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Hyundai C1696

MDPS assy is not to be replaced. C1612, C1646 TCU signal error Check TCU and associated wiring. C1628, C1656 Instrument cluster signal error Check instrument cluster and associated

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceService evaluation is appropriate because the verified manufacturer procedure calls for inspection of SPAS and associated wiring and repair as necessary.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

For verified Hyundai applicability, C1696 is identified as a SPAS signal error. Hyundai’s service communication directs technicians to check the SPAS and associated wiring, repair as necessary, erase DTC(s), and not replace the complete C-MDPS assembly for this code alone.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

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1. What does C1696 mean?

For verified Hyundai applicability, C1696 is identified as a SPAS signal error. Hyundai’s service communication directs technicians to check the SPAS and associated wiring, repair as necessary, erase DTC(s), and not replace the complete C-MDPS assembly for this code alone.

2. Technical explanation

The supplied official Hyundai manufacturer communications classify C1696, together with C1697, as a SPAS signal error. The documented diagnostic direction is to check SPAS and associated wiring, repair as necessary, and erase DTC(s). The communication specifically states that the full C-MDPS assembly is not to be replaced.

3. What system is affected?

SPAS and associated wiring; the manufacturer communication also specifically addresses the C-MDPS assembly as not requiring complete replacement for this code alone.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

5. Symptoms you may notice

Not yet established by verified evidence.

6. Possible causes

  • SPAS signal error.
  • A condition involving SPAS or associated wiring is indicated for inspection by the official manufacturer communication.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange diagnosis using the manufacturer-directed checks of SPAS and associated wiring.
  • Do not assume the complete C-MDPS assembly requires replacement based on C1696 alone.
  • Have DTC(s) erased after necessary repair, as directed in the manufacturer communication.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Check SPAS.
  2. Check associated wiring.
  3. Repair as necessary.
  4. Erase DTC(s) after repair.

11. When to contact service

Service evaluation is appropriate because the verified manufacturer procedure calls for inspection of SPAS and associated wiring and repair as necessary.

12. What the service center may check

  • Check SPAS.
  • Check associated wiring.
  • Repair as necessary.
  • Erase DTC(s).
  • Do not replace the full C-MDPS assembly for C1696 alone.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • Repair the identified SPAS or associated-wiring condition as necessary.
  • Erase DTC(s) after repair.
  • The full C-MDPS assembly is not to be replaced for C1696 alone, according to the supplied manufacturer communication.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Hyundai manufacturer communication 20-ST-001H-2, published September 9, 2020; NHTSA document MC-10180981-0001. It identifies C1696/C1697 as SPAS signal errors and directs inspection of SPAS and associated wiring.
  • Hyundai manufacturer communication 20-ST-001H-1, published August 10, 2020; NHTSA document MC-10179244-0001. It identifies C1696/C1697 as SPAS signal errors and directs inspection of SPAS and associated wiring.

16. Recall information

No recall relationship is established by verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Verified applicability in the supplied database: US-market Hyundai Kona model years 2016–2020 and 2016–2021, and US-market Hyundai Sonata model years 2016–2020 and 2016–2021. The overlapping year ranges are retained as supplied evidence. Official sources: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180981-0001.pdf and https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10179244-0001.pdf

19. Frequently asked questions

What does Hyundai DTC C1696 mean?

The supplied official Hyundai communications identify C1696, together with C1697, as a SPAS signal error.

Should the complete C-MDPS assembly be replaced for C1696?

No. The supplied manufacturer communication states that the full C-MDPS assembly is not to be replaced.

What does the manufacturer direct technicians to inspect?

The communication directs technicians to check SPAS and associated wiring, repair as necessary, and erase DTC(s).

Is it safe to drive or charge with C1696?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
Hyundai C1696: MDPS assy is not to be replaced. C1612, C1646 TCU… | EV Diagnostics