Home›Trouble Codes›C0074

C0074 — Requested Driving Torque

Generic OBD-II · all makesChassis

C0074 means a chassis control module—most often the ABS, traction-control, or stability-control module—has detected that the 'requested driving torque' signal exchanged with the engine control module is implausible, out of range, or missing for a calibrated period. It usually indicates a communication or signal integrity problem between the brake/chassis module and the engine control module rather than a simple engine performance fault.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty ABS/traction/stability control module

Internal failure in the electronic brake/stability control module can cause it to send an invalid, stuck, or out-of-range torque request signal, which is the most common root cause of this code.

2. Wiring or connector faults between modules

Opens, shorts, high resistance, corrosion, or pin damage in the circuits or network lines between the ABS/traction module and the PCM can distort or interrupt the requested torque signal.

3. Software or calibration mismatch

Incorrect or outdated module programming, or a replacement module with incompatible calibration, can make the torque-request value fall outside the expected range and trigger the fault.

4. Network communication interference or low system voltage

A weak battery, poor grounds, or damaged CAN/network wiring can corrupt messages between modules and produce an implausible torque request reading.

5. Faulty PCM/ECM

Although possible, the engine control module misinterpreting or failing to respond to the torque request is one of the least common causes and should only be considered after wiring, software, and the chassis module have been ruled out.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Retrieve all DTCs from the ABS/traction/stability and PCM modules, and record freeze-frame data to identify related communication or torque faults.
  2. Visually inspect the wiring harness, connectors, and grounds between the ABS/traction module and the PCM for corrosion, pin damage, chafing, or looseness.
  3. Test battery voltage, charging system output, and module ground integrity; low voltage can cause communication errors that set this code.
  4. Use a scan tool with live data to monitor the requested/actual torque signals and verify the value is plausible and responds correctly to throttle input.
  5. Check for applicable software/calibration updates and reprogram modules if a mismatch is suspected, following manufacturer service information.
  6. If wiring and software are ruled out, evaluate the ABS/traction/stability control module; consider PCM replacement only after all other causes are excluded.

Code facts & related codes

SystemChassis
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make
Related codesC0071 — 24 Wheel Drive Status InputC0072 — Brake Temperature Too HighC0073 — Delivered Driving TorqueC0075 — Brake Pedal Position PerformanceC0076 — Pwm Traction ControlC0077 — Low Tire Pressure

Frequently asked

Is C0074 usually caused by a bad PCM/ECM?

No. Most C0074 faults originate in the ABS, traction-control, or stability-control module, or in the wiring and software communication between modules. Replacing the PCM is rarely the correct first repair.

Is it safe to keep driving with C0074?

The vehicle is often still drivable, but traction and stability control may be disabled or behave abnormally. It should be diagnosed as soon as practical.

Will a generic scan tool be enough to diagnose this code?

A generic scan tool may read the code, but manufacturer-level diagnostics, live data, and module-specific tests are usually needed to pinpoint the cause.

Can aftermarket modifications trigger C0074?

Yes. Changes to the throttle system, engine calibration, or traction-control components can alter torque-request values and cause this code to set.