OBD-II fault code

C0589: Brake Booster Motor A Position Sensor Circuit High

What it means

Brake Booster Motor A Position Sensor Circuit High: the signal voltage is above the expected range. The electric brake booster generates the braking assist; a motor or sensor fault can reduce or disable power-assisted braking. Safety-relevant.

At a glance

  • Usually lights the ABS or stability-control warning light
  • The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode

How it works

The Motor A position sensor reports the brake-booster motor's position to the control module. C0589 sets when that sensor signal rises above its expected range, which can result from a signal wire contacting battery power and may cause the module to limit or disable brake assist.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Signal wire shorted to battery
  2. Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
  3. Supply wire pinched against B+ source

Symptoms

  • Brake or ABS warning light
  • Brake assist may be reduced or unavailable

How to diagnose it

  1. Use a scan tool to record freeze-frame data and check Motor A position live data and related codes for when the high signal began.
  2. Inspect the sensor signal wire for pinching or chafing where it could touch battery power or another powered circuit.
  3. Check the position-sensor connector for corrosion, loose terminals, or damaged insulation.
  4. Using the vehicle's wiring information, test the signal circuit for a short to power and verify continuity as specified by the manufacturer.
  5. If the wiring and connector pass, test the position sensor and module input using the manufacturer's procedure.

Common fixes

  • Repair the signal wire where it is shorted to a power source.
  • Clean or repair damaged, corroded, or loose position-sensor connector terminals.
  • Repair or replace a pinched or chafed section of the sensor harness.
  • Replace the position sensor or control module only if testing confirms a fault.

Can I keep driving?

Brake assist may be reduced or unavailable, so avoid driving if pedal effort or braking response has changed. Arrange safe transport for diagnosis if braking feels abnormal; continued driving can make stopping harder.

A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together

This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.

Codes for the same component