Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
DTC C1238: Brake Thermal Model Limit Exceeded
2000 Buick Century CustomSECTION DTC C1238: Brake Thermal Model Limit Exceeded
- Perform diagnostic system check. See DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK under DIAGNOSIS & TESTING. After performing diagnostic system check, go to next step.
- Install a scan tool. Turn ignition on, with ignition off. Using scan tool, observe DTC information parameter in ABS/TCS DTCs. If any other ABS/TCS DTCs are present, diagnose affected DTC(s). If no other ABS/TCS DTCs are present, go to next step.
- Using scan tool, observe DTC information parameter in ABS/TCS DTCs. If scan tool indicates that DTC C1238 is current, go to step 5 . If scan tool does not indicate that DTC C1238 is current, go to next step.
- Since most occurrences of this DTC are caused by excessive braking, review with customer to verify conditions under which DTC set. If vehicle operation caused this DTC to set, check for excessive wear on brake pads or rotors. If vehicle operation did not cause this DTC to set, go to next step.
- Allow 30 minutes from the last time vehicle is driven to cool off the brake rotors. Using scan tool, observe the BRAKE TEMP STATUS parameter in ABS/TCS data list. If scan tool displays NORMAL, go to step 7 . If scan tool does not display NORMAL, go to next step.
- Check adjustment of brakelight switch. Adjust as necessary. After adjusting, go to step 9 . If adjustment is not necessary, go to next step.
- Using scan tool, clear DTCs. Drive vehicle and ensure braking conditions are normal. Recheck DTCs. If DTC resets as current DTC, go to next step. If DTC does not reset, system is okay.
- Replace EBCM. After replacing EBCM, go to next step.
- Using scan tool, clear DTCs. Drive vehicle and ensure braking conditions are normal. Recheck DTCs. If DTC resets, go to step 2 . If DTC does not reset, system is okay.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.