What it means
Rear drive shaft speed sensor reading implausible. 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 control module for systems such as ABS and traction control. This code sets when the rear shaft speed reading is outside the range or behavior the module considers plausible, even if the circuit is not simply low or high.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Sensor reading drifted
- Sensor element aged beyond calibration window
- Sensor mounting loose - signal damping
Symptoms
- ABS or traction-control warning light on
- ABS or traction control may be disabled
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame data and compare rear drive shaft speed live data with vehicle speed and other available wheel-speed readings for implausible differences.
- Inspect the rear sensor mounting for looseness or damage, since movement can weaken or distort its reading.
- Check the sensor and target area for contamination or damage that could make the rear shaft signal inconsistent.
- Inspect the rear sensor wiring and connector for chafing, corrosion, or poor contact that could distort the signal.
- If mounting and wiring are sound, test the rear drive shaft speed sensor and target using the manufacturer's procedure.
Common fixes
- Secure a loose rear drive shaft speed sensor mounting.
- Clean contamination from the sensor or target area where appropriate.
- Repair damaged wiring or corroded connector terminals.
- Replace a rear speed sensor that drifts or fails the manufacturer's test.
- Repair a damaged target that produces an implausible rear shaft reading.
Can I keep driving?
ABS or traction control may be disabled or respond incorrectly, so drive cautiously and avoid slippery roads. The fault can compromise stability assistance even if the vehicle otherwise feels normal.
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.