Code
C0250
Generic
C — Chassis
ABS wheel speed sensor 'A' circuit malfunction
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
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
- Connect a scan tool, record the exact C0250 occurrence(s), and note which wheel is identified as sensor 'A' per vehicle manufacturer documentation.
- Visually inspect the sensor, connector, wiring, and tone ring at that wheel. Repair obvious damage and remove debris.
- Unplug the sensor connector and check for corrosion, bent pins, or pushed-out terminals. Clean and secure connector.
- Measure sensor resistance (with ignition off). Compare to vehicle spec; open or shorted reading indicates a bad sensor.
- With ignition on, check sensor reference voltage and ground (active sensors). Verify correct supply present.
- 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).
- Perform a wiggle/handling test on the harness while watching live data for intermittent signal dropouts.
- Check continuity from sensor connector to ABS module connector for opens/shorts; repair any wiring faults found.
- If available, swap the suspect sensor with a known-good sensor from another wheel and retest to isolate sensor vs. wiring/module.
- After repairs or sensor replacement, clear codes and road-test while monitoring wheel speed channels to confirm normal operation.
- 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
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