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DTC code

C1446

Brake Switch Circuit Failure

Technical guide

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light
  • ABS and traction control disabled
  • cruise control cannot be deactivated by pressing the brake pedal
  • gear selector locked in Park
  • brake lights stuck on or not working.

Probable causes

  • 1) Damaged
  • corroded
  • or disconnected wiring and connectors in the brake switch circuit (moisture and road salt exposure accelerate this). 2) Defective brake switch. 3) Improper brake switch adjustment. 4) Faulty control module (PCM/ABS) — rare
  • last consideration. On some Ford trucks
  • C1446 appears as a secondary code to C1125 (brake fluid level sensor) — diagnose C1125 first if present.

Diagnostic steps

  1. Scan for companion codes; if C1125 is present on a Ford truck, diagnose the brake fluid level circuit first.
  2. Inspect wiring and connectors of the brake switch circuit for damage, corrosion, and bent/pushed-out pins.
  3. Test the brake switch for continuity as the plunger is pressed and released, and check for proper voltage at the switch connector.
  4. With the switch and module disconnected, check the signal wire for a short to ground — resistance to chassis ground must be infinite (OL); a low reading indicates a short to ground.
  5. Verify proper switch adjustment if the switch is adjustable.
  6. Only after switch and wiring are ruled out, evaluate the control module.

Cross-checked technical synthesis (QA). It does not replace the manufacturer's procedure.

Models most reported with this code (NHTSA)

Ford Windstar 7

Count of distinct owner complaints mentioning the code. US data — same engines, same failures.

AI here is a librarian: this page shows only what mechanics confirmed, or says “unknown”. It never suggests a diagnosis — MECCANIC interprets the code, never your car.

0 confirmed cases on C1446

Nothing confirmed yet for this code. No guess is offered on purpose.

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