Chassis, generic

C0050 Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

A general circuit-malfunction code for the right rear wheel speed sensor, covering an electrical fault not resolved to a more specific sub-type: open circuit, short to power or ground, or a signal that drops out or becomes implausible while driving. The active sensor reports rear wheel rotation to the ABS/ESC module for anti-lock, traction and stability control and electronic brake-force distribution; a chafed or broken harness, a failed sensor element or a corroded connector interrupts it, often intermittently. ABS, traction and stability control are disabled and the ABS warning lamp is set while base braking remains. Bosch active wheel speed sensors use a Hall element reading a magnetic encoder and need an intact two-wire circuit. No code-specific public bulletin was confirmed; the entry follows the SAE J2012 generic definition.

Likely causes

Broken or chafed sensor harness wiring
Wheel speed sensor failed
Corroded sensor connector

Symptoms

  • ABS warning lamp on
  • ABS and stability control disabled
  • Speedometer may read erratically

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–450
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

wheel speed sensorabs control moduletone ringsensor wiring

Related codes

C0060C0066C0056

References: bosch-mobility.com, en.wikipedia.org.