C1238: OBD-II code C1238 means the EBCM's thermal model calculates that the ABS motor or brakes are overheated — typically from prolonged ABS activation.

Symptoms

• The ABS warning lamp illuminates, and the traction and stability control lamps may also come on together.
• The code typically sets after heavy stop-and-go use of ABS, aggressive off-road driving, or descending long grades with frequent ABS activation.
• ABS is temporarily disabled until the calculated brake and pump-motor temperature drops back to a safe value, after which the code clears itself.

Common causes

• Extended or repeated ABS pump motor activation on rough roads, gravel, or off-road terrain that heats the motor beyond its design temperature.
• A dragging brake caliper or stuck slide pin that keeps a pad in contact with the rotor and continuously feeds heat into the brake system.
• A software or EBCM issue that miscalculates the thermal model — uncommon, resolved with a module reprogramming or replacement.

What to do?

Let the vehicle cool down for at least 30 minutes and rescan — the code will often clear on its own once the thermal model resets. Inspect all four brakes for a dragging caliper or seized slide pin. If the code returns without hard ABS use, check for TSBs on the vehicle's EBCM and consider a module reprogramming or replacement.