Code
C0440
Generic
C — Chassis
Wheel Speed Sensor Input Circuit Fault
Views:
UK: 10
EN: 10
RU: 8
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or contaminated wheel speed (ABS) sensor
- Broken or corroded wiring, pins, or connectors in the sensor harness
- Reluctor (tone) ring damaged, missing teeth, or excessive air gap
- Wheel bearing failure causing sensor misalignment or noise
- Short to power or short to ground in sensor circuit
- Poor ground or reference voltage at ABS/traction control module
Symptoms
- ABS warning lamp illuminated
- Traction control / ESC light on and functions disabled or limited
- ABS may engage unexpectedly at low speeds or not engage under heavy braking
- Speedometer or odometer erratic or inoperative (on some vehicles)
- Cruise control disabled
- Diagnostic trouble code(s) stored for wheel speed sensor circuit
What to check
- Scan for stored codes and freeze frame data; confirm C0440 and note which wheel/sensor is affected if available
- Visual inspection of suspect sensor, connector, and harness for damage, corrosion, or contamination
- Check connector pins for bent/flattened contacts, corrosion, or water ingress
- Wiggle test: with ignition on, gently move harness and connector while observing live sensor data for intermittency
- Measure sensor supply/reference voltage and ground at the connector (back-probe) with key on
- Measure sensor output signal while spinning the wheel (multimeter for AC sensors or oscilloscope for best results)
Signal parameters
- Passive (magnetic) sensor: coil DC resistance commonly ~500–2000 ohms (varies by vehicle) — consult vehicle spec
- Passive sensor output: AC voltage amplitude increases with wheel speed (may be a few hundred millivolts at low speeds to several volts at higher speed)
- Active (hall/electronic) sensor: reference supply typically 5 V (sometimes 12 V) — supply should be stable within ±0.5 V of spec
- Active sensor output: digital/pulse waveform typically 0–5 V (or 0.5–4.5 V) square wave referenced to ground
- Frequency and amplitude are proportional to wheel speed; use an oscilloscope to verify clean, consistent waveform without dropouts or excessive noise
- Consult the vehicle’s service manual for exact resistance, supply voltage, and waveform specifications for the specific sensor type
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all ABS/traction codes and freeze frame using a capable scan tool; record affected wheel position if reported.
- Perform a thorough visual inspection of the suspected wheel sensor, connector, and wiring for mechanical damage, corrosion, or contamination.
- With ignition ON (engine OFF), back-probe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (if active sensor), ground continuity, and check for intermittent signal while wiggling harness.
- Measure sensor resistance (passive sensor) and compare to specification. Replace sensor if out of range.
- Spin the wheel and monitor sensor output: use a multimeter (AC mode) for passive sensors or an oscilloscope for precise waveform analysis. Look for clean pulses and amplitude/frequency consistent with wheel speed.
- Check continuity between sensor connector and ABS module pin to rule out harness opens or shorts; inspect and test ground circuits and grounds at the module.
- Inspect the reluctor/tone wheel for missing/bent teeth, excessive runout, or large sensor-to-ring air gap; repair or replace as necessary.
- If wiring and sensor check OK, test/inspect ABS module connectors and grounds. If module driver is suspected (no infection to good sensor), consider module bench testing or replacement per manufacturer guidance.
- If diagnosis is intermittent, use extended live-data logging or road test with scan tool to capture failure conditions. Avoid replacing the ABS module until sensor/harness and connectors are proven good.
- After repair, clear codes and perform a test drive to confirm the fault does not return.
Likely causes
- Connector corrosion or loose pin at wheel sensor
- Damaged sensor harness (chafed, pinched, broken wires) near suspension/steering knuckle
- Contaminated or damaged sensor face or reluctor ring (missing/bent teeth)
- Faulty wheel speed sensor (common on vehicles with high mileage)
Fault status
Status
Wheel Speed Sensor Input Circuit Fault — the ABS/traction control module is detecting an invalid or missing signal from a wheel speed sensor circuit (open, short, intermittent, or implausible waveform). This prevents the system from reliably determining wheel speed for ABS/traction control functions.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours
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