Home / DTC / C0250 — ABS wheel speed sensor 'A' circuit malfunction

C0250 — ABS wheel speed sensor 'A' circuit malfunction

Detailed page for trouble code C0250.

34,405codes
59brands
11,914generic
22,491specific
Reset
Code

C0250

Generic C — Chassis

ABS wheel speed sensor 'A' circuit malfunction

Brand: Generic
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Failed wheel speed sensor (open or shorted)
  • Damaged or corroded sensor connector or terminals
  • Broken, missing or heavily corroded tone ring (reluctor)
  • Wiring harness damage (open, short to ground/voltage, or high resistance)
  • Poor ground or power supply to the sensor
  • ABS control module driver fault or internal module failure

Symptoms

  • ABS warning lamp illuminated
  • Traction control/stability light may also be on
  • ABS or traction control may not function
  • Intermittent or constant ABS activation under normal braking
  • Possible incorrect wheel speed reading in scan tool live data
  • Occasional speedometer or cruise control anomalies (vehicle-specific)

What to check

  • Read stored DTC(s) with a scan tool and record freeze-frame/live-data for wheel speed channels
  • Visually inspect the suspect sensor, wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, or contamination
  • Check for loose or damaged tone ring/reluctor and any missing/metallic debris
  • Perform continuity and resistance checks of the sensor wiring to the ABS module
  • Measure sensor supply/reference voltage and ground at the connector (for active sensors)
  • Probe sensor output while spinning the wheel (oscilloscope or multimeter AC for passive sensors; scope preferred)

Signal parameters

  • Passive (variable reluctance) sensors: AC sine output when wheel spins, typically millivolt to 0.1–1.5 V AC depending on speed; resistance commonly ~800–2000 Ω (varies by vehicle)
  • Active (Hall/electronic) sensors: require reference 5 V (or vehicle-specific supply) and produce a digital/square 0–5 V or 0.2–4.8 V pulse; sensor supply current typically
  • Frequency proportional to wheel speed (0–~2000 Hz depending on wheel speed and tooth count)
  • Open-circuit: infinite resistance; short to ground/power: near 0 Ω or stuck voltage on output

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Connect a scan tool, record the exact C0250 occurrence(s), and note which wheel is identified as sensor 'A' per vehicle manufacturer documentation.
  2. Visually inspect the sensor, connector, wiring, and tone ring at that wheel. Repair obvious damage and remove debris.
  3. Unplug the sensor connector and check for corrosion, bent pins, or pushed-out terminals. Clean and secure connector.
  4. Measure sensor resistance (with ignition off). Compare to vehicle spec; open or shorted reading indicates a bad sensor.
  5. With ignition on, check sensor reference voltage and ground (active sensors). Verify correct supply present.
  6. Spin the wheel by hand (or lift vehicle safely and spin wheel) and measure output: AC voltage for passive sensors or digital pulses for active sensors using an oscilloscope or multimeter (if capable).
  7. Perform a wiggle/handling test on the harness while watching live data for intermittent signal dropouts.
  8. Check continuity from sensor connector to ABS module connector for opens/shorts; repair any wiring faults found.
  9. If available, swap the suspect sensor with a known-good sensor from another wheel and retest to isolate sensor vs. wiring/module.
  10. After repairs or sensor replacement, clear codes and road-test while monitoring wheel speed channels to confirm normal operation.
  11. If wiring and sensor test good but fault persists, follow manufacturer procedures for ABS module driver testing or replacement.

Likely causes

  • Sensor head damaged by debris or impact
  • Connector corrosion or water ingress
  • Wire chafed at suspension/steering pivot or inside harness
  • Tone ring cracked, loose, or filled with debris
  • Short to battery or open circuit in sensor feed/return
  • ABS module driver failure (less common)

Fault status

⚠️ Status
ABS control module detected wheel speed sensor 'A' circuit malfunction; fault stored and ABS/traction systems may be disabled or limited.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

Similar codes

7,894

The library contains 7,894 repair and diagnostic manuals. Choose a brand to open the full manual tree by year, model and trim.

Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Send to email