// Official meaning
Motor relay fault — the relay that controls the SBC hydraulic pump motor has failed.
// On the bench
A hard component failure inside the unit: the pump motor may be perfectly good but it is no longer being fed reliably. We see this code in the same family as C235D/C235E — it is repair work on the unit itself, not something a reset or a battery will cure.
How it shows up
- SBC warning message on the dash
- Pump not priming or running inconsistently
- Code returns immediately after clearing
What fixing it involves
Three honest routes, all through our dedicated SBC workshop at sbc-repair.com: a counter reset (£120 — nothing replaced, only right if the pump tests healthy), a full rebuild of your own unit (£430, 6-month warranty), or an exchange pump (£700, 12-month warranty, no core return). Complete on-car service — repair, reprogram, bleed and initialise — from £650.
Frequently asked questions
Could C235C just be a wiring or fuse problem?
The relay this code points at lives inside the SBC unit, so it is the unit itself that needs attention. We confirm with proper testing before any work is quoted — diagnosis is honest, not optimistic.
How fast can an SBC unit with C235C be turned around?
Postal rebuilds are the usual route — £430 with a 6-month warranty through sbc-repair.com. If you cannot be without the car, an exchange unit at £700 ships with no core return needed.