C1064 on 2017-2019 Ford Fusion: Understanding This Unconfirmed Code

What's Unique About the 2017-2019 Ford FUSION

The confusion around 'C1064' often stems from its use as a component identifier in the automotive world. For instance, some aftermarket ABS wheel speed sensors have part numbers like 'ARC1064'. More significantly, Ford uses 'Cxxxx' designations for electrical connector names. TSB SSM 47791 mentions a connector C1064, but this reference is specific to the Ford F-150's engine cooling system. The same TSB clarifies that for issues on a Fusion, a technician should inspect wiring between connectors C1016 and C1168. This confirms that C1064 is a valid connector name within the Ford ecosystem, but not one associated with the Fusion's ABS system, making it a likely source of confusion.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• ABS light is on
• Traction control light is on
• Stability control light is on
• Hill Start Assist Not Available warning message
• Service AdvanceTrac warning message

Most Likely Causes

1. Incorrect Code Reading 🔴 High Probability Confusion can arise from basic, inexpensive code readers that may misinterpret data or fail to access the specific ABS control module, leading to a generic or false code. Many owners report intermittent ABS/Traction lights, and a proper diagnosis requires a scanner capable of reading Ford-specific 'C' codes.
   How to confirm: Re-scan the vehicle's modules using a high-quality OBD-II scanner (like FORScan for Ford vehicles) capable of reading manufacturer-specific codes (B, C, and U-codes).
   Typical fix: Obtain the correct diagnostic trouble code (e.g., for a specific wheel speed sensor circuit) to begin an accurate diagnosis.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Typographical Error 🟡 Medium Probability The user may have written down or typed the code incorrectly. It could be a typo for a valid ABS code like C0040 (Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit) or another similar number.
   How to confirm: Visually double-check the code displayed on the scan tool.
   Typical fix: Search for the correct code to find the proper diagnostic procedure.
   Est. part cost: $0
3. Underlying Wheel Speed Sensor Fault 🔴 High Probability → Shop ABS Wheel Speed Sensor The most common reason for ABS/Traction lights on this platform is a failing wheel speed sensor or a damaged wire leading to it. This is the likely *actual* problem that a basic scanner failed to identify correctly.
   How to confirm: After re-scanning with a capable tool, a code pointing to a specific wheel speed sensor (e.g., C0040, C0041, etc.) will likely be present. A visual inspection may reveal a damaged wire, or the sensor itself may have failed internally. A multimeter can be used to check the sensor's resistance and compare it to the sensor on the opposite side; the values should be nearly identical.
   Typical fix: Replacement of the faulty wheel speed sensor and/or repair of the damaged wiring harness. In some cases, the magnetic tone ring on the wheel hub/bearing assembly can become contaminated with debris, causing erratic readings.
   Est. part cost: $20 - $60

Diagnosis Steps

1. Confirm that the ABS and/or traction control warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard. Note if they are intermittent or constant.
2. Connect a diagnostic scanner to the OBD-II port that is confirmed to be able to read Ford-specific Chassis (C-prefix) codes. Tools like FORScan are highly recommended for Ford vehicles.
3. Navigate to the ABS control module (sometimes called ABSM).
4. Request all current and stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). Ignore any 'C1064' reading from a basic tool and focus on what the advanced tool reports.
5. Carefully write down the valid codes displayed by the scanner (e.g., C0040, C0041).
6. If a wheel speed sensor code is present, inspect the sensor and its wiring at the corresponding wheel for any visible damage, corrosion, or breaks. Wiggling the harness while observing live data can help pinpoint intermittent breaks. A common failure point is corrosion inside the wiring harness 4-6 inches up from the sensor connector.
7. If no codes are present but the light is on, check for a low or failing battery, as this can cause numerous communication errors and false warnings on modern vehicles.
8. If your scanner is unable to communicate with the ABS module, this may indicate a network or module power/ground issue, which could set U-codes (e.g., U0121 - Lost Communication with ABS Module).

Parts You'll Likely Need

• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing rear wheel speed sensors

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U0415 - Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module
• U0121 - Lost Communication with ABS Module

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 47791: This TSB confirms that 'C1064' is used by Ford as a connector name, but specifically on the F-150. For the Ford Fusion, it points to different connectors (C1016 and C1168) related to an engine cooling issue. This bulletin is valuable because it proves the term 'C1064' exists in Ford's technical language but not as a DTC for the Fusion, corroborating the 'misread code' theory.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Intermittent ABS/Traction Lights: Many owners on forums like r/fordfusion report intermittent warning lights that turn on and off, sometimes triggered by bumps or sharp turns. This is classic behavior for a failing wheel speed sensor 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing common Ford Fusion ABS sensor failures or a chafed wire in the harness.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Resistance (Passive Sensor) — expected: Typically 800 - 2,500 Ohms, but the most reliable test is comparing the faulty sensor to the known-good sensor on the opposite side of the car. The readings should be within a few percent of each other.. Failure: A reading of OL (Open Loop/infinite resistance) or 0 Ohms indicates a failed sensor. A significant deviation from the reading of the opposing sensor also indicates failure.
• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Voltage (Active Sensor) — expected: With the key on, a DC voltage signal should be present (e.g., ~10.5-11 volts). When the wheel is spun, this voltage should drop or change.. Failure: No voltage signal, or a signal that does not change when the wheel is spun, indicates a problem with the sensor or its circuit.
• Battery Voltage (System Check) — expected: At rest, the battery should read 12.6 volts or higher. With the engine running, the alternator should produce between 13.5 and 14.5 volts.. Failure: Low resting voltage or fluctuating running voltage can cause multiple, seemingly unrelated electronic faults, including the 'Service AdvanceTrac' warning.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• FORScan: Read PID Data (Live Data) — This is the primary diagnostic step. Use this to view the output from all four wheel speed sensors in real-time while driving or spinning the wheels by hand. An erratic, jumping, or non-responsive reading from one sensor instantly identifies the faulty corner.
• FORScan: ABS Module Initialization / Configuration — This service procedure is required ONLY if the ABS control module itself is replaced. It writes the vehicle's VIN and As-Built data to the replacement module, allowing it to communicate with the rest of the vehicle's network.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Harness — The wiring runs from the sensor in the wheel hub/knuckle, typically along the brake line or strut 🎬 Watch: How to access and replace front wheel speed sensors, to a connector in the wheel well.. This harness is a very common failure point. A specific area prone to failure is 4-6 inches up from the main harness connector, where moisture can get under the protective tape and cause hidden corrosion and an open circuit, leading to intermittent ABS/Traction lights.
• ABS Module Fuse — In the engine compartment fuse box. For a 2018 Fusion, this includes fuse F30 (Anti-lock brake system valves) and F36 (Anti-lock brake system pump).. A blown fuse will disable the ABS module, causing warning lights and a loss of communication code (like U0121).
• General Chassis Ground — Various points on the chassis and engine block.. A loose or corroded ground connection for the ABS module or related components can cause intermittent and difficult-to-diagnose 'Service AdvanceTrac' warnings.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user in r/fordfusion (2017 Ford Fusion) — Intermittent ABS, traction control, and hill start assist lights, especially when going over speed bumps.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Ignoring the issue, which became more frequent over time.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replacement of both front wheel speed sensors resolved all the warning lights.
• Reddit user in r/fordfusion (2016 Ford Fusion) — ABS, traction control, and park assist errors.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial visual inspection of the sensor and connector.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user found a post describing a common issue and located corrosion on one of the wires about 4-6 inches up from the wheel speed sensor harness connector. Repairing this section of wire fixed the problem.
• Reddit user in r/fordfusion (Ford Fusion (year not specified)) — Service AdvanceTrac warning light, steering wheel jerking.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Multiple frustrating visits to a repair shop.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The issue was finally traced to a loose ground connection.

OEM Part Supersession History

• DG9Z-2C204-B (Front Right Sensor) → JG9Z-2C204-A — Part revision by manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number is the correct service replacement.
• DG9Z-2C190-B (Rear Sensor) → DG9Z-2C190-M — Part revision by manufacturer. The original part is listed as discontinued.
  Heads up: The new part number is the correct service replacement.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017-2019: No significant variations in the ABS sensors, wiring, or common failure modes have been identified within this specific year range. The issue is common to the entire 2013-2020 generation.