C0050 Right rear wheel speed sensor circuit fault (GM)

Right rear wheel speed sensor circuit

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

The sources define the code but do not rate drive safety. ABS and stability control are safety systems, so treat the lights as a reason to get it checked.

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

C0050 in short

On GM vehicles, C0050 means the ABS module found a fault in the right rear wheel speed sensor circuit. ABS, traction and stability lights usually come on. GM bulletins point to connectors, wiring, debris on the encoder ring or module software. Have it checked before relying on ABS.

The ABS module reads each wheel speed sensor. C0050 is stored when the right rear sensor circuit shows an open, a short or a signal that is erratic, too weak or not plausible, which are the fault types in GM-group service text.

GM bulletins name several causes on different models: oil on the rear sensor, a wire pulling out of a connector crimp, damaged sensor harness, and debris on the magnetic encoder ring. One bulletin has the brake module reprogrammed.

C0050 often sets with C0045, the left rear code, so check both before replacing parts. A technician should find which circuit or part is at fault.

Pick your make

C0050 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Right rear wheel speed sensor, harness or connector

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin summaries name connector crimps, harness and the rear wheel speed sensor for these codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector or harness shows damage or the live signal drops out. Falls if the circuit tests good.

  2. Debris or oil on the magnetic encoder ring or sensor

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Two GM bulletins name oil on the sensor or debris on the encoder ring.
    What would change this
    Rises if contamination is found at the wheel. Falls if the ring and sensor are clean.

  3. Brake control module software

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    One GM bulletin has the brake module reprogrammed for this group of codes on a few models.
    What would change this
    Rises if the vehicle matches that bulletin and the wiring tests good. Falls if a wiring fault is found.
    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. Have all ABS codes read with a scan tool. Note whether C0045 sets with C0050.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with ABS access

    • IfC0050 alone

      It meansThe fault is most likely at the right rear wheel.

      Go to step 2

    • IfC0045 and C0050 together

      It meansA shared rear connector, harness or module fault is more likely.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a technician inspect the right rear sensor, harness, connectors and encoder ring, and check live wheel speed against the other wheels.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool and service information

    Warning:This is brake system work. Do not open brake lines or the ABS unit yourself, and keep the vehicle jacked and supported properly if a wheel has to come off. Leave sensor and module diagnosis to a qualified technician.

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light on
  • Traction control or StabiliTrak message with the ABS light

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.

Parts and cost context

  • Rear wheel speed sensor and harness:Often replaced after the circuit test. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 01885Status unverified

    GM 01885: ABS codes C0045 or C0050, oil at the rear wheel speed sensor

    2004malibu · NHTSA 10006487

    GM bulletin summary for ABS codes C0045 or C0050 caused by oil on the rear wheel speed sensor.

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

  • 050525002 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    GM 05-05-25-002: ABS diagnostic information for C0035, C0040, C0050, C0055

    2003–2005express · NHTSA 10017322

    GM bulletin summary giving ABS diagnostic information for these wheel speed codes.

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

  • 4403 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    GM 4403: ABS and/or traction off lights with C0045 and/or C0050

    2006–2007equinox · NHTSA 10021689

    GM bulletin summary for ABS and traction lights on with these codes.

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

  • PIT-4932 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    GM PIT-4932: ABS lights with C0045 and/or C0050

    2009traverse · NHTSA 10032456

    GM bulletin summary for ABS lights with these codes, or electrical or communication complaints.

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

  • PIT-4648-B (chevrolet)Status unverified

    GM PIT-4648-B: ABS or stability message with C0045 and/or C0050

    2008–2010express · NHTSA 10036515

    GM bulletin summary: a wire pulling out of the crimp at connector X413 or X414 may cause the code.

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

  • PIC5428G (chevrolet)Status unverified

    GM PIC5428G: ABS, traction and StabiliTrak lights with C0035-C0050 symptoms 18, 5A or 0F

    2009–2017equinox, impala, malibu, traverse, camaro, colorado, cruze, volt · NHTSA 10080901

    GM information bulletin summary: the technician finds the wheel by the code that set, and debris on the magnetic encoder ring must be cleaned.

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

GMC

  • 050525002 (gmc)Status unverified

    GM 05-05-25-002: ABS diagnostic information for C0035, C0040, C0050, C0055

    2003–2005savana · NHTSA 10017322

    GM bulletin summary giving ABS diagnostic information for these wheel speed codes.

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

  • PIT-4932 (gmc)Status unverified

    GM PIT-4932: ABS lights with C0045 and/or C0050

    2009acadia · NHTSA 10032456

    GM bulletin summary for ABS lights with these codes, or electrical or communication complaints.

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

  • PIT-4648-B (gmc)Status unverified

    GM PIT-4648-B: ABS or stability message with C0045 and/or C0050

    2008–2010savana · NHTSA 10036515

    GM bulletin summary: a wire pulling out of the crimp at connector X413 or X414 may cause the code.

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

  • PIC5428G (gmc)Status unverified

    GM PIC5428G: ABS, traction and StabiliTrak lights with C0035-C0050 symptoms 18, 5A or 0F

    2007–2017acadia, canyon, terrain · NHTSA 10080901

    GM information bulletin summary: the technician finds the wheel by the code that set, and debris on the magnetic encoder ring must be cleaned.

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

Pontiac

  • 3771 (pontiac)Status unverified

    GM 3771: ABS light on with C0045 and/or C0050

    2006solstice · NHTSA 10018629

    GM bulletin summary for the ABS light on with these codes.

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

  • 3371 (pontiac)Status unverified

    GM 3371: ABS light on with C0045 and/or C0050

    2006–2008solstice · NHTSA 10022808

    GM bulletin summary for the ABS light on with these codes.

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

  • 4403 (pontiac)Status unverified

    GM 4403: ABS and/or traction off lights with C0045 and/or C0050

    2006–2007torrent · NHTSA 10021689

    GM bulletin summary for ABS and traction lights on with these codes.

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

  • 070525004 (pontiac)Status unverified

    GM 07-05-25-004: ABS and ESC lights with C0035, C0040, C0045, C0050

    2008g6 · NHTSA 10023981

    GM bulletin summary: lights on with these codes and the electronic brake control module is reprogrammed.

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

Saturn

  • 3771 (saturn)Status unverified

    GM 3771: ABS light on with C0045 and/or C0050

    2007sky · NHTSA 10018629

    GM bulletin summary for the ABS light on with these codes.

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

  • 3371 (saturn)Status unverified

    GM 3371: ABS light on with C0045 and/or C0050

    2007–2008sky · NHTSA 10022808

    GM bulletin summary for the ABS light on with these codes.

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

  • 070525004 (saturn)Status unverified

    GM 07-05-25-004: ABS and ESC lights with C0035, C0040, C0045, C0050

    2008aura · NHTSA 10023981

    GM bulletin summary: lights on with these codes and the electronic brake control module is reprogrammed.

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

  • PIT4586Status unverified

    GM PIT4586: wheel speed sensor codes C0045 and/or C0050

    2008vue · NHTSA 10024709

    GM bulletin summary for these wheel speed codes set in the brake module.

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

  • 08-05-25-002Status unverified

    GM 08-05-25-002: ABS light with C0045 and/or C0050

    2008vue · NHTSA 10025128

    GM bulletin summary: inspect connector X408 or the left and right rear wheel speed sensor harness.

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

  • PIT-4932 (saturn)Status unverified

    GM PIT-4932: ABS lights with C0045 and/or C0050

    2009outlook · NHTSA 10032456

    GM bulletin summary for ABS lights with these codes, or electrical or communication complaints.

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

  • PIC5428G (saturn)Status unverified

    GM PIC5428G: ABS, traction and StabiliTrak lights with C0035-C0050 symptoms 18, 5A or 0F

    2007–2010outlook · NHTSA 10080901

    GM information bulletin summary: the technician finds the wheel by the code that set, and debris on the magnetic encoder ring must be cleaned.

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

Buick

  • PIT-4932 (buick)Status unverified

    GM PIT-4932: ABS lights with C0045 and/or C0050

    2009enclave · NHTSA 10032456

    GM bulletin summary for ABS lights with these codes, or electrical or communication complaints.

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

  • PIC5428G (buick)Status unverified

    GM PIC5428G: ABS, traction and StabiliTrak lights with C0035-C0050 symptoms 18, 5A or 0F

    2008–2017enclave, lacrosse, lucerne, regal, verano · NHTSA 10080901

    GM information bulletin summary: the technician finds the wheel by the code that set, and debris on the magnetic encoder ring must be cleaned.

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

  • C0035Left front wheel speed sensor circuit fault (GM)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM-group service text groups C0035, C0040, C0045 and C0050 as the four wheel speed sensor circuits and checks the others first.

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

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    GM-group service text groups C0040 with C0050 as wheel speed sensor circuit codes.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C0050 questions

Is C0050 always the sensor?

No. GM bulletins also name connector crimps, harness damage, debris on the encoder ring and module software, so test the circuit before buying a sensor.

Sources and review

  1. DTC C0035, C0040, C0045 or C0050 (2011 Saab 9-4X) — Saab WIS Online (GM group)
  2. GM bulletins naming C0050 (cache summaries) — General Motors via NHTSA
  3. C0050: Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit — The Automotive Technician (TAT) scan data
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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