Damaged or corroded wheel speed sensor connector at the right rear wheel; Broken or chafed wire in the right rear sensor harness; Failed right rear wheel speed sensor; Debris or metallic particles on the sensor tip or tone ring; Faulty ABS control module (less common); Water intrusion or corrosion in the wiring harness

DTC codes / C05xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0512

C0512Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit/Open

Q: What does code C0512 mean?

Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit/Open. C0512 means the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module has detected an open circuit in the right rear wheel speed sensor's signal path. The module monitors the sensor's electrical circuit and flags this code when the expected voltage or current is missing, indicating a break in the wiring, a failed sensor, or a poor connection.

C0512 means the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module has detected an open circuit in the right rear wheel speed sensor's signal path. The module monitors the sensor's electrical circuit and flags this code when the expected voltage or current is missing, indicating a break in the wiring, a failed sensor, or a poor connection.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

ABS warning light illuminated on the dashboard
Traction control or stability control warning light may also be on
Often no symptoms besides the warning light
ABS may be disabled, leading to longer stopping distances on slippery surfaces
Speedometer may fluctuate or read incorrectly if the sensor signal is used for speed display
Cruise control may not engage or may disengage unexpectedly

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or corroded wheel speed sensor connector at the right rear wheel
Broken or chafed wire in the right rear sensor harness
Failed right rear wheel speed sensor
Debris or metallic particles on the sensor tip or tone ring
Faulty ABS control module (less common)
Water intrusion or corrosion in the wiring harness

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the right rear wheel speed sensor connector for corrosion, tightness, and damaged pins; clean or repair as needed
Check the sensor harness for physical damage, chafing, or breaks along its routing
Measure the sensor's resistance with a multimeter and compare to the manufacturer's specification
Perform a voltage drop test on the sensor circuit while wiggling the harness to detect intermittent opens
Remove the sensor and clean the mounting surface and tone ring; replace the sensor if damaged or if resistance is out of spec
Clear the code and test-drive the vehicle to verify the repair
If the code persists, diagnose the ABS control module and its connections

Common misdiagnosis traps for C0512

A loose or corroded connector at the sensor is a frequent cause that is often overlooked in favor of replacing the sensor itself.
The tone ring or sensor tip may be contaminated with metallic debris, causing an open circuit signal without any visible wire damage.
Intermittent opens can occur only when the suspension moves, so a static resistance test may pass while the fault is still present.
Some vehicles use the right rear wheel speed sensor for the speedometer, so a faulty sensor can cause erratic speed readings and affect transmission shifting.
The ABS control module may set this code if its internal circuitry fails, but this is rare and should be confirmed with a thorough circuit test before replacement.

Can I keep driving with C0512?

You can usually drive the vehicle with this code, but the ABS and traction control systems may be disabled, increasing stopping distances on slippery surfaces. Avoid driving in wet or icy conditions and have the fault repaired promptly to restore full safety system function.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.