Code
C1103
MERCEDES-BENZ
C — Chassis
Right Rear Axle VSS Circuit Fault
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UK: 13
EN: 16
RU: 18
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Damaged or corroded sensor connector or wiring harness (open, short to ground or +12V)
- Failed right rear wheel speed sensor (hall or variable-reluctance type)
- Contaminated, damaged, or missing reluctor/tone ring on the right rear hub/axle
- Faulty ABS/ESP control module or poor ground at module
- Intermittent fault due to water ingress, corrosion, or pinched wiring
- Aftermarket wheels, repair work, or suspension components interfering with sensor signal
Symptoms
- ABS, ESP, or traction control warning lamp illuminated
- Possible reduced braking stability under heavy braking or slippery conditions
- Traction control or hill-start assist functions may be disabled
- Cruise control may behave erratically or be disabled
- Noisy wheel bearing or unusual vibration if tone ring damaged
What to check
- Read stored codes and freeze frame data with a capable scan tool (ABS/ESP module)
- Visual inspection of right rear wheel area: sensor, tone ring, and wiring
- Check for water, corrosion, or damage at the sensor connector and ABS module connector
- Measure sensor supply and signal with multimeter or oscilloscope while spinning the wheel
- Compare right rear sensor readings to other wheel sensor readings on scan tool
- Perform a wiggle test on harness while monitoring live data for intermittent changes
Signal parameters
- Hall-type sensor: 5 V reference (or switched 12 V on some designs) and digital square wave output 0–5 V (or 0–12 V) when wheel spins
- Variable-reluctance (VR) sensor: AC sine/sinusoidal voltage; amplitude increases with speed (typical 0.1–4.0 Vrms depending on speed)
- Typical DC resistance (VR sensors) commonly in the ~500–3000 ohm range — check OEM spec
- Pulse frequency depends on tone-ring tooth count; expect consistent pulses per wheel rotation measured with scope or frequency meter
- Open circuit: infinite resistance between sensor pins; short to ground or supply will show near 0 ohms or clamped voltage
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve and record all ABS/ESP and related codes; note freeze frame/live data.
- Visually inspect right rear sensor, connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, pinching, or rubbing. Check tone ring for cracks, missing teeth, heavy rust, or debris.
- With ignition ON, back-probe the sensor connector and verify reference supply (if hall type) and ground continuity to module ground. Use manufacturer's pinout.
- Measure DC resistance of sensor with connector disconnected. Compare to OEM spec. Infinite/very high = open; very low = internal short.
- If sensor is VR type, spin the wheel (jack vehicle safely; use wheel chocks and jack stands) and measure AC voltage across sensor terminals with multimeter or preferably scope. Verify amplitude and waveform.
- If sensor is hall type, with scope or voltmeter observe digital square wave while spinning wheel. Check for stable 0–V/5-V transitions and no excessive noise.
- Perform a wiggle test on the wiring from sensor to chassis harness while observing live wheel speed data on scan tool for intermittent faults.
- Check continuity and resistance of harness from sensor connector to ABS module connector; inspect for shorts to ground or power.
- If wiring and connectors are good but signal is abnormal, replace the right rear wheel speed sensor; clean or replace tone ring if damaged.
- After repair, clear codes and test drive to confirm the fault does not return and live sensor data is stable and matches other wheels.
Likely causes
- Connector/corrosion/wiring damage at the right rear sensor (most common)
- Failed wheel speed sensor (next most likely)
- Reluctor/tone ring damage or heavy contamination
- Intermittent open/short in harness near wheel or in boot/suspension articulation area
Fault status
Status
Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor (VSS) circuit fault — open/short/intermittent or implausible signal detected by ABS/ESP module.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5–2.5 hours
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