Damaged or corroded wiring harness or connector at the right rear wheel speed sensor; Failed right rear wheel speed sensor due to internal short or contamination; Metal debris or excessive air gap between the sensor and tone ring; Damaged or missing teeth on the tone ring (reluctor wheel); Short to ground in the sensor circuit wiring; Faulty ABS control module (less common)

DTC codes / C05xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0514

C0514Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit Low

Q: What does code C0514 mean?

Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit Low. The C0514 code indicates that the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module has detected an abnormally low voltage signal on the right rear wheel speed sensor's 'A' circuit, which is the primary signal line for that wheel. This low signal can be caused by a short to ground, a faulty sensor, or wiring issues, and it prevents the ABS from accurately monitoring wheel speed, potentially disabling the system.

The C0514 code indicates that the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module has detected an abnormally low voltage signal on the right rear wheel speed sensor's 'A' circuit, which is the primary signal line for that wheel. This low signal can be caused by a short to ground, a faulty sensor, or wiring issues, and it prevents the ABS from accurately monitoring wheel speed, potentially disabling the system.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the ABS warning light on the dashboard
Traction control system may also be disabled, triggering a separate warning light
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with normal braking performance
In some cases, the ABS may activate intermittently or feel like a pulsation at low speeds
Cruise control may become inoperative if it relies on wheel speed data

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or corroded wiring harness or connector at the right rear wheel speed sensor
Failed right rear wheel speed sensor due to internal short or contamination
Metal debris or excessive air gap between the sensor and tone ring
Damaged or missing teeth on the tone ring (reluctor wheel)
Short to ground in the sensor circuit wiring
Faulty ABS control module (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the right rear wheel speed sensor and its wiring for visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections
Check the sensor's air gap and clean any metal debris from the sensor tip and tone ring
Measure the sensor's resistance and compare to manufacturer specifications; replace if out of range
Perform a voltage drop test on the sensor circuit to check for excessive resistance or shorts
Inspect the tone ring for cracks, missing teeth, or misalignment
If wiring is faulty, repair or replace the affected section of the harness
Clear the code and test-drive the vehicle to verify the repair; if the code persists, diagnose the ABS module

Common misdiagnosis traps for C0514

A low signal code is often caused by a simple wiring issue, such as a chafed wire or corroded connector, rather than a failed sensor, so always inspect the harness first.
The right rear sensor shares its signal with the ABS and traction control systems, so a problem here can cause multiple warning lights and disable several driver aids.
Debris or a loose sensor can cause an intermittent low signal that may not set the code until specific driving conditions are met, making it important to check for physical damage.
Replacing the sensor without addressing a damaged tone ring or wiring will likely lead to a repeat failure, so a thorough visual inspection is critical.
Some vehicles use a magnetic encoder ring integrated into the wheel bearing; a failing bearing can produce a low signal without any visible sensor damage.

Can I keep driving with C0514?

You can generally continue driving with the C0514 code, but the ABS and traction control systems may be disabled, which reduces safety in emergency braking or slippery conditions. Avoid hard braking and slippery roads until the fault is repaired, and have the vehicle inspected promptly.

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.