Error C1106 on Nissan: why it lights up and how to fix it

Error code C1106 on cars Nissan - one of the most common problems associated with the system ABS (anti-lock braking system) and VDC (stability control). It appears on the dashboard as a warning icon and is often accompanied by the activation of indicators. ABS, VDC OFF or SLIP. Owners Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke and other models encounter this error after replacing the brake pads, damaged wiring or failures in the control unit.

Unlike critical engine errors, C1106 does not block vehicle movement, but significantly reduces braking efficiency and road stability. It cannot be ignored: if the error is activated, the system VDC goes into emergency mode and ABS may turn off completely. In this article we will look at The exact causes of C1106 on Nissan, including rare cases associated with a faulty steering angle sensor, and give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair.

What does error code C1106 mean on Nissan?

Code C1106 in the system Nissan stands for "Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction". This is a general code that may indicate problems with one or more sensors ABSlocated on the wheel hubs. However, depending on the car model and year of manufacture, the reason may lie deeper - for example, in the control unit ABS/VDC or even in wiring up ECU.

Feature of the error C1106 is that she appears often false - for example, after replacing brake discs or pads, when the sensor accidentally touches metal parts. In other cases, the culprits are:

• 🔧 Damaged ABS sensor (breakage, corrosion, contamination)
• 🔌 Broken or shorted wiring from sensor to control unit
• 🛠️ Wheel bearing failure (changes sensor gap)
• 📱 ABS/VDC unit firmware failure (less common, but found on models before 2015)

On Nissan Qashqai J10/J11 And X-Trail T31/T32 error C1106 often accompanied by code C1130 (steering angle sensor malfunction). This is due to the fact that the systems ABS And VDC are tightly integrated, and a failure in one node can provoke false signals in another.

Reasons for error C1106: from trivial to complex

To effectively eliminate C1106, you need to understand the hierarchy of possible causes - from the simplest to those requiring in-depth diagnostics. Let's start with the fact that in 60% of cases Physical contact of the sensor with the brake disc or its contamination with metal shavings is to blame. However, there are also less obvious reasons.

Top 5 causes of error C1106 on Nissan:

1. Mechanical damage to the ABS sensor - cracks, chips or corrosion of the housing. Often occurs when replacing brake pads carelessly.
2. Violation of the gap between the sensor and the drive disk (must be 0.5–1.2 mm). If the gap is smaller, the sensor touches the disk; if it is larger, the signal disappears.
3. Open or short circuit in wiring. Wires and hubs are especially vulnerable - they rub against the suspension or rust from moisture.
4. Wheel bearing failure. A worn bearing "plays", changing the position of the drive disk relative to the sensor.
5. Malfunction in the ABS/VDC control unit. Less common, but found on cars with mileage >150 thousand km or after unqualified repairs.

On Nissan Juke And Note error C1106 sometimes appears after battery replacement or reset settings ECU. This is due to the fact that the block ABS requires recalibration after power failures. In such cases, a simple procedure helps:

Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition

Disconnect the battery terminals for 10–15 minutes

Reconnect the terminals and start the engine

Drive 5–10 km at a speed >50 km/h for auto-calibration-->

Critical Feature: On Nissan with VDC error C1106 may mask a faulty steering angle sensor (code C1130). If after resetting the error it returns immediately, check the steering sensor connector under the steering column.

How to diagnose error C1106: step-by-step instructions

Diagnostics C1106 requires a systematic approach. Let's start with a visual inspection and simple checks that you can do yourself. If the problem cannot be solved, you will need a scanner OBD-II (For example, Launch CReader or ELM327) and a multimeter.

Step 1. Visual inspection of ABS sensors

• 🔍 Inspect each sensor for cracks, corrosion, or signs of impact.
• 🧲 Check the cleanliness of the drive disc (gear ring) on the hub. Metal shavings or dirt may block the signal.
• 📏 Measure the gap between the sensor and the disk (optimally - 0.8–1.0 mm).

Step 2: Check the wiring

• 🔌 Disconnect the sensor connector and inspect the contacts for oxidation.
• 🛠️ Ring the wires from the sensor to the block ABS to break (resistance should be 0.5–1.5 kOhm).
• 🔋 Check the voltage at the sensor connector when rotating the wheel (there should be 0.5–1.5 V AC).

Step 3. Diagnostics with OBD-II scanner

Connect the scanner and follow these steps:

1. Count all errors (except C1106 there may be C1111, C1130 etc.).
2. Look Freeze Frame Data — parameters at the moment the error occurs (speed, wheel speed).
3. Clear the errors and ride 5-10 km. If C1106 returns - the problem is in the hardware.

How to check the ABS sensor without a scanner?

Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the resistance between the contacts with a multimeter. The normal value for Nissan is 800–1400 Ohms. If the resistance is 0 Ohm (short) or infinity (open), the sensor is faulty. Also check the resistance between each contact and ground - it should be >10 MOhm (no leakage to the body).

Table: Typical error codes associated with C1106

Error code	Description	Probable Cause	Communication with C1106
C1111	Wheel speed sensor circuit malfunction (right front)	Damaged sensor or wiring	Often appears together with C1106
C1130	Malfunction of the steering angle sensor	Sensor or VDC unit failure	May cause false alarms C1106
C1145	Malfunction of the longitudinal acceleration sensor circuit	Problems with the VDC block	Indirect communication via common CAN bus
U1000	No communication with ABS/VDC unit	CAN bus break or ECU failure	Can block reading C1106

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the error C1106 it returns immediately when driving at a speed of >20 km/h - the problem is definitely in the sensor or wiring. If the error appears after 5–10 km, the control unit is to blame ABS/VDC.

How to resolve error C1106: from simple to complex

The solution to the problem depends on the diagnosed cause. Below are step-by-step instructions for each case, from the simplest to those requiring specialist intervention.

1. Cleaning the sensor and drive disk

If the sensor is contaminated with metal shavings or dirt:

• 🧹 Gently clean the sensor and gear disk non-metallic with a brush.
• 🧴 Wipe surfaces with alcohol or brake cleaner.
• 🔧 Check the gap between the sensor and the disc (should be 0.8–1.2 mm).

2. Replacing the ABS sensor

If the sensor is damaged or shows incorrect resistance:

1. Disconnect the sensor connector and unscrew the mounting bolt (usually 10 mm).
2. Remove the sensor and compare it with the new one (length and shape must match).
3. Install the new sensor, maintaining the gap. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm.

3. Wiring repair

If there is a break or short circuit in the wires:

• 🔍 Find the place of damage (most often near the hub or under the bottom).
• 🔌 Strip and solder the wires, insulating them with heat shrink.
• 🛠️ Secure the harness so that it does not touch the suspension or rotating parts.

4. Replacing the ABS/VDC unit

If the problem is in the control unit (less common, but it happens):

• 🔧 The block is located under the hood, usually next to the main brake cylinder.
• 🔋 Before replacing, disconnect the battery and wait for the capacitors to discharge (10-15 minutes).
• 📦 Install a new block (article number, for example, 40500-4M000 for Qashqai J10) and perform calibration.

⚠️ Attention: After replacing the unit ABS/VDC must be completed calibrating the steering angle sensor. Without this the system VDC will not work correctly. Calibration is performed by the scanner (for example, Launch X431) or at the service center.

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan are facing re-emergence C1106 after a seemingly successful renovation. Causes of personal errors:

1. Incorrect ABS sensor gap

If the sensor is installed too close to the drive disc (<0.5 mm), it will touch the teeth when heated, causing C1106. If it's too far (>1.5 mm) - the signal will become weak. Always check the clearance pliers meter.

2. Use of non-original sensors

Cheap analogues often have a different impedance or frequency response. For example, the original sensor for X-Trail T32 has resistance 1.2 kOhm, and the Chinese analogue is 0.8 kOhm, which leads to false positives.

3. Ignoring calibration after repair

After replacing the sensor or unit ABS/VDC required:

• 🔄 Reset errors with the scanner.
• 🚗 Drive by 5–10 km at a speed >50 km/h for auto calibration.
• 📊 Check again for errors.

4. Damage to wiring during installation

Often, when replacing a wheel bearing or brake disc, the sensor wires become frayed. Always secure the tourniquet plastic clamps, avoiding tension.

Repair cost: do it yourself vs service

Elimination price C1106 varies depending on the reason and vehicle model. Below are the estimated costs for Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2020):

Type of repair	Cost of spare parts (RUB)	Cost of work (rub.)	Total (RUB)
Cleaning the ABS sensor	0 (if replacement is not required)	500–1000 (if in service)	500–1000
Replacing one ABS sensor	1500–3500 (original)	1000–1500	2500–5000
Wiring repair	200–500 (consumables)	1500–2500	1700–3000
Replacing the ABS/VDC unit	15000–25000 (original)	3000–5000	18000–30000
VDC Calibration	0	1000–2000	1000–2000

Self-repair is cheaper, but requires tools:

• 🔧 Set of sockets and keys (for removing sensors).
• 📊 Multimeter (to check resistance).
• 🔌 Scanner OBD-II (to reset errors).

If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact the service. For example, replacing a sensor ABS on Nissan X-Trail requires removal of the brake caliper, which without experience can lead to damage to the brake hose.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error C1106 on Nissan

Is it possible to drive with error code C1106?

Technically yes, but ABS and VDC system will be disabled. This means:

• 🚗 During emergency braking, the wheels may become blocked (the braking distance increases).
• 🌪️ On a slippery road, the car may skid (no stability control).
• 🔧 Risk of damage to brake discs due to uneven wear.

It is recommended to resolve the error within 1–2 weeks.

Why does error code C1106 appear after replacing brake pads?

Reasons:

• 🔧 The ABS sensor is touched by a tool or brake disc.
• 🧲 Metal shavings from the pads got onto the sensor.
• 🔌 The sensor connector is not connected back (a common error during assembly).

Solution: check the integrity of the sensor and clean it of dirt.

How to reset error C1106 without a scanner?

Options:

1. Disconnect the battery terminal at 10–15 minutes (sometimes it helps).
2. On some models (for example, Nissan Almera N16) reset occurs after 3 short presses on the brake pedal with the ignition off.

However, these methods do not always work. To ensure a guaranteed reset, you need a scanner.

Could C1106 be caused by a bad wheel bearing?

Yes. A worn bearing leads to:

• 🔄 Hub play, which causes the drive disk to shift relative to the sensor.
• 📉 Uneven rotation of the wheel, which is perceived by the block ABS as a malfunction.

Check the bearing for play by shaking the wheel in a vertical plane.

Do I need to flash the ABS unit after replacing the sensor?

No, no firmware is required. However:

• 🔄 It is necessary to reset the errors with the scanner.
• 🚗 Carry out a test drive to auto-calibrate the system.

Block firmware ABS/VDC needed only when it is completely replaced or critical failures (for example, an error U1000).