C0215 Left rear wheel speed sensor circuit fault (Toyota)

Rear speed sensor LH circuit

C0215 in short

On Toyota models C0215 means the ABS computer has lost or does not believe the signal from the left rear wheel speed sensor. Typical causes are a corroded connector, damaged wiring, a dirty sensor or a worn wheel bearing. The brakes still work but ABS is off, so get it checked soon.

Toyota defines C0215 as the rear speed sensor left-hand circuit. The skid control computer sets it when the sensor circuit is open or shorted, when no signal arrives above a set speed for about 15 seconds, or when that wheel reads far below the others.

Without a trustworthy wheel speed the computer turns off ABS and the traction and stability systems that depend on it, and lights the warning lamps. Ordinary braking is unaffected.

Toyota issued bulletins for C0215 and its right-hand twin C0210 on the 2007-2008 Yaris and the 2006 RAV4, so the pair often appears together.

Pick your make

C0215 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. Corroded connector or damaged wiring at the left rear wheel

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A reference page on this code lists connector corrosion and harness fatigue where the wiring flexes through the suspension as leading causes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector looks corroded or the wire is damaged, or if live data drops out over bumps. Falls if both look good.

  2. Wheel speed sensor tip dirty, or sensor gap wrong

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The same reference says brake dust on the sensor tip and an air gap outside tolerance cause missing or weak signals.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor tip is coated with debris or live wheel speed reads low. Falls if the tip is clean and the gap is right.

  3. Worn wheel bearing or damaged reluctor ring

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The reference says a worn bearing lets the sensor-to-ring gap vary, which breaks the signal.
    What would change this
    Rises if the wheel has play or roughness. Falls if the bearing is tight.

  4. Left rear sensor failed

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Toyota bulletins on the Yaris and RAV4 cover C0215 directly, so a failed sensor or circuit on those models is plausible. The summaries do not name the cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if swapping or testing the sensor moves the fault. Falls if the sensor tests normal.

What to test first

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

  1. Drive with a scan tool and compare the four wheel speeds.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

    • IfThe left rear reads zero or far lower than the others

      It meansThe sensor, wiring or ring is at fault. Inspect that wheel.

      Go to step 2

    • IfAll speeds agree

      It meansThe fault may be intermittent; wiggle-test the wiring.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a shop inspect the left rear connector, the wiring along the axle, the sensor tip and the bearing for play.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Brake, stability and wiring checks need scan tools and a lifted vehicle. Let a shop do this.

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light on
  • Traction or stability control lights on
  • ABS does not work in a hard stop 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

Toyota

  • 01106Status unverified

    Wheel speed sensor DTCs, MIL on, C0210 and C0215 (RAV4)

    2006rav4 · NHTSA 10020872

    Lists C0210 and C0215 with a warning light on the 2006 RAV4.

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

  • TSB-0120-08Status unverified

    ABS light on with C0210 or C0215 (Yaris)

    2007–2008yaris · NHTSA 10025865

    Covers 2007-2008 Yaris with the ABS light on and C0210 (rear speed sensor RH) or C0215 (rear speed sensor LH). The NHTSA summary does not give the cause.

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

  • C0210Right rear wheel speed sensor circuit or signal fault

    Other bank Supported by vehicle data

    C0210 is the right-hand rear twin of C0215. Toyota bulletins list them together.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

Sources and review

  1. Toyota TSB-0120-08: ABS light on with C0210 or C0215 (2007-2008 Yaris) — Toyota Motor Sales via NHTSA
  2. Toyota C0215 Code: What It Means and How to Fix It — CarTipsDaily
  3. Toyota 01106: wheel speed sensor DTCs, MIL on, C0210 and C0215 (2006 RAV4) — Toyota Motor Sales via NHTSA
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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