HomeTrouble CodesC0586

C0586 — Brake Booster Motor B Phase U V W Circuit Rangeperformance

Generic OBD-II · all makesChassis

This code indicates the brake booster’s three-phase electric motor (designated Motor B) is operating outside expected electrical parameters. The control module has detected an anomaly in the phase U, V, or W circuits—such as incorrect resistance, current imbalance, or open/short conditions—preventing proper motor performance.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Failed brake booster motor

Internal open or shorted windings within the three-phase motor create imbalanced resistance or current draw across the U, V, and W phases, causing the control module to detect a range/performance error.

2. Wiring harness fault

Opens, shorts-to-ground, shorts-to-voltage, or high-resistance conditions in the phase circuits between the control module and motor disrupt the precise electrical signals required for motor commutation.

3. Connector corrosion or pin damage

Poor terminal contact, spread pins, or corrosion at the motor or control module connector interrupts current flow in one or more phases, leading to performance faults.

4. Brake booster control module failure

The dedicated module driving the three-phase motor may have a failed internal driver circuit, power stage fault, or current-sensing error that incorrectly reports or causes a phase circuit malfunction.

5. Power or ground integrity issue

High resistance, voltage drop, or open circuits in the motor or module power feeds and ground paths can cause erratic phase current readings and set performance codes.

6. PCM/ECM hardware or software fault

In the rare instance where the PCM directly commands the booster motor, internal driver failure or corrupted software can set this code; this is the least likely cause and should only be considered after verifying all motor, wiring, and dedicated control module integrity.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the brake booster motor, wiring harness, and connectors for corrosion, moisture intrusion, chafing, or terminal damage, focusing on the three-phase (U, V, W) connector.
  2. Measure the resistance across each pair of motor phase terminals (U-V, V-W, W-U) and compare readings to specifications; significant imbalance or infinite resistance indicates an internal motor fault.
  3. Perform continuity and isolation tests on the phase circuits between the motor and its control module to identify opens, shorts to ground, or shorts to voltage in the wiring.
  4. Verify battery voltage and ground integrity at the brake booster motor and control module connectors, checking for voltage drop under load.
  5. Check for technical service bulletins regarding software updates for the brake control module or PCM that may address erroneous fault detection or calibration errors.
  6. Substitute or test the brake booster control module only after confirming motor and wiring integrity; consider PCM replacement only if all other components are verified good and the PCM is confirmed to directly drive the motor phases.

Code facts & related codes

SystemChassis
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Is it safe to drive with this code?

No. This fault indicates a failure in the electric brake booster motor that provides power assist. Expect a very hard brake pedal and significantly longer stopping distances, making the vehicle unsafe to operate until repaired.

Do I need to replace the entire brake booster assembly?

Usually yes. The three-phase motor is typically integrated into the brake booster unit and is not serviced separately. If the motor windings or internal sensors are faulty, replacement of the complete booster assembly is the standard repair.

Is this caused by a bad PCM or engine computer?

Rarely. While the PCM or a dedicated brake control module monitors the circuit, the root cause is almost always the motor itself, wiring damage, or the dedicated motor driver module. Replacing the PCM is usually not the fix and should only be done after exhaustive testing of the motor and circuits.

What does 'Motor B' refer to?

'Motor B' designates a specific motor circuit identifier within the brake system architecture, often indicating a secondary booster motor, a redundant system channel, or a specific motor designation in vehicles with complex brake-by-wire or dual-booster configurations.