C0556

  • Chassis
  • Generic (SAE)
SeveritySeverity level 4 of 5: Get it looked at now.

Get it looked at now

Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.

Standard definition

Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Performance

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

The brake booster vacuum or pressure sensor signal does not respond plausibly to engine vacuum or electric booster activity.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Driving may cause further damage or leave you stranded. Arrange service promptly rather than waiting.
Urgency
Get it looked at now
Will it pass emissions
Not affected
Check engine light
Varies
Symptoms you may notice
  • ABS warning light on
  • ESC/stability control deactivated
  • Possible reduced brake assist
  • Speedometer may behave erratically

Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.

Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1Vacuum leak in booster lineVery common
2Vacuum pump weakCommon
3Sensor element aged beyond calibration windowOccasional

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
  • Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor
  • Vacuum Pump
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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