C0516: Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic
Intermittent signal from right-rear WSS A. Wheel-speed signals feed ABS, ESC, traction control, transmission and odometer — a single dropped signal disables all of these safety functions until repaired.
What C0516 means
C0516 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
- 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
- 01Connector loose or chafed wiringMost likely
- 02Connector with intermittent contact under vibrationLess likely
- 03Harness routed against vibrating componentLess likely
Can I drive with C0516?
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
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
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 C0516
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just C0516. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for C066A. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Check live data
Watch the related sensor and actuator readings in live data (Wheel speed sensor RR, Sensor wiring) 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: Connector loose or chafed wiring; connector with intermittent contact under vibration; harness routed against vibrating component. 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 complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
C0516 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?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Wheel speed sensor RR
- Sensor wiring
C0516 FAQ
What does C0516 mean?
C0516 means “Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic”. Intermittent signal from right-rear WSS A. Wheel-speed signals feed ABS, ESC, traction control, transmission and odometer — a single dropped signal disables all of these safety functions until repaired.
Is C0516 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate C0516 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 C0516?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Connector loose or chafed wiring; Connector with intermittent contact under vibration; Harness routed against vibrating component. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix C0516?
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 C0516 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will C0516 clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.