Code
C1218
HYUNDAI
C — Chassis
Pulse Generator(PG)-B Sensor - No Signal
Views:
UK: 9
EN: 12
RU: 17
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted wiring between PG‑B sensor and controller
- Poor or corroded connector or pin (poor contact)
- Pulse Generator (PG‑B) sensor failure
- Missing or damaged tone ring/reluctor or foreign material blocking the sensor
- Faulty ground or reference voltage to the sensor
- Intermittent connector contact due to wiring chafe or movement
Symptoms
- Relevant warning lamp illuminated (ABS, ESC, traction or check engine depending on system)
- Stored DTC C1218 in the controller memory
- Loss or degradation of the affected system (ABS/traction/engine management behavior may be affected)
- Intermittent or no signal visible when monitoring sensor data
- Possible drivability issues if sensor is used for engine timing or transmission control
What to check
- Scan and record all stored codes and freeze frame data from all control modules
- Visually inspect PG‑B sensor, connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, contamination or loose pins
- Check for broken, pinched or shorted wiring along the harness to the controller
- With connectors disconnected, check sensor and harness pins for corrosion and proper mating
- Backprobe and measure reference voltage and ground at the sensor connector (if applicable)
- Measure sensor output with a multimeter and/or oscilloscope while cranking/rotating the reference component
Signal parameters
- Hall-effect sensor: 3-wire — 5V reference, ground, square-wave output ~0–5 V; frequency proportional to speed/rpm
- Inductive (magnetic) sensor: passive — generates AC voltage; low speed may produce 0.1–1.0 VAC up to several volts at higher speeds; frequency increases with speed
- Typical sensor resistance varies by design — consult vehicle service manual for exact ohms; inductive sensors often measure from tens to several thousand ohms
- Expected waveform: clean, regular pulses matching rotation of tone ring or target; no pulses = open circuit or missing target
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect OEM-compatible scan tool and read all related codes; note freeze frame and related module codes
- Visually inspect sensor, connector, tone ring/target and wiring; repair obvious damage
- Clear the code and perform a key-on/engine-off and then a short test drive while monitoring live PG‑B sensor data; confirm absence/presence of pulses
- Backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (if Hall type), ground continuity, and sensor output while rotating the target (or cranking engine)
- If Hall sensor: verify ~5 V reference and good ground; if missing reference, trace wiring to controller and repair
- Measure sensor resistance (with connector disconnected) and compare to factory spec; if out of range or open, replace sensor
- Use an oscilloscope to observe waveform while rotating the target; look for missing pulses, noisy or clipped signals
- Inspect and repair any damaged wiring, pins, or connectors; clean corroded contacts and secure connections
- Inspect tone ring/reluctor for missing teeth, heavy rust or contamination; repair or replace as needed
- After repairs, clear codes, re-test to confirm correct waveform and no recurrence of C1218; if present and wiring/sensor are good, consider controller diagnosis or replacement
Likely causes
- Damaged or disconnected sensor connector
- Failed PG‑B sensor
- Broken or shorted wiring harness between sensor and controller
Fault status
Status
PG‑B sensor signal not detected. Controller logged C1218 indicating no valid pulse from the Pulse Generator (PG)‑B sensor circuit.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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