
Typical repair costs for C1497 range from $80 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Battery voltage on the position feedback circuit disables traction control and risks damage to the ABS/TC module's analog input circuitry. The vehicle has no traction control intervention, and the fault should be repaired promptly to prevent escalation to a module failure.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1497 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
Traction Control System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
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