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DTC codes / C05xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0517

C0517Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Correlation

C0517 means the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module has detected a correlation problem with the right rear wheel speed sensor 'A' signal, comparing it against other wheel speed inputs and finding the right rear speed does not match expected values. The computer sets this code when the right rear wheel speed signal is implausible or inconsistent with the other three wheel sensors during driving.

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
  • ABS may deactivate, leaving conventional braking only
  • Speedometer may read erratically or drop out if the signal is used for vehicle speed
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light
  • Brake pedal may feel normal but ABS will not engage during hard stops

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Damaged or corroded right rear wheel speed sensor wiring or connector
  2. Debris, metal shavings, or rust buildup on the sensor tip or tone ring
  3. Failed right rear wheel speed sensor
  4. Damaged or cracked tone ring (reluctor ring) on the right rear hub or axle
  5. Excessive wheel bearing play or hub runout causing an erratic signal
  6. Corrosion or damage inside the ABS module connector or internal module fault
  7. Aftermarket or mismatched tire sizes causing wheel speed mismatch

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the right rear wheel speed sensor, connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
  2. Clean the sensor tip and tone ring of metal debris and check the tone ring for cracks or missing teeth
  3. Check tire pressures and sizes on all four wheels to rule out rolling circumference mismatch
  4. Use a scan tool to view live wheel speed data and compare the right rear sensor to the other three while driving
  5. Perform a resistance and AC voltage output test on the right rear sensor while spinning the wheel
  6. Check for excessive wheel bearing play or hub runout at the right rear wheel
  7. If the sensor and wiring test good, inspect the ABS module connector and consider module diagnosis or replacement

Why the right rear sensor often tests good

  • A corroded tone ring or metal debris on the sensor tip frequently causes this code even when the sensor itself passes a resistance test, so visual inspection of the ring is essential.
  • Mismatched tire sizes or severely uneven tire wear can create a wheel speed difference that the ABS module interprets as a correlation fault, especially on vehicles with indirect tire pressure monitoring.
  • A failing right rear wheel bearing can produce an erratic signal that sets C0517 without any obvious bearing noise, so hub runout should be checked before replacing the sensor.
  • The code can be set by a poor connection inside the ABS module connector rather than the sensor circuit, so wiggle-testing the harness while watching live data can reveal an intermittent fault.
  • C0517 does not always mean the sensor is dead; it means the module cannot trust the right rear signal compared to the others, so a sensor that reads plausible on a static test may still be the culprit under driving load.

Can I keep driving with C0517?

The vehicle remains safe to drive with normal braking, but ABS and stability control are disabled, so avoid hard braking or slippery conditions until the fault is repaired. Do not ignore the warning light because the ABS will not assist in an emergency stop.

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.

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