What Is the C0561 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
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The C0561-71 error code indicates that there’s an issue with your brake booster vacuum sensor, which is critical to your car’s overall braking and traction control system. The C0561-71 code refers to when your car’s Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) cannot enter your car’s serial ID or any other serial data message.
The C0561-71 error code is one of the ABS codes, which indicate an issue with your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Typically, this system includes the wheel speed sensors, traction control, O2 sensors that connect to the master cylinder, and plenty of other modules that help your car brake safely every time. These codes are produced when your ABS control module senses any data it receives is not within manufacturer parameters.
These codes are primarily found in GMC, Chevy, and older GM car models. Here are more in-depth descriptors per brand below:
- Chevy DTC, Chevy Silverado, Chevy Malibu, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Traverse: Take your car to Chevrolet Customer Service to repair your car’s braking system.
- GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, GMC Acadia: Your car has an issue with the braking system, including difficulties receiving serial data messages to update its system properly.
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Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
What Are the Symptoms of a C0561 Code?
You may see a flashing check engine light, which itself can indicate any number of problems and error codes that may or may not be an electrical issue. Additionally, the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) light may turn on as well.
You may also find that you need to apply more pressure to brake properly or that you need a longer distance between your car and cars ahead of you to stop in time. In the worst cases, your car may suffer from a loss of power and won’t start.
What Are Some Causes of a C0561 Code?
Some common causes behind this ABS code are issues with the ABS control module, low levels of braking fluid, broken or faulty wheel speed sensors, and perhaps most surprisingly, the traction control or ABS as a whole is shut off.
How Serious Is the C0561 Code?
The C0561 code can be quite serious, especially if it turns out that the issue lies with your traction control system or ABS control module. Ignoring your check engine light for too long may result in power loss in the engine, which will require a far more expensive diagnostic procedure just to check out the problem, much less fix it.
Can I Still Drive with a C0561 Code?
You can still drive with a C0561-71 code, even if your ABS Light or Traction Light is still flashing or on. However, this does not make driving your car completely safe without at least an initial inspection and diagnostic overview. The longer you go without taking your car to a repair shop, the more likely your car may skid out of control during an emergency stop or total power loss in the engine.
You may find your cruise control to be less than optimal and that your brakes don’t function as well as they used to. It is safest for you to assume that your engine control module is not fully operational and to take your car in for repairs as soon as you can.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a C0561 Code?
The C0561 error code is quite difficult to accurately diagnose, even if you try to examine your engine yourself. Because of all the moving parts involved in determining what is wrong with your ABS module, it can be very easy to misdiagnose the problem at hand. It’s always best to take your car to an expert. Experts will be able to more thoroughly assess what may be wrong with your car’s ABS module and determine if the wheel speed sensors, O2 sensors, or other factors are to blame and repair it within a couple of days.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a C0561 Code?
The ABS module is just one of many that influence your car’s wheel sensors and overall traction control. The risk of a random misfire, loss of steering, or loss of power can be critical. Experts will be able to diagnose and repair your car’s exact problem and help you solve the problem to extend your car’s lifetime.
Need Additional Help with Your C0561 Code?
The C0561-71 code often indicates a serious issue with your car’s Anti-lock Braking System, which includes a wide variety of sensors that work together to help your car brake effectively no matter the situation. Each part of this system may in turn affect others, so it’s best to have your car’s issues properly diagnosed by experts at a repair shop.
Find local repair shops in your area with Kelley Blue Book’s help. An expert will be able to quickly assess what is wrong and get you on the road in no time.
If you’re more interested in DIY repairs, Kelley Blue Book also offers a complete OBD-II database that includes all the current OBD error codes.
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