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Generic SAE code Chassis and brakes

C0506: Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor "A" Circuit/Open

The ABS control unit sees an open or faulty circuit at the right front wheel speed sensor.

High risk

Have it checked soon. ABS and stability control may be switched off.

Short answer · Can I keep driving with C0506?

Usually yes, with care. ABS and stability control may be switched off. Have it checked soon.

On this page

What does C0506 mean?

In the generic SAE list this code points to the right front wheel speed sensor circuit, usually an open circuit. A damaged sensor, broken wire, dirty tone ring or worn wheel bearing are typical causes.

What the car does when the code is set

The ABS and stability control warning lights come on and those systems are usually switched off. Cruise control and other functions that use wheel speed may also stop working.

How the system works

Each wheel has a speed sensor that reads a toothed or magnetic ring turning with the wheel. The ABS control module monitors the sensor circuit and signal; a fault in the circuit sets a wheel speed sensor code for that wheel.

CChassis
0Generic code (SAE)
5Chassis and brakes
06Specific fault

Common symptoms

ABS Warning LightAmber lightHigh riskStability Control LightAmber lightHigh riskCruise Control Not WorkingCheck soonNormal riskHumming Noise From A WheelCheck promptlyHigh risk

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. The cause on your car depends on make, engine and mileage — see the maker notes below.

  1. Damaged sensor or wiringThe wire near the wheel is exposed to stones, water and movement.
  2. Dirt or rust on the sensor or tone ringDebris weakens the signal.
  3. Damaged tone ring or wheel bearing encoderCracked rings or worn bearings with built-in encoders.
  4. Connector corrosionWater and salt attack the plug.
  5. Excess wheel bearing playA worn bearing changes the air gap.

How it is diagnosed

  1. Note which lights are onABS and stability control lights usually come on together.
  2. Inspect the sensor and wiringLook for broken, chafed or pulled wires near the wheel.Lift the car only on proper stands, never on the jack alone.
  3. Compare wheel speeds in live dataAt low speed, all four wheels should show nearly the same value. The one that drops out or differs points to the fault.
  4. Check the wheel bearingHumming or play can point to a bearing with a damaged encoder.

Questions about C0506

Is an open circuit always a broken wire?

Often, but a pushed-out connector pin or a failed sensor can also open the circuit.

Can I drive with a wheel speed sensor code?

Normal brakes work, but ABS and stability control may be off. Drive carefully, especially in the wet, and have it repaired soon.

Terms on this page

Vehicle Speed SensorECU (Engine Control Unit)