HomeTrouble CodesC0019

C0019 — Left Rear Outlet Control

Generic OBD-II · all makesChassis

C0019 indicates a malfunction in the left rear outlet (or left rear brake light) control circuit. The powertrain control module has detected an abnormal voltage or resistance condition in that circuit.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Burned or shorted left rear brake light bulb

A filament that has failed open or a bulb that has shorted to ground can cause abnormal voltage readings.

2. Corroded or damaged wiring/connector to the left rear outlet

Moisture, rust, or physical damage can increase resistance or create a short in the circuit.

3. Faulty left rear brake light relay or control module driver

The relay that switches power to the left rear outlet may be stuck open or shorted.

4. Ground fault in the left rear brake light circuit

A poor ground connection can cause the control module to see an out‑of‑range voltage.

5. Powertrain control module (PCM) software glitch

Rarely, a corrupted PCM memory can misinterpret a good circuit as faulty; re‑flashing or replacement is a last‑resort fix.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the left rear brake light bulb for damage and replace if burnt out.
  2. Check the wiring harness and connector for corrosion, broken wires, or loose pins; repair as needed.
  3. Measure circuit voltage and resistance at the connector with the brake pedal both released and applied; compare to manufacturer specifications.
  4. Test the left rear brake light relay by swapping with a known good relay or applying direct power to verify operation.
  5. If all hardware checks are normal, perform a PCM reset (clear codes and cycle power) and re‑scan; if the code returns, consider PCM re‑flash as a final step.

Code facts & related codes

SystemChassis
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Do I need to replace the PCM to fix C0019?

In most cases no. The PCM is rarely at fault; the problem is almost always a bulb, wiring, connector, or relay issue. Replace the PCM only after all other components have been verified functional.

Why does the left rear brake light stay on continuously?

A short to ground or a stuck relay can supply constant voltage to the lamp, causing it to remain illuminated even when the brake pedal is not pressed.

Can a bad bulb cause the code even if the light appears to work?

Yes. A partially failed bulb can create abnormal resistance that the PCM interprets as a fault, triggering C0019 even though the light still lights dimly.

Will clearing the code without fixing anything make the problem go away?

The code may clear temporarily, but if the underlying fault remains, the PCM will set the code again on the next drive cycle.