C003E: Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Supply
Fault on rear wheel speed sensor supply circuit. Wheel-speed signals feed ABS, ESC, traction control, transmission and odometer — a single dropped signal disables all of these safety functions until repaired.
What C003E means
C003E is a generic OBD-II chassis code in the ABS & brakes group.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- ABS warning light on
- ESC/stability control deactivated
- Possible reduced brake assist
- Speedometer may behave erratically
Common causes
- 01Supply wiring faultMost likely
Can I drive with C003E?
Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.
This fault can put the vehicle in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Why we rate it urgent
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose C003E
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just C003E. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Rear Wheel speed sensor, Sensor supply) and compare them with expected values in the service information for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Supply wiring fault. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
C003E repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Rear Wheel speed sensor
- Sensor supply
C003E FAQ
What does C003E mean?
C003E means “Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Supply”. Fault on rear wheel speed sensor supply circuit. Wheel-speed signals feed ABS, ESC, traction control, transmission and odometer — a single dropped signal disables all of these safety functions until repaired.
Is C003E serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate C003E as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the vehicle in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
What causes C003E?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Supply wiring fault. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix C003E?
Typical labor is about $65–$250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix C003E myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will C003E clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.