Code
C0160
Generic
C — Chassis
Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Fault
Views:
UK: 2
EN: 2
RU: 2
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open, shorted or corroded wiring or connector to right rear wheel speed sensor
- Failed wheel speed sensor (passive VR or active hall/GM/5V type)
- Damaged, missing or contaminated tone ring/reluctor on the hub/axle
- Excessive air gap between sensor and tone ring due to bearing wear or misalignment
- Intermittent connector contact from corrosion or physical damage
- Faulty ABS/ESC control module or poor ground at module (less common)
Symptoms
- ABS warning lamp illuminated (may be accompanied by traction control lamp)
- ABS/ESC and traction control systems may be disabled or behave unpredictably
- Inconsistent or zero speed readout for the right rear wheel in live data
- ABS activation at low speeds or unwanted braking/harsh ABS events
- Possible noise from hub area or wheel bearing play
What to check
- Read ABS/ESC codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool; note live wheel speed values
- Visually inspect right rear wheel sensor, connector, wiring harness and tone ring
- Check for corrosion, bent pins, water intrusion, or damaged insulation in connector
- Wiggle test wiring while watching live data for intermittent changes
- Measure sensor resistance and compare to specification, and check continuity to ABS module
- Spin the wheel and measure AC voltage (VR sensor) or digital pulse (active sensor) or use an oscilloscope
Signal parameters
- Passive (VR) sensor: DC resistance typically ~500–2000 Ω (varies by manufacturer) — open or very high = faulty
- Passive sensor AC output: low-speed ~0.1–0.5 Vrms rising with speed; high speed several volts AC depending on tooth count
- Active (Hall/2-wire/3-wire) sensor: 5 V reference (where applicable) and square-wave output ~0–5 V or 0.5–4.5 V when wheel turns
- Pulse frequency increases with wheel speed; frequency depends on tone ring tooth count (example: ~50–500+ Hz range)
- Quiescent (stationary): VR output ~0 Vrms; active sensor may show reference voltage on supply terminal
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a capable scan tool and confirm C0160, note freeze frame and live right rear wheel speed reading relative to other wheels.
- Visually inspect the right rear hub area: sensor position, tone ring condition, debris, and connector integrity. Repair obvious damage.
- With ignition on (engine off), disconnect sensor connector and inspect terminals for corrosion, bent pins, water or grease. Reconnect securely.
- Measure sensor resistance (if passive type) across the sensor terminals and compare to service spec. Replace if open or out of range.
- For passive sensors: spin wheel and measure AC voltage with a multimeter (AC) or use an oscilloscope to verify sine wave amplitude increases with speed.
- For active sensors: verify reference voltage (typically 5 V) at the connector, check output waveform while spinning wheel; look for square pulses.
- Check wiring continuity and for shorts to ground or Vb between the right rear sensor connector and ABS module connector. Repair damaged wiring.
- Perform a wiggle/stress test of the harness while monitoring live data to find intermittent faults.
- Inspect wheel bearing for excessive play and correct gap between sensor and tone ring; replace bearing or reposition sensor if necessary.
- If wiring and sensor check good, verify ABS module grounds and power. If module outputs and inputs are suspect, consider module bench test or replacement per manufacturer guidance.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a test drive while monitoring live wheel speed values to confirm proper operation and no reoccurrence.
Likely causes
- Corroded or disconnected connector at the right rear hub
- Sensor resistance out of specification (open or shorted sensor)
- Broken or heavily corroded tone ring teeth or magnet debris on ring
- Wire chafed through or shorted to ground/vehicle body from suspension movement
- Wheel bearing play altering sensor gap or damaging sensor
Fault status
Status
The ABS/traction control module detected an abnormal or missing signal from the right rear wheel speed sensor circuit. The code indicates the module flagged the right rear sensor input as open, shorted, intermittent, or implausible. Safety systems relying on wheel speed may be limited until the fault is corrected.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5 - 2.5 hours
Similar codes
Workshop Manuals
Available brands with manuals
2
AUDI 11
6-speed manual gearbox 0B1, front-wheel drive — Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 (1997) – 1.6L 4-cylinder (2‑valve) Engine Mechanical Components Service Manual (AEH, AKL, APF) – Edition 07.2002
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
AUDI A3 (2004) Workshop Manual — 2.0L FSI Turbo (4‑cyl, 4‑valve) Engine, Mechanics — Edition 03.2017
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 2004 — Electrical System (Workshop Manual, Edition 02.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet – 4.2 l V8 (5‑valve, timing chains) – Workshop Manual (Mechanics) – Edition 04.2007
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2004)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet (1.8T 4‑cyl turbo) — Motronic Injection & Ignition System Service Manual (Edition 01.2015)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A8 (2003) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q4 e-tron (Type F4) - Self-study Programme SSP 685
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2019)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Servicing Manual — 7‑Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 0CJ / 0CL / 0CK / 0DN / 0DP / 0HL (Edition 05.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
LAND ROVER 3
Land Rover Defender 300Tdi — Workshop Manual (1996 model year)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Defender Workshop Manual Supplement & Body Repair Manual (1999 & 2002 MY)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Range Rover — Electrical Library (LRL 0453ENG, 2002)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email
