OBD-II fault code

C05F1: Rear Drive Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit High

What it means

Rear drive shaft speed sensor signal voltage above 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 sends shaft-speed information to the vehicle's control module, which uses it for functions such as ABS and traction control. This code sets when the sensor circuit voltage rises above the expected range, often because the signal is shorted to battery voltage.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Signal wire shorted to battery
  2. Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
  3. Supply wire pinched against B+ source

Symptoms

  • ABS or traction-control warning light on
  • ABS or traction control may be disabled

How to diagnose it

  1. Check freeze-frame data and rear drive shaft speed live data to see whether the signal is high continuously or only under particular operating conditions.
  2. Inspect the rear sensor connector and harness for damaged insulation, corrosion, water ingress, or a supply wire pinched against a B+ source.
  3. With the code active, gently wiggle the rear sensor harness while monitoring the signal for a change that points to an intermittent short.
  4. Use the manufacturer's wiring information to check whether the signal wire is shorted to battery voltage and inspect connector contacts.
  5. If the wiring is sound, test the rear drive shaft speed sensor and its target using the manufacturer's procedure.

Common fixes

  • Secure the connector and route the rear sensor harness away from battery-positive wiring.
  • Clean corroded terminals and repair a damaged connector seal.
  • Repair the signal wire where it is shorted to a power feed.
  • Replace the rear drive shaft speed sensor if it fails testing and the circuit is intact.

Can I keep driving?

ABS or traction control may be disabled, so allow more stopping distance and avoid slippery roads or aggressive driving. Have the high signal repaired promptly because these systems may not respond as intended.

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.

Codes for the same component

Nearby codes