What it means
Rear drive shaft speed sensor signal voltage below expected range. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.
At a glance
- Usually lights the ABS or stability-control warning light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
The rear drive shaft speed sensor reports shaft rotation to the vehicle's control module for systems such as ABS and traction control. This code sets when the sensor signal circuit voltage is below the expected range, commonly because the signal wire is grounded or its connection has excessive resistance.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Harness chafing through insulation
Symptoms
- ABS or traction-control warning light on
- ABS or traction control may be disabled
How to diagnose it
- Read freeze-frame data and watch rear drive shaft speed live data to confirm when the signal drops low and whether ABS or traction-control faults appear with it.
- Inspect the rear drive shaft sensor connector and harness for water ingress, corrosion, chafing, or pushed-back pins.
- With the fault active, gently wiggle the rear sensor harness and connector while monitoring the signal to look for a voltage or reading change.
- Check the signal wire for a short to ground and inspect connector contact quality using the manufacturer's wiring information.
- If wiring and connections are sound, test the rear drive shaft speed sensor and its target according to the manufacturer's procedure.
Common fixes
- Reconnect and secure a loose rear drive shaft sensor connector.
- Clean corroded terminals and restore a sound connector seal.
- Repair the signal wire where its insulation is chafed or shorted to ground.
- Replace a failed rear drive shaft speed sensor after confirming the circuit is intact.
Can I keep driving?
Drive cautiously and leave extra stopping distance because ABS or traction control may be disabled. Avoid high-speed or slippery-road driving until the rear shaft speed signal is restored.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.