C0265 on Chevrolet
EBCM Motor Relay Circuit Low When On
C0265 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates ebcm motor relay circuit low when on. Au7o has documented this code across 4 Chevrolet models — most commonly on Blazer, Equinox, Monte Carlo. C0265 is a manufacturer-specific chassis code (common on GM vehicles) indicating the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) detected a fault in the internal motor relay circuit that powers the ABS pump motor, reading low voltage when the relay should be on. This relay must energize for the ABS, traction control, and stability systems to operate. When this fault is present, the module typically disables ABS and traction/stability control, illuminating the related warning lights. Normal braking still works, but the anti-lock and stability assist functions are offline. Typical repair costs on Chevrolet range from $100 to $1,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of C0265
- •Cracked solder joints / internal failure in the EBCM
- •Failed ABS pump motor relay
- •Damaged or corroded EBCM wiring/connectors
- •Low system voltage or weak battery/charging fault
- •Poor ground at the EBCM
- •Failed ABS pump motor
- •Corrosion or water intrusion in the module connector
C0265 on Chevrolet by Model
Chevrolet Blazer(1 issue)
- Kelsey-Hayes ABS: Wheel Speed Sensor / EBCM Faults & Corroded Grounds1995-1999
The S-series Blazer's Kelsey-Hayes ABS system is prone to age-related faults: front wheel-speed sensors (integrated into the hub bearings) corrode and give erratic signals, the EBCM ground at the radiator support gets rusty/loose, and later Kelsey-Hayes 325 modules can fail internally. Symptoms include an ABS warning light, erratic wheel-speed codes, and in some cases the ABS pump running with the key off. Corroded grounds and connectors are a very common root cause on rust-belt trucks.
Chevrolet Equinox(1 issue)
- Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Corrosion Causing ABS Malfunction and Extended Stops2007-2009
A known safety issue on later first-generation Equinox models involves corrosion in the brake pressure modulator valve (BPMV), which can cause the ABS to activate improperly at low speeds. Owners report a sudden buzzing pedal, unexpected increase in stopping distance, and the vehicle seeming to roll through a stop on dry pavement. This problem was serious enough to trigger a GM safety recall in salt-belt states.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo(1 issue)
- ABS/EBCM Module Failure and Brake Lamp Warning2000-2007
The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) mounted on the ABS hydraulic unit is prone to failure due to internal solder joint cracking from vibration and thermal cycling. When it fails, ABS, traction control, and stability control all stop functioning. The brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light all illuminate.
Chevrolet Tahoe(1 issue)
- EBCM / ABS Module Failure & Corroded Ground (ABS, Traction, StabiliTrak Lights)2000-2006
GMT800 Tahoes commonly light the ABS, Traction Control and (on later trucks) StabiliTrak warnings simultaneously due to the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) or, very often, its corroded frame-mounted ground. The dedicated EBCM ground on the driver-side frame rail is exposed to road salt and corrodes, causing intermittent module communication loss and codes like C0265. Internal EBCM solder-joint failures also occur. Normal service braking still works, but ABS/traction functions drop out.
Looking for C0265 on a different make?
View C0265 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does C0265 mean on Chevrolet?▼
C0265 stands for "EBCM Motor Relay Circuit Low When On." C0265 is a manufacturer-specific chassis code (common on GM vehicles) indicating the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) detected a fault in the internal motor relay circuit that powers the ABS pump motor, reading low voltage when the relay should be on. This relay must energize for the ABS, traction control, and stability systems to operate. When this fault is present, the module typically disables ABS and traction/stability control, illuminating the related warning lights. Normal braking still works, but the anti-lock and stability assist functions are offline. On Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes C0265 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: Cracked solder joints / internal failure in the EBCM, Failed ABS pump motor relay, Damaged or corroded EBCM wiring/connectors, Low system voltage or weak battery/charging fault, Poor ground at the EBCM. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix C0265 on a Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $100 to $1,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have C0265 documented?▼
Au7o has documented C0265 on 4 Chevrolet models: Blazer, Equinox, Monte Carlo, Tahoe.