C1246: OBD-II code C1246 flags an open circuit in the brake pad wear sensor loop — the EBCM cannot detect whether brake pads are worn.

Symptoms

• The 'Check Brake Pads' or brake wear warning lamp may illuminate even when pads are new, or fail to illuminate when they should.
• ABS and stability control functions remain available; only the wear indicator function is affected.
• Some vehicles will not display any wear message at all because the entire sensor circuit reads as open.

Common causes

• A broken or disconnected brake pad wear sensor lead, often damaged when new pads were installed without a replacement sensor.
• A corroded or unplugged connector at the caliper or on the caliper's brake wear pigtail after off-road driving.
• Worn-through wear sensors that have already contacted the rotor and severed the loop — which actually indicates pads are due for replacement.

What to do?

Visually inspect each brake pad wear sensor and its connector. If a sensor is worn through, replace both the pads and the sensor together. If the pads look good but the loop is open, splice in a new pigtail or replace the pad-mounted sensor. Clear the code and retest.