What are the common causes of C1226?

A short to ground in the red brake warning lamp circuit. A failed red brake warning lamp. A poor electrical connection at the warning lamp or cluster. A failed anti-lock brake system module.

Command the red brake warning lamp with a scan tool. Inspect the warning lamp and cluster connectors. Test the warning lamp output circuit for a short to ground. Check the instrument panel cluster for faults. Replace the warning lamp or cluster if the circuit tests good. Clear the code and retest.

C1226

Lamp Brake Warning Output Circuit Short To Ground

System: Chassis control (C code)
Lamp: ABS Light
Category: Chassis

What it means

C1226 means Lamp Brake Warning Output Circuit Short To Ground.

Check these first

A short to ground in the red brake warning lamp circuit
A failed red brake warning lamp
A poor electrical connection at the warning lamp or cluster
A failed anti-lock brake system module

What to do next

Command the red brake warning lamp with a scan tool
Inspect the warning lamp and cluster connectors
Test the warning lamp output circuit for a short to ground
Check the instrument panel cluster for faults
Replace the warning lamp or cluster if the circuit tests good
Clear the code and retest

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Updated

Generic SAE J2012 definition. Last updated 2026-10-10.