OBD Guide
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C0601

Active Air Dam Control Circuit/Open

C0601 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Active Air Dam Control Circuit/Open. Common causes: broken wiring between the control unit and the damper motor, damper motor malfunction. Estimated repair cost: $22–167.

Severity
✅ Low
Can you drive?
Do not drive — repair immediately
Approx. repair cost
$22–167 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light or Display Message Is On
  • The active air flap does not change position
  • Possible slight increase in fuel consumption on the highway
  • The flap is stuck in the lower position (damage may occur when driving over uneven surfaces)
  • Extraneous noises from below the front bumper

Causes

  • Broken wiring between the control unit and the damper motor
  • Damper motor malfunction
  • Damage to the drive connector (oxidation, broken contacts)
  • Mechanical damage to the damper or its drive (impact, collision with an obstacle)
  • Body Control Module (BCM) malfunction

How to Fix

  1. Read error codes with a diagnostic scanner
  2. Inspect the active air flap under the front bumper
  3. Check the integrity of the drive motor and its connector
  4. Measure the voltage at the drive connector when the activation command is given.
  5. Check the wiring from the control unit to the drive for breaks
  6. Replace the damaged drive or restore the wiring

Related codes

C0600C0602B1300

Error C0601 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the C0601 code mean?

C0601 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Active Air Dam Control Circuit/Open

What causes a C0601 error code?

The most common causes of C0601 include: Broken wiring between the control unit and the damper motor; Damper motor malfunction; Damage to the drive connector (oxidation, broken contacts); Mechanical damage to the damper or its drive (impact, collision with an obstacle).

How do I fix a C0601 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix C0601: Read error codes with a diagnostic scanner. Inspect the active air flap under the front bumper. Check the integrity of the drive motor and its connector. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with C0601?

Do not drive — repair immediately

How much does it cost to fix C0601?

The estimated repair cost for C0601 is $22–167. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

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See also: Russian version · NationStat