Home / DTC / C0474 — ABS Rear Right Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

C0474 — ABS Rear Right Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Detailed page for trouble code C0474.

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Code

C0474

Generic C — Chassis

ABS Rear Right Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction

Brand: Generic
AI status
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Page language: EN

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

  1. Confirm code and note freeze-frame / conditions (speed, temp). Clear codes and attempt to reproduce.
  2. Perform visual inspection of sensor, connector, harness route and tone ring for damage, contamination, missing teeth or debris.
  3. Disconnect sensor connector and inspect pins for corrosion, bent pins or moisture. Clean and re-connect or replace connector as required.
  4. Check for reference power and ground at the sensor connector (Hall-type). With key on, measure supply voltage and ground; compare to spec.
  5. Measure sensor resistance (if specified) across the sensor terminals. An open or shorted reading indicates a bad sensor.
  6. 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.
  7. Perform a wiggle test on harness and connectors while monitoring live data or oscilloscope for intermittent faults.
  8. Inspect and verify tone ring condition and wheel bearing. Replace tone ring or hub assembly if reluctor is damaged or contaminated.
  9. If wiring and sensor test good, inspect ABS module connector/pins and harness continuity back to module. Repair any short/open to module.
  10. 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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