Damaged or corroded wiring harness to the right rear wheel speed sensor; Open circuit in the sensor pigtail or connector pins; Right rear wheel speed sensor internal failure; Debris or metallic particles on the sensor tip or tone ring; Excessive air gap between the sensor and tone ring due to worn hub or bearing; Short to voltage on the signal circuit from chafed wiring; Faulty ABS control module (less common)

DTC codes / C05xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0515

C0515Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit High

Q: What does code C0515 mean?

Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit High. C0515 means the antilock brake system (ABS) module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the right rear wheel speed sensor circuit, which usually indicates an open circuit, a short to voltage, or a sensor that has failed internally. The computer compares the sensor signal to expected values and flags the circuit as high when the voltage exceeds the normal operating range.

C0515 means the antilock brake system (ABS) module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the right rear wheel speed sensor circuit, which usually indicates an open circuit, a short to voltage, or a sensor that has failed internally. The computer compares the sensor signal to expected values and flags the circuit as high when the voltage exceeds the normal operating range.

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 also on
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with normal braking performance
ABS may deactivate, increasing stopping distance on slippery surfaces
Intermittent warning light that comes and goes with bumps or temperature changes
Speedometer or cruise control may act erratically if the signal is used for vehicle speed

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or corroded wiring harness to the right rear wheel speed sensor
Open circuit in the sensor pigtail or connector pins
Right rear wheel speed sensor internal failure
Debris or metallic particles on the sensor tip or tone ring
Excessive air gap between the sensor and tone ring due to worn hub or bearing
Short to voltage on the signal circuit from chafed wiring
Faulty ABS control module (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the right rear wheel speed sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
Clean the sensor tip and tone ring of metallic debris and check for physical damage
Measure sensor resistance and compare to manufacturer specifications
Check for short to voltage on the signal circuit with a multimeter while wiggling the harness
Verify the air gap between the sensor and tone ring is within specification
Replace the right rear wheel speed sensor if resistance or signal is out of range
Clear codes and test-drive to confirm the repair, checking live data for consistent wheel speed

What a high voltage code really means

A high voltage code often results from an open circuit rather than a sensor that is actually producing too much voltage, so check continuity before replacing parts.
Corroded connectors or chafed wiring near the rear wheel arch are common culprits that are frequently overlooked in favor of sensor replacement.
The ABS module may set this code intermittently due to vibration or temperature changes, so a wiggle test of the harness is essential.
A worn wheel bearing or damaged tone ring can alter the air gap and cause a high voltage signal without any sensor fault.
This code does not always mean the ABS module is faulty; module failure is rare and should only be suspected after all wiring and sensor checks pass.

Can I keep driving with C0515?

You can usually continue driving with this code, but the ABS and traction control systems may be disabled, which reduces safety in emergency braking or slippery conditions. Avoid hard braking and wet or icy roads until the fault is repaired.

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.