GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC C0045 00 : Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit

DTC C0045 5A: Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Erratic Signal

DTC C0050 00 : Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit

DTC C0050 5A: Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Erratic Signal

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Left Rear Sensor Signal Circuit

C0045 00

C0045 00

C0045 00

C0045 5A

Left Rear Sensor Low Reference Circuit

--

C0045 00

--

C0045 5A

Right Rear Sensor Signal Circuit

C0050 00

C0050 00

C0050 00

C0050 5A

Right Rear Sensor Low Reference Circuit

--

C0050 00

--

C0050 5A

Circuit/System Description

As the wheel spins, the wheel speed sensor produces an alternating current (AC) signal. The electronic brake control module (EBCM) uses the frequency of the AC signal to calculate the wheel speed.

Conditions for Running the DTC

C0045 00 or C0050 00

    • The ignition is ON.
    • Ignition voltage is greater than 9.5 volts.

C0045 5A or C0050 5A

    • The ignition is ON.
    • Ignition voltage is greater than 9.5 volts.
    • The brake pedal is not pressed.
    • A DTC is not set for the other wheel speed circuit on the same axle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • An erratic signal output of the wheel speed sensor is detected.
    • A short to voltage, open or ground is detected on the wheel speed sensor signal circuit.
    • A open or short to ground in the wheel speed sensor circuit supply voltage.
    • Wheel speed sensor power supply is less than 7.6 volts.
    • A missing wheel speed sensor signal

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The EBCM disables the Antilock Brake System (ABS)/Traction Control System (TCS)/Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES) for the duration of the ignition cycle.
    • The electronic brake distribution (EBD) does not function optimally.
    • A DIC message and/or a warning message may be displayed.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The condition for setting the DTC is no longer present.
    • The EBCM automatically clears the history DTC when a current DTC is not detected in 100 consecutive drive cycles.

Diagnostic Aids

If 2 or more wheel speed sensors are inoperative diagnose each wheel speed sensor individually.

If the customer comments that the ABS indicator is ON only during moist environmental conditions: rain, snow, vehicle wash, etc., inspect the wheel speed sensor wiring for signs of water intrusion. If the DTC is not current, clear all DTCs and simulate the effects of water intrusion by using the following procedure:

  1. Spray the suspected area with a 5 percent saltwater solution. To create a 5 percent saltwater solution, add 2 teaspoons of salt to 8 fl oz of water (10 g of salt to 200 ml of water).
  2. Test drive the vehicle over various road surfaces, bumps, turns, etc., above 50 km/h (31 mph) for at least 20 seconds.
  3. If the DTC returns, replace the suspected wheel speed sensor or repair the wheel speed sensor wiring.
  4. Rinse the area thoroughly when completed.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Antilock Brake System Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

ABS Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for Scan Tool Information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Wheel Speed Sensor parameter. The reading should be the same speed on all sensors when driving in a straight line at a speed greater than 20 km/h (13 mph).

Circuit/System Testing

Important: It is recommended that Component Testing is performed before Circuit Testing when diagnosing wheel speed sensors because the module will default and does not supply voltage to the sensor when the DTC is set.

Performing Circuit Testing with EBCM connector disconnected and key on will cause U codes to set. Clear DTCs after performing the test.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the EBCM.
  2. Ignition ON, test for 0 volts between the low reference circuit terminals of the appropriate sensor listed below and ground.
  3. • LR Sensor circuit terminal 41
    • RR Sensor circuit terminal 44
    If not the specified value, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the wheel speed sensor.
  4. Test for 0 volts between the signal circuit terminals of the appropriate sensor listed below and ground.
  5. • LR Sensor circuit terminal 42
    • RR Sensor circuit terminal 43
    If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the wheel speed sensor.
  6. Ignition OFF, test for infinite resistance between the low reference terminals of the appropriate sensor listed below and ground.
  7. • LR Sensor circuit terminal 41
    • RR Sensor circuit terminal 44
    If not the specified value, test the low reference circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the wheel speed sensor.
  8. Test for infinite resistance between the following signal circuit terminals of the appropriate sensor listed below and ground.
  9. • LR Sensor circuit terminal 42
    • RR Sensor circuit terminal 43
    If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the wheel speed sensor.
  10. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate wheel speed sensor.
  11. Test for less than 2 ohms between the appropriate signal circuit terminals listed below.
  12. • LR Sensor circuit terminals 42 at the EBCM harness connector, and terminal A at the WSS harness connector
    • RR Sensor circuit terminals 43 at the EBCM harness connector, and terminal A at the WSS harness connector
         ⇒If greater than the specified value, test the signal circuit for an open or high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the wheel speed sensor.
  13. Test for less than 2 ohms between the appropriate low reference circuit terminals listed below.
  14. • LR Sensor circuit terminals 41 at the EBCM harness connector, and terminal B at the WSS harness connector
    • RR Sensor circuit terminals 44 at the EBCM harness connector, and terminal B at the WSS harness connector
         ⇒If greater than the specified value, test the low reference circuit for an open or high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the wheel speed sensor.
  15. If all circuits test normal, replace the EBCM.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the suspect wheel speed sensor.
  2. Test for 850-1350 ohms of resistance between terminal A and terminal B of the wheel speed sensor.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the wheel speed sensor.
  4. Test for greater than 100 mV AC voltage between terminal A and terminal B of the wheel speed sensor, when spinning the wheel.
  5. If not within the specified range, replace the wheel speed sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for EBCM replacement, setup, and programming