C0110
Pump Motor Circuit MalfunctionC0110 is a generic OBD-II chassis diagnostic trouble code: Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction. It is logged by the engine control unit when the chassis monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What C0110 means
DTC C0110 indicates that the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) has detected a malfunction in the ABS hydraulic pump motor drive circuit. During an ABS event the pump motor rapidly returns brake fluid from the wheel-cylinder accumulators back to the master cylinder, allowing the EBCM to modulate individual wheel pressures. The EBCM supplies a switched ground to the pump motor through an internal relay; it simultaneously monitors motor feedback voltage to detect a stalled, seized, or non-responsive pump.
When the code sets, the EBCM disables ABS and, on vehicles with electronic stability and traction control, those functions are also suspended. In some configurations the pump runs briefly at ignition-on as a self-test; a seized pump motor or blown ABS pump fuse will set C0110 within seconds of starting the vehicle. Worn motor brushes, internal winding shorts, and moisture in the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) connector are the most common hardware failures. A bad EBCM-to-BPMV harness connector — particularly corrosion or brake-fluid contamination at that junction — is a frequent cause that can be overlooked.
Because the pump is internal to the BPMV assembly, replacement often means sourcing a remanufactured BPMV/EBCM unit or a standalone BPMV. Confirming the power supply and ground to the pump circuit before condemning the pump itself is essential — a blown fuse, failed relay, or wiring fault can mimic pump motor failure at a fraction of the cost.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when C0110 is logged.
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1
Seized or mechanically failed ABS hydraulic pump motor (worn brushes, locked armature).
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2
Blown ABS pump motor fuse or failed internal EBCM relay supplying pump voltage.
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3
Open or short in the wiring harness between the EBCM and the pump motor terminals.
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4
Corroded or brake-fluid-contaminated EBCM-to-BPMV connector causing high resistance.
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5
Poor chassis ground connection for the ABS pump motor circuit.
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6
Faulty EBCM pump-motor driver circuit (internal module fault).
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7
Moisture intrusion into the BPMV assembly causing motor corrosion or armature binding.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose C0110
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Retrieve all ABS module DTCs; note whether C0110 is accompanied by power-supply or other component codes that might indicate a root-cause electrical fault.
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2
Inspect the ABS pump fuse in the underhood fuse/relay box; replace if blown and retest — if it blows again, suspect a shorted pump motor.
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3
Inspect the EBCM-to-BPMV connector for corrosion, brake-fluid residue, and spread or pushed-back terminals; clean or repair as needed.
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4
Verify battery voltage and a clean chassis ground at the EBCM/BPMV assembly with a multimeter under load.
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5
Command the pump motor on using a bi-directional scan tool output control; listen for motor operation and measure current draw — a seized motor draws excessive current or none at all.
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6
If the pump motor does not respond and circuit wiring is intact, the BPMV/pump assembly requires replacement.
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7
After repair, clear codes, perform an ABS self-test at low speed, and verify no codes return.
Related chassis codes
Frequently asked questions
Is the ABS pump motor replaceable separately from the BPMV?
On most modern platforms the pump motor is integral to the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV) assembly and must be replaced as a unit. Some aftermarket suppliers offer remanufactured BPMV assemblies or motor rebuild kits, but OEM procedure typically calls for replacement of the BPMV or the combined BPMV/EBCM assembly.
Will C0110 clear on its own if the pump motor was just sticking?
Possibly — an intermittent binding condition may self-clear after a few ignition cycles. However, a sticking motor is a progressive failure; without addressing the root cause (moisture, brush wear, corrosion) the code will return and the motor will eventually seize completely. Diagnose and repair even if the code clears temporarily.
Can a bad EBCM cause C0110 without the pump motor being faulty?
Yes. The EBCM contains the relay and driver circuitry that supplies and monitors the pump motor. An internal EBCM driver fault can prevent the motor from receiving voltage or misinterpret feedback as a stall. Always verify that supply voltage reaches the pump motor terminals before condemning the pump itself.
How urgent is it to repair C0110?
Fairly urgent from a safety standpoint. Without a functioning pump motor, ABS cannot modulate wheel pressure during a hard stop, meaning wheels can lock on slippery surfaces. Traction control and stability control are also inoperative. Normal braking still works, but the vehicle lacks critical electronic safety systems until the fault is corrected.
Disabling C0110 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable C0110 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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