Home / DTC / C0316 — ABS Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Fault

C0316 — ABS Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Fault

Detailed page for trouble code C0316.

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Code

C0316

Generic C — Chassis

ABS Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Fault

Brand: Generic
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Failed or damaged right rear wheel speed sensor
  • Open or shorted wiring between the sensor and ABS module
  • Corroded or loose connector at sensor or module
  • Damaged or missing tone ring (reluctor) on hub/axle
  • Wheel bearing damage causing sensor misalignment
  • Poor ground or supply voltage to sensor

Symptoms

  • ABS warning lamp illuminated
  • Traction control/stability control warning or disabled
  • ABS may not activate correctly during braking
  • Possible pulsation or inconsistent ABS operation
  • One-wheel speed reading is missing or erratic on scan tool
  • Related fault codes logged for wheel speed or ABS

What to check

  • Connect a scan tool; confirm C0316 and view live wheel speed data for right rear wheel
  • Inspect sensor, connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
  • Check connector mating surfaces for contamination and proper seating
  • Measure sensor resistance with multimeter (sensor disconnected)
  • Backprobe connector and check sensor supply/reference and signal while spinning wheel
  • Spin wheel by hand (or lift vehicle) and observe waveform or AC voltage with oscilloscope/multimeter

Signal parameters

  • Passive (VR) sensor: DC resistance typically ~500–2000 ohms (varies by vehicle); generates AC voltage that increases with wheel speed (tens to hundreds of millivolts at low speed, up to volts at higher speeds)
  • Active (Hall/lin) sensor: supply/reference commonly 5 V (or switched 12 V on some systems), signal is a square/pulse (0–5 V) or frequency/voltage proportional to speed
  • Frequency increases with wheel speed; typical idle/low-speed frequencies are low Hz and rise into hundreds of Hz at road speeds
  • Expected: stable, noise-free waveform without dropouts; amplitude/frequency similar to opposite wheel at same speed

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Retrieve freeze frame and live data with scan tool. Confirm C0316 and whether fault is active or historic. Clear codes and reproduce if possible.
  2. Visual inspection: check sensor, wiring, and connector at right rear for damage, corrosion, pin push-out, or water intrusion. Repair or clean as needed.
  3. Measure sensor resistance (engine off, connector disconnected). Compare to specification or to opposite wheel sensor. Replace sensor if open or out-of-range.
  4. With sensor connected, backprobe supply and ground terminals to verify proper reference voltage/power (typically 5 V or switched supply) and good ground.
  5. With wheel elevated and wheel turned by hand (or driven at low speed), observe signal using an oscilloscope or multimeter (AC voltage for VR, pulse voltage/frequency for active sensors). Compare waveform to opposite wheel.
  6. Wiggle wiring and connectors while watching live data/waveform to find intermittent faults.
  7. Inspect tone ring/reluctor for missing teeth, corrosion, or debris; verify correct air gap between sensor and tone ring. Repair or replace damaged components.
  8. Check wheel bearing/hub for excessive play or axial movement that could affect the sensor gap; repair as needed.
  9. If wiring is open/shorting, perform continuity checks to ABS module connector and repair/replace wiring harness as required.
  10. If sensor and wiring test good but fault persists, test/verify ABS module input circuits or consult manufacturer procedures for module bench tests or replacement.
  11. After repairs, clear codes and perform road test with scan tool to verify correct and stable wheel speed signal and that C0316 does not return. Complete any required ABS relearn or calibration procedures.

Likely causes

  • Damaged/contaminated sensor or connector (most common)
  • Broken or shorted sensor wiring near wheel
  • Dirty/damaged tone ring or magnetic debris
  • Sensor misalignment from bearing/hub wear

Fault status

⚠️ Status
ABS Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Fault — the right rear wheel speed input is missing, intermittent, or out of expected signal range (open/short/intermittent).
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5 - 3.0 hours

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