C012104

DTC C012104 indicates the ABS/ESP electronic control unit (ECU) detected a fault in the solenoid valve relay control circuit — Qin Plus

Braking System

DTC C012104 indicates the ABS/ESP electronic control unit (ECU) detected a fault in the solenoid valve relay control circuit.

This relay resides inside the hydraulic control unit (HCU) and supplies stable operating power (typically 12V) to the inlet/outlet solenoid valve assembly.

The ECU triggers this fault upon detecting an open or short in the relay coil circuit, or abnormal relay contact feedback voltage (such as output voltage dropping below the threshold after the relay energizes).

This fault disables active safety functions relying on hydraulic regulation, such as ABS, EBD, ESP, and TCS.

The vehicle retains only basic hydraulic braking capability.

In models such as the BYD E5, the HCU integrates this relay.

The relay is not serviceable separately; replace the complete assembly.

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Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

2018 BYD E5: Burnt relay contacts caused ABS failure

The vehicle came in with the instrument cluster showing "Check Brake System" and both ABS and ESP warning lights on. VDS read DTC C012104 (solenoid valve relay circuit fault), which would not clear. We removed the ABS pump (with ECU assembly) and measured the internal relay, finding severely burned contacts causing excessive contact resistance (>5Ω). The ECU detected an abnormal voltage drop and logged the fault. Since the relay is sealed inside the HCU, we replaced the entire ABS hydraulic control unit assembly (part number: EG-3635100). We bled the brake lines and matched the wheel speed sensors, and the fault cleared.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Poor ground on E5 taxi causes intermittent C012104 fault

An E5 taxi with 120,000 km developed an intermittent ABS warning light that cleared after restarting. The scan tool showed history fault code C012104. Inspection found the HCU ground harness bolt (G104) on the left longitudinal member in the engine compartment loose and oxidized, increasing resistance in the relay circuit. Tightening and polishing the ground terminal, applying conductive paste, and retesting dropped ground resistance from 8Ω to 0.3Ω. One week of tracking showed no fault recurrence.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Blown fuse caused multiple braking system faults in new energy logistics vehicle

The vehicle failed to power up and the dashboard displayed 'Brake System Fault'. Scanned DTCs C012104 and C003501. Found the ABS main power fuse (40A) blown in the engine bay fuse box. Replaced the fuse and cleared the codes, but it blew again after several kilometres. Found the HCU internal solenoid coil shorted to ground—measured 2Ω between the power terminal and ground. Replaced the ABS assembly and fuse. Fault resolved. Root cause: solenoid ageing caused relay circuit overcurrent.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin Pro DM-i ESP hydraulic unit internal fault

While driving on a wet road, the ESP intervened abnormally and the instrument cluster showed "Electronic Stability System Fault". Read fault code C012104. Data stream indicated "valve relay voltage" at only 8.5V (normal >11V). External power supply tested normal. Fault traced to aging relay contacts inside the HCU causing excessive contact voltage drop. Replaced ESP hydraulic control unit (integrated IBooster system). Performed zero-point calibration of yaw rate sensor and longitudinal acceleration sensor. ESP function returned to normal.
Data confidence: Community This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself.