What does it mean?
C1276 is a Chassis (ABS, traction control, steering) fault code. It indicates: Delivered Torque Signal Circuit Malfunction .
Symptoms
- Traction and stability lamps on with those systems disabled
- Engine warning lamp often lit at the same time
- Reduced engine power or lazy throttle response on some vehicles
- Traction control no longer cuts torque when a wheel spins
- Scan tool shows missing data or communication errors for the engine module
Likely causes
- Delivered torque message from the engine control module missing or out of range on the data bus
- CAN bus wiring fault, high resistance or a damaged terminating resistor between the engine and chassis modules
- Engine management fault so the torque value being broadcast is implausible
- Corroded, wet or backed-out pins in a module connector on the bus
- Software version mismatch after a module was replaced or reprogrammed
- Low system voltage disturbing bus communication
- Internal fault in the chassis/traction control module
How to fix it
- Scan every module and record all codes; engine-side faults usually explain this one
- Check CAN bus voltages with the key on and bus resistance with the key off
- Inspect the connectors at the engine and chassis modules for corrosion, wet pins and terminals that have backed out
- Watch the engine torque parameter in live data while blipping the throttle to see whether it responds sensibly
- Repair any engine management fault that makes the torque value implausible
- Check for software updates or a mismatched replacement module
- Replace the module only after the bus and the sending module have tested good