What does C0161 mean on a Chevy?

C0161. ABS/TCS Brake Switch Circuit. Applies to Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Equinox, Malibu.

What causes C0161 on a Chevy?

Misadjusted or failed brake pedal position sensor Blown stop lamp fuse Damaged stop lamp switch wiring at the pedal bracket Aftermarket trailer brake controller tapped into the circuit EBCM brake switch input fault

How do I fix C0161 on a Chevy?

Verify the brake lights work in all switch positions Watch the brake switch PID on a scan tool while pressing the pedal Adjust or replace the brake pedal position sensor Inspect trailer brake controller wiring for shorts Check the stop lamp fuse and replace only after finding the cause

Code

C0161

ABS/TCS Brake Switch Circuit

Category: Chassis
Severity: ABS Light
Applies to: Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Equinox, Malibu
Related: No single generic twin. See OBD Codes List

What it means

C0161. ABS/TCS Brake Switch Circuit. This Chevy-enhanced code applies to Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Equinox, Malibu.

Findings, check these first

Misadjusted or failed brake pedal position sensor
Blown stop lamp fuse
Damaged stop lamp switch wiring at the pedal bracket
Aftermarket trailer brake controller tapped into the circuit
EBCM brake switch input fault

Standard procedure

Verify the brake lights work in all switch positions
Watch the brake switch PID on a scan tool while pressing the pedal
Adjust or replace the brake pedal position sensor
Inspect trailer brake controller wiring for shorts
Check the stop lamp fuse and replace only after finding the cause

Look up another code

Press / to jump to the box. Chevy-enhanced powertrain, body, chassis and network codes.

Sources and review

Review: no source links are recorded for this entry.

Last updated 2026-09-25.

Report a correction for C0161. Include your vehicle, the issue and a source if you have one.

This fault is part of the GM ABS and StabiliTrak family. The GM ABS and StabiliTrak codes guide covers the check order.