ABS and brakes code
C0561: ABS system disabled or module fault
How much to fix C0561? Typically $520–$1,700.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $300 | $1,200 |
| Labor: 2 to 3 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $220 | $450 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $50 |
| Total, rounded | $520 | $1,700 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, abs control module repair or replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
This code usually points to the ABS control module or a fault that makes the system shut off. It can vary by make, and some brands use it for a configuration or internal module problem, so check the scan tool or manual.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Internal fault in the ABS module
Normal brakes usually still work, but without ABS help the wheels can lock in a hard stop, so leave extra room and brake early.
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What you may notice
- ABS light on
- Traction or stability control light on
- Stability control not working
- Sometimes a brake warning light
Common causes, most likely first
- Internal fault in the ABS module
- Low battery voltage or bad ground
- Wiring or connector problem at the module
- Another stored ABS code that shut the system off
- Software or setup mismatch after a repair
Check this first
Check battery voltage and the ABS fuses first, then look for other ABS codes. Fix those before blaming the module.
Other repairs that sometimes fix C0561
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
| Battery replacement | $150 to $470 |
| CAN bus wiring repair | $170 to $1,125 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
C0561 questions
Can the module be repaired?
Sometimes. Many shops can repair or rebuild an ABS module for less than a new one, which often needs programming anyway. Ask your shop for both prices and how long the repaired unit is warranted.
Does the module need programming?
Many do after replacement, because the module has to be matched to the car's VIN and options. Ask whether the quote includes the programming step, since some shops add it as a separate line.
Is it safe to drive?
Normal brakes usually still work, but anti-lock and stability help are off. Drive carefully, leave extra stopping distance, and avoid hard braking on wet or icy roads until it is repaired.
How much does it cost to fix C0561?
The most common fix, abs control module repair or replacement, has a typical range of $520 to $1,700 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $550 to $1,775 |
| New York City area | $540 to $1,750 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $540 to $1,775 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $530 to $1,725 |
| Houston area, Texas | $510 to $1,700 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $510 to $1,700 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $520 to $1,700 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $530 to $1,725 |
| Miami area, Florida | $510 to $1,700 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $550 to $1,775 |
Related codes
- C0110: ABS pump motor circuit fault
- C0265: ABS motor relay circuit fault
- U0121: Lost communication with ABS module
More abs and brakes codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.