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 — Seal U

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 Seal U indicates the IPB hydraulic pump motor is not returning to its home position in time after brake pressure or ABS/ESC operation. Severity is medium, but braking safety may be reduced, with a stiff pedal, limited brake assist, and disabled ABS/ESC intervention. Common causes include internal motor brush or commutator wear, or Hall position sensor or connector faults. Visit an authorised dealer for diagnosis and repair. Typical repair cost data is available.
5
Cases Logged
5
Causes
Likely Causes — Seal U
  • 1Excessive carbon brush wear or a burnt commutator in the internal DC motor of the IPB electro-hydraulic module causes the motor to seize in position, preventing rotation.
  • 2Motor position sensor (usually a dual Hall sensor) signal drift, damage, or connector water ingress and oxidation, preventing the ECU from identifying the actual position.
  • 3Internal mechanical binding in the IPB hydraulic unit, such as piston seal aging and swelling or binding caused by brake fluid contaminants, 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 excessive 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 DTC and record parameters at the time of occurrence, such as vehicle speed and pedal travel.
  • 2
    Visually inspect the IPB assembly to confirm no brake fluid leakage or signs of collision deformation. Inspect wiring harness connectors C1 and C2 for backed-out pins, oxidation, or water ingress, and measure the retaining clip holding force.
  • 3
    Measure the IPB supply voltage: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the +B (constant power) and IG1 (ignition power) terminals. The standard value is 12V±0.5V. The voltage drop during a load test must be <0.3V.
  • 4
    Perform the IPB hydraulic bleeding procedure: Use the diagnostic tool to access the 'Brake System Bleeding' function and execute it in the following order: right rear - left rear - right front - left front. Observe the pump motor for smooth operation and check for abnormal noise.
  • 5
    Perform 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 pipe markings when removing the old part to prevent cross-contamination.
  • 7
    After replacement, perform a complete calibration: a) Write the IPB coding using the diagnostic tool; b) Calibrate the longitudinal acceleration sensor and yaw rate sensor; c) Bleed the brake system again; 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 Seal U Fault Codes
B110913DTC B110913 indicates an open signal circuit for the PM2.5 rapid detector (in-cabin air quality sensor). This sensor typically mounts inside the air conditioning system intake duct. It monitors in-cabin PM2.5 concentration in real time and provides data to the automatic air conditioning system for intelligent control of the air purification function. The BYD diagnostic protocol uses sub-code '13' to specifically indicate an open signal circuit. Although this fault theoretically affects a comfort feature, BYD Qin series vehicles classify it as a Level 3 (severe) fault. This classification occurs because the air conditioning system interacts with the battery thermal management system (e.g., monitoring battery cooling intake air quality). The fault can disable the automatic air conditioning mode and prevent the air purification function from operating. In extreme cases, it affects the battery compartment intake air quality assessment, triggering the 'repair immediately' strategy.B110AThis DTC indicates interrupted CAN bus communication or abnormal data between the air conditioning control unit (ACU) and the PM2.5 air quality sensor. The PM2.5 sensor monitors particulate concentration inside and outside the vehicle and provides the basis for purification control in the automatic air conditioning system. The ACU triggers this fault if it fails to receive a valid CAN message from the sensor within the specified period (usually 100-500 ms), if message verification fails, or if the signal frame times out. Although this fault does not affect vehicle driving safety, it disables the automatic air purification function. The air conditioning system cannot automatically switch between recirculation and fresh air modes or activate the air purification mode based on air quality. A persistent fault may restrict the thermal management strategy.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.B110BDTC B110B indicates a fault in the internal air pump (sampling pump) of the PM2.5 air quality detector. This pump draws cabin or outside air into the PM2.5 sensor detection chamber, enabling the laser scattering sensor to measure real-time particulate matter concentration. The air conditioning controller (or BCM) sets this DTC upon detecting an open or short circuit in the pump drive circuit, or abnormal current caused by a seized pump motor. This fault disables the "Green Clean" system, causes the instrument cluster air quality display to read abnormally or disappear, and disables the automatic fresh air/recirculation switching function. It does not affect the vehicle powertrain or core thermal management functions.B173712DTC B173712 indicates a short to power in the firing circuit of the right second-row side airbag module in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Specifically, the "right second-row side airbag" typically refers to the side impact airbag located in the right B-pillar or the side of the right seat. The "12" suffix indicates a circuit short to battery positive (B+). This fault causes the following conditions: 1) The airbag may fail to ignite and deploy during a collision, resulting in a loss of side impact protection. 2) In extreme cases, unintended triggering may cause accidental airbag deployment. 3) The SRS control unit detects abnormally high circuit voltage (typically above 4.5V) and enters fault protection mode. This may disable the entire airbag system and continuously illuminate the instrument cluster airbag warning light.
Common problems reported for Seal U →Seal U 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.