Chassis, generic

C0290 Brake Pedal Stroke Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

C0290 does not show up in the publicly available J2012 lists, and no maker ties it to a pedal stroke sensor. GM lists the number in PIP5094; AA1Car's GM brake table translates it as Lost Communications With PCM, a data bus fault between brake and engine module. A pedal stroke sensor measures how far the driver pushes the pedal or brake rod. Bosch builds such sensors on the Hall principle for up to 45 mm of travel or 55 degrees of rotation, and its iBooster reads the pedal through a differential travel sensor before its motor adds force. Electric boosters and blended regenerative brakes depend on this signal; when its circuit fails, the system falls back to an unassisted or less refined mode and the brake warning appears.

Likely causes

Damaged wiring or connector at the pedal travel sensor
Pedal travel sensor failed or its magnet displaced
Data bus fault between brake and engine module (GM meaning of the number)

Symptoms

  • Brake warning lamp on
  • Higher pedal effort or changed pedal feel
  • Regenerative braking reduced on hybrid or electric cars

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–500
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

brake pedal stroke sensorbrake control modulesensor wiring

Related codes

C0291C0277

References: static.nhtsa.gov, aa1car.com, eenewseurope.com, bosch-mobility.com.