AU
C120700

DTC C120700 indicates the hydraulic pump motor inside the IPB (Integrated Power Brake) fails to return to its initial mechanical position (Home Position) within the specified time (typically 200-500 ms) after completing brake boost pressure build-up or an ABS/ESC control action — Atto 8

Braking System

DTC C120700 indicates the hydraulic pump motor inside the IPB (Integrated Power Brake) fails to return to its initial mechanical position (Home Position) within the specified time (typically 200-500 ms) after completing brake boost pressure build-up or an ABS/ESC control action.

This fault stems from a malfunction in the motor mechanical return mechanism, Hall position sensor signal feedback, or ECU closed-loop control logic.

Upon setting this DTC, the IPB enters Limp Home Mode, resulting in a stiff brake pedal and reduced brake assist.

The system disables ABS/ESC active intervention and retains only basic hydraulic braking, severely compromising driving safety.

The C120700 fault code on the Atto 8 indicates the IPB hydraulic pump motor is not returning to its home position in time after brake assist or ABS/ESC operation. Severity is medium, but braking safety can be affected because assist may be reduced and ABS/ESC intervention disabled. Common causes include internal motor wear or seizure, or a faulty Hall position sensor/connector issue. Visit an authorised dealer for diagnosis and repair. Typical repair cost data is available from recorded cases.
5
Cases Logged
5
Causes
Likely Causes — Atto 8
  • 1Excessive carbon brush wear or a burnt commutator in the IPB electro-hydraulic module's internal DC motor causes the motor to seize in one position and fail to rotate.
  • 2Motor position sensor (usually a dual Hall sensor) signal drift, damage, or connector water ingress and oxidation prevents the ECU from identifying the actual position.
  • 3Mechanical binding inside the IPB hydraulic unit, such as piston seal aging and swelling or jamming caused by brake fluid impurities, resulting in excessive motor load.
  • 4IPB ECU internal motor drive circuit fault, such as a shorted H-bridge MOSFET or damaged gate driver chip, causing an abnormal return control signal.
  • 5Power supply system fault, such as low battery voltage (<10.5V) or high ground resistance, causing insufficient motor torque to overcome mechanical resistance and return to position.
What To Do
  • 1
    Use the VDS2000/3000 diagnostic tool to read all fault codes and freeze frame data. Confirm C120700 is a current fault (Current DTC) and record parameters such as vehicle speed and pedal travel at the time of occurrence.
  • 2
    Visually inspect the IPB assembly exterior and confirm no brake fluid leakage or signs of impact deformation. Inspect wiring harness connectors C1 and C2 for backed-out pins, oxidation, or water ingress, and measure the clip retaining force.
  • 3
    Measure IPB supply voltage: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the +B (constant power) and IG1 (ignition switch) terminals. The standard value is 12V±0.5V, and the voltage drop under load must be <0.3V.
  • 4
    Perform the IPB hydraulic bleeding procedure: Use the diagnostic tool to select the 'Brake System Bleeding' function. Execute the procedure in the following sequence: right rear - left rear - right front - left front. Observe the pump motor for smooth operation and abnormal noise.
  • 5
    Actuator active test: Enter 'IPB Function Test' and trigger the pump motor. Use a stethoscope to verify the motor running sound is uniform. Monitor the motor current waveform (normal: smooth square wave; abnormal: sawtooth or flat-topped wave).
  • 6
    If diagnostics confirm an internal fault, replace the IPB with ECU assembly (part number varies by model; e.g., Song PLUS DM-i uses 6A-3505010X). Note the brake line markings when removing the old part to avoid cross-contamination.
  • 7
    After replacement, perform a complete calibration: a) Use the diagnostic tool to write the IPB coding; b) Calibrate the longitudinal acceleration and yaw rate sensors; c) Re-bleed the brake system; d) Perform a road test to verify ABS/ESC functions.
Real-World Cases
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Song PLUS DM-i IPB Pump Motor Mechanical Jam Case

✓
On arrival, the instrument cluster showed ABS, ESC, and automatic emergency braking warning lights, with the brake pedal noticeably stiff. Retrieved DTC C120700 (current code). Freeze frame data showed the fault occurred at 15 km/h. Removed and inspected the IPB assembly, finding severe burning on the internal DC motor commutator and carbon brush dust accumulation that caused rotor seizure. Measured motor resistance at 8.5Ω (normal 3-5Ω), confirming internal short circuit. Replaced the IPB assembly with ECU, performed coding and bleeding procedures, and cleared the fault.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Position Sensor Signal Fault After Water Ingress

✓
The owner reported the dashboard occasionally displayed a 'Brake System Fault' warning after driving in wet conditions, clearing after an ignition cycle. Diagnosis revealed historic DTC C120700. Inspection found traces of water and white oxidation inside IPB connector C1. Analysis indicated water had entered through the wiring harness grommet during water wading, causing a momentary short in the Hall sensor signal. Cleaned the connector contacts with electronic cleaner, applied conductive grease, re-wrapped the joint with waterproof tape, and fitted an additional waterproof boot. No faults returned during one month of follow-up.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

False Alarm Case Due to Battery Discharge

✓
After extended parking, C120700 set with a "Check Battery" warning. Battery voltage measured only 10.2V; State of Health (SOH) was below 40%. The IPB ECU logged a motor return timeout during startup voltage sag; insufficient voltage caused the motor to rotate too slowly. Replaced the battery, fully charged it, cleared the code, and performed an IPB power reset (disconnected negative terminal for 10 minutes). Fault has not returned.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Case: Brake Fluid Contamination Causing Hydraulic Sticking

✓
The workshop reported multiple Song PLUS DM-i vehicles from the same production batch simultaneously developed C120700 faults. Inspection found severely contaminated brake fluid with moisture content >4% (standard <1%) and metal debris. Substandard brake fluid used at an unauthorized shop corroded the IPB internal valves and seized the pistons; excessive motor load prevented the motor from returning. Replaced the IPB assembly, thoroughly flushed all brake lines, and filled with Bosch DOT4 brake fluid. Fault resolved.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Software update resolved false alarm

✓
No abnormal braking feel, but scan tool showed C120700 intermittently. Found IPB software at V1.02. TSB confirms this version has a bug: return time threshold too strict. Upgraded IPB ECU software to V1.05. Fault code cleared automatically after upgrade. Drove 100 km continuously with no recurrence. Confirmed software false positive.
Other Atto 8 Fault Codes
B110811This DTC indicates a short circuit in the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (rapid detector). Specifically, abnormal continuity exists between the sensor power supply circuit or signal output circuit and body ground or battery positive. This causes the control module (ACU/air conditioning controller) to detect abnormal current or a voltage signal outside the valid range (typically 0V or supply voltage). The PM2.5 sensor monitors internal and external particulate concentrations, providing the data the automatic air conditioning system uses to switch between fresh air and recirculation modes. A short circuit disables the air quality monitoring function. This fault may force the air conditioning system into recirculation protection mode and trigger related thermal management system faults, as the air conditioning system acts as a key actuator in vehicle thermal management. In severe cases, the short circuit current can damage the internal sampling circuit of the air conditioning controller or overheat the wiring harness.B1109DTC B1109 indicates an open circuit in the communication line between the air conditioning system PM2.5 air quality sensor (dust concentration sensor) and the air conditioning control unit (AC ECU), or an open circuit within the sensor internal circuitry. Typically located in the air conditioning intake duct, this sensor monitors real-time PM2.5 particle concentration inside and outside the vehicle. It provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent switching between fresh air and recirculation modes and for controlling the air purification device. During an open circuit fault, the AC ECU cannot receive the air quality signal, triggering the system fail-safe mode. Symptoms typically include failure of the automatic recirculation function, abnormal air purification indicator light operation, or abnormal air quality data displayed on the air conditioning panel. Severe cases may compromise the cabin environment control strategy, but do not directly affect vehicle driving safety.B110A02DTC B110A02 indicates the thermal management master control unit (HVAC ECU) or body control module (BCM) failed to receive valid CAN data frames from the PM2.5 air quality sensor over consecutive communication cycles (typically 500ms per cycle). The sensor typically mounts at the HVAC unit air inlet or behind the glove box and transmits real-time particulate concentration data (unit: μg/m³) to the HVAC controller via the CAN bus. The fault is essentially a communication link layer timeout. Potential causes include physical layer wiring faults, sensor power supply failures, sensor internal MCU lockup, or CAN network topology damage. Although this non-critical fault does not directly affect driving safety, it disables the intelligent air purification strategy and the automatic fresh air/recirculation switching function. In extreme cases, it triggers a thermal management system degraded mode, limiting compressor power or fixing the air flap position.B110B07This fault code indicates abnormal operation of the internal air pump (sampling pump) in the PM2.5 air quality detection module. The PM2.5 detector uses the laser scattering principle to measure particulate concentration and requires a built-in air pump to draw ambient air into the detection chamber at a constant flow rate. The ECU sets this code when it detects an open or short in the air pump drive circuit, abnormal current (stall or free-running), or abnormal speed feedback. This fault causes the automatic air conditioning system to lose air quality sensing capability, preventing automatic switching between fresh air and recirculation modes. The instrument cluster air quality display may show '--' or a fixed value, but the fault does not affect the vehicle powertrain or basic air conditioning cooling and heating functions.B173CDTC B173C indicates the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) detects the Right Second Row Side Airbag squib circuit resistance exceeds the calibrated threshold (typically >4.5Ω). This fault is an active diagnostic result of the SRS system, indicating a high-resistance condition in the circuit between the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) and the airbag module. Causes for excessive resistance include increased contact resistance, a partially broken wiring harness, terminal oxidation, or an aging squib wire inside the airbag module. This fault causes the system to mark the airbag circuit as 'unreliable', meaning the airbag may fail to deploy during a collision. The fault typically illuminates the instrument cluster airbag warning light (SRS light) continuously, and some models also sound a warning buzzer.
Common problems reported for Atto 8 →Atto 8 overview →
Data confidence: Official This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself.