C0035 Left front wheel speed sensor circuit fault (GM)

C0035 left front wheel speed sensor circuit

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources describe the fault and the lamps but do not say how safe it is to drive; ABS and stability systems are safety-critical, so have it checked.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C0035 in short

On GM vehicles C0035 is a left front wheel speed sensor circuit fault stored by the brake control module. It turns on the ABS, traction control or Stabilitrak lamps. Damaged sensor wiring is one documented cause. Normal braking usually still works, but anti-lock may be off, so have it checked.

The brake control module reads a signal from a speed sensor at each wheel. C0035 means the left front sensor circuit is not giving a valid signal, so the module cannot use it for anti-lock, traction or stability control.

GM bulletins list C0035 with C0040 (right front) and other wheel sensor codes behind an ABS or Stabilitrak light. One shop case traced C0035 on a Pontiac Grand Prix to wiring damaged by an earlier repair, giving an open circuit.

Brakes are safety-critical, so this page gives no do-it-yourself steps.

Most likely causes

  1. Left front wheel speed sensor wiring or connector fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    A documented case set C0035 through damaged sensor wiring near the suspension, and GM bulletins tie the code to front wheel speed sensor circuits.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor signal drops out when the wheel turns or the harness is moved. Falls if the sensor and wiring test normal.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  2. Left front wheel speed sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin PIC-4860A names C0035 as the left front wheel speed sensor circuit, and a 2016 Envision bulletin replaces the wheel speed sensor for intermittent C0035.
    What would change this
    Rises if sensor readings are missing or erratic on a scan tool. Falls if they are steady.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  3. ABS/brake control module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletins that list C0035 with many other ABS codes (including a module reprogram on 2008 G6) show module-side causes are possible once wiring and sensor are cleared.
    What would change this
    Rises if several wheel circuits fail at once. Falls if only the left front signal is bad.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Ask a shop to read the ABS codes, check the left front wheel speed sensor signal and its wiring, and look for a GM bulletin for your VIN.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Brake faults are safety-critical; leave diagnosis and repair to a qualified shop.

Symptoms

  • ABS light on
  • Traction control or Service Stabilitrak message
  • Red brake lamp on or brake pedal feels wrong Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2004–2006 · Colorado

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 3460D lists C0035 among the EBCM codes behind an ABS light. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 3460DStatus unverified

    ABS light with EBCM codes C0040, C0035, C0221 and/or C0220

    2004–2006colorado · NHTSA 10016563

    Lists C0035 among the EBCM codes behind an ABS light.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 050525002Status unverified

    ABS diagnostic information for C0035, C0040, C0050, C0055 and/or P0609

    2003–2005express · NHTSA 10017322

    Diagnostic information for these ABS codes.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • 2008 · DTS

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIC-4860A names C0035 as the left front wheel speed sensor circuit and ties it to ABS, traction and Service Stabilitrak messages. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIC-4860AStatus unverified

    ABS and traction control lamps, C0035 or C0040

    2008dts · NHTSA 10030166

    Names C0035 as the left front wheel speed sensor circuit.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Buick

  • 2016 · Envision

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM 16-NA-248 replaces the wheel speed sensor for intermittent Stabilitrak, traction and AWD disabled messages with C0035 and other codes. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 16-NA-248Status unverified

    Stabilitrak, Traction and AWD disabled messages with C0035, C0040 and others

    2016envision · NHTSA 10116543

    Replace the wheel speed sensor for intermittent Stabilitrak, traction and AWD disabled messages.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • C0040Right front wheel speed sensor circuit (GM) or brake lamp switch (Honda)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins list C0035 (left front) with C0040 (right front) behind an ABS light.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C0035 questions

Is it safe to drive with C0035?

Normal braking usually still works, but anti-lock and stability control may be off. Stop and get help if the red brake lamp comes on or the pedal feels wrong.

What does C0035 mean?

On GM vehicles it is the left front wheel speed sensor circuit. A sensor or wiring fault is the usual cause.

Sources and review

  1. GM 3460D: ABS light on with EBCM codes C0040, C0035, C0221 and/or C0220 — General Motors via NHTSA
  2. Tech Tips (by ALLDATA): Poor repair on Grand Prix causes DTC C0035 — Auto Inc. (Automotive Service Association)
  3. GM PIC-4860A: ABS and traction control lamps, Service Stabilitrak, C0035 left front wheel speed sensor circuit or C0040 right front — General Motors via NHTSA
  4. GM 05-05-25-002: ABS diagnostic information for C0035, C0040, C0050, C0055 and/or P0609 — General Motors via NHTSA
  5. GM 3608: ABS light, DTC C0035 and/or C0040 — General Motors via NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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