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C1631moderate severity✨ AI-generated

Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Open

Indicates an open circuit condition in the wheel speed sensor circuit.

Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.

What it means (plain English)

The computer isn't getting the signal it expects from the wheel speed sensor, which measures how fast the wheels are spinning.

What the computer is actually seeing

The signal line voltage for the wheel speed sensor should fluctuate between 0.5V to 4.5V based on wheel speed. An open circuit leads to no signal, reading either 0V or a fixed value.

What a healthy reading looks like

Wheel speed signal should be between 0.5V (stationary) and 4.5V (moving).

Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way

Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.

  1. 11. Inspect the wheel speed sensor wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion. Decision: If damaged, repair/replace as required.
  2. 22. Check voltage at the sensor connector with the ignition on (engine off). You should see voltage between 0.5V and 4.5V. Decision: If no voltage, check back to the ECU; if voltage is there, replace the sensor.
  3. 33. Test the sensor by removing it and spinning it by hand or driving the vehicle to see if the output voltage changes accordingly. Decision: If it doesn't change, replace the sensor.
  4. 44. Inspect grounds and power supply to the sensor from the ECU. Decision: If grounding is poor or power is absent, fix wiring before replacing expensive parts.

Common causes

  • Damaged wiring or connector at the sensor or control module.
  • Faulty wheel speed sensor.
  • Poor grounding for the sensor circuit.

Typical repair cost

$$

Related codes

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drive with this code?

It's best not to drive the vehicle as ABS and traction control may not function properly.

Will this code come back?

If you fix the underlying issue (wiring or sensor), the code should not reappear.

Why do I see this code with ABS issues?

The wheel speed sensor is critical for ABS functionality; if it fails, the ABS may not engage correctly.

Working a real vehicle right now?

Let DiagCoach walk you through it live with your specific symptoms, vehicle, and what you've already checked.

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