C1280: Yaw Rate Sensor Signal Fault

What does C1280 mean?

C1280 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating "Yaw Rate Sensor Signal Fault". A sensor in the stability control is reporting abnormal data or has lost communication with the ECU. Sensors can fail due to age, contamination, heat exposure, or wiring issues.

Symptoms you may notice

• Check engine light (MIL) illuminated on dashboard
• Intermittent warning lights
• Erratic gauge readings

Common causes

• Faulty stability control component
• Wiring or connector issue in the related circuit
• Failed sensor providing incorrect readings
• Software/calibration issue requiring ECU update
• Related component causing secondary fault

What should you do?

This code sits in the stability and traction control system. Electronic stability control, traction control and the sensors feeding them may be offline, so the car will not correct a slide for you. It will feel completely normal right up until you need it, typically in the wet or in a sudden swerve. Get it diagnosed before driving in poor conditions.