Code
C0474
Generic
C — Chassis
ABS Rear Right Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or failed rear-right wheel speed sensor
- Open, shorted or corroded wiring/connector in sensor circuit
- Damaged or missing tone ring (reluctor) or damaged wheel bearing
- Poor sensor air gap or misalignment
- Faulty ABS control module or internal connector problem
- Blown fuse or poor power/ground to ABS sensor circuit
Symptoms
- ABS warning lamp illuminated
- Traction control / stability control warning light may also be on
- ABS not available during braking (reduced braking performance under ABS conditions)
- Intermittent or constant loss of traction control intervention
- Possible speedometer/odometer oddities on some vehicles
- Noise from wheel bearing or rough wheel rotation if mechanical damage present
What to check
- Read ABS codes and freeze frame data with a capable scan tool; record live wheel speed sensor data
- Visual inspection of rear-right sensor, connector, wiring harness and tone ring for damage, contamination or missing teeth
- Check for corrosion or water in the sensor connector and proper mating
- Wiggle test wiring while watching live data for intermittent value changes
- Measure sensor resistance (if applicable) and compare to manufacturer spec
- Check for proper reference voltage and ground at sensor connector (Hall-type sensors)
Signal parameters
- Passive variable reluctance (VR) sensor: AC voltage waveform; amplitude increases with wheel speed. Expect a sine-like AC signal; low-speed amplitude may be small (hundreds of millivolts), rising to volts at higher speeds.
- Active/Hall-effect sensor: digital square wave or pulse with reference voltage (typically 5V or vehicle logic voltage); output switches between ~0V and reference when wheel rotates.
- Typical VR sensor resistance: manufacturer-specific (example ranges often ~500–2000 ohms). Measure per service manual.
- Pulse frequency proportional to wheel speed. Waveform should be steady and clean without dropouts or noise spikes.
- Open circuit = infinite resistance; short-to-ground or short-to-Vref will show abnormal voltage readings at connector.
Diagnostic algorithm
- Confirm code and note freeze-frame / conditions (speed, temp). Clear codes and attempt to reproduce.
- Perform visual inspection of sensor, connector, harness route and tone ring for damage, contamination, missing teeth or debris.
- Disconnect sensor connector and inspect pins for corrosion, bent pins or moisture. Clean and re-connect or replace connector as required.
- Check for reference power and ground at the sensor connector (Hall-type). With key on, measure supply voltage and ground; compare to spec.
- Measure sensor resistance (if specified) across the sensor terminals. An open or shorted reading indicates a bad sensor.
- Spin the wheel and measure AC voltage at the sensor connector for VR sensors, or monitor output pulse for Hall sensors. Use oscilloscope for best results; look for a stable amplitude and consistent frequency.
- Perform a wiggle test on harness and connectors while monitoring live data or oscilloscope for intermittent faults.
- Inspect and verify tone ring condition and wheel bearing. Replace tone ring or hub assembly if reluctor is damaged or contaminated.
- If wiring and sensor test good, inspect ABS module connector/pins and harness continuity back to module. Repair any short/open to module.
- After repair or replacement, clear codes, perform a road test to verify correct wheel speed signals and ensure code does not return.
Likely causes
- Corroded connector at rear-right sensor (water intrusion)
- Broken insulation or chafed wiring on harness near suspension or wheel
- Failed wheel speed sensor from impact or contamination
- Damaged reluctor ring (missing teeth) or heavy rust buildup
- Loose or missing sensor mounting fastener causing incorrect gap
Fault status
Status
ABS control module detected a malfunction in the rear-right wheel speed sensor circuit (open, short, intermittent or invalid signal).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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