C000304

DTC C000304 indicates an electrical or functional fault in High Pressure Switch Valve 1 inside the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) hydraulic modulator — Seal U

Braking System

DTC C000304 indicates an electrical or functional fault in High Pressure Switch Valve 1 inside the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) hydraulic modulator.

This solenoid valve is a core actuator in the ESP Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU).

It controls the brake fluid pressure build-up path from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinders during ABS/ESP intervention.

The ECU sets this fault upon detecting an open circuit or short circuit (to ground or power) in the valve drive circuit, or an abnormal valve spool response.

When this fault occurs, the ESP system enters fail-safe mode, disables active intervention functions, retains only conventional hydraulic braking, and illuminates the ABS/ESP warning light on the instrument cluster.

3
Cases Logged
BYD DTC AI Analysis

BYD Qin ESP hydraulic modulator high-pressure switch valve internal open circuit

Dashboard ABS/ESP warning light constantly illuminated. Brake pedal feels normal but ESP intervention inactive. Scanned with VDS and retrieved DTC C000304 (High pressure switching valve 1 fault). Brake fluid normal. Measured 12.4V supply at hydraulic modulator connector pin 25; ground at pin 38 normal. Disconnected connector and measured infinite resistance on high pressure switching valve 1 coil (normal approx 8Ω), indicating internal coil open circuit. Replaced ESP hydraulic modulator assembly with integrated ECU. Performed brake bleed and calibration; fault cleared. Road tested above 30 km/h, system self-check passed.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Abnormal power supply voltage causes false valve fault codes on BYD E5

The E5 displayed C000304 and multiple solenoid fault codes simultaneously. Inspection found an aftermarket high-power audio system installed. Battery voltage fluctuated severely between 11V and 14.5V during night driving. Measuring the ESP module power supply revealed unstable alternator output; coupled with battery aging (increased internal resistance), this caused voltage to drop below 8.5V when the ECU drove the high-pressure switching valves, triggering the fault codes. Replaced the alternator rectifier and battery, checked body ground points, cleared the codes. No recurrence on road test.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Crystallised brake fluid caused the high-pressure switch valve to stick.

The vehicle waded through water without replacing the brake fluid. Two years later, DTC C000304 set. Disassembling the ESP hydraulic modulator revealed the high-pressure switch valve 1 core stuck in the normally closed position by white crystalline deposits—salts from corrosion after the brake fluid absorbed moisture. During active testing with the scan tool, no valve actuation sound was heard, though coil resistance measured normally at 6.5Ω. The valve body is non-serviceable, so we replaced the hydraulic modulator assembly. After thoroughly flushing the brake lines and replacing the DOT4 brake fluid, the fault resolved. Advise the owner to replace the brake fluid every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Original source ↗
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.