Home›Trouble Codes›C0513

C0513 — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Rangeperformance

Generic OBD-II · all makesChassis

Code C0513 indicates the ABS or stability control module has detected an implausible, erratic, or out-of-range signal from the right rear wheel speed sensor. The sensor’s voltage, frequency, or behavior falls outside expected parameters, or its data disagrees with other wheel speed sensors during normal driving. This can disable or interfere with ABS, traction control, and stability control functions.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty right rear wheel speed sensor

Internal coil failure, degraded components, or a cracked sensor housing can produce a weak, noisy, or erratic signal that falls outside the module’s expected range.

2. Damaged or corroded wiring and connector

Chafed, pinched, or moisture-intruded wiring and terminals can create intermittent opens, high resistance, or short circuits that distort the sensor signal.

3. Excessive rust or debris on sensor or tone ring

Corrosion, mud, or metallic debris buildup on the sensor tip or reluctor ring can alter magnetic flux and air gap, causing the signal to appear out of range.

4. Improper air gap or loose sensor mounting

A sensor that is not fully seated, a bent mounting bracket, or axial runout in the hub can place the sensor outside the specified air gap, weakening signal strength.

5. Damaged tone ring

A cracked, chipped, or missing-tooth reluctor ring generates an irregular signal pattern that the module interprets as a range or performance fault.

6. ABS or stability control module fault

An internal failure in the module’s signal processing circuit is a statistically rare cause and should only be considered after the sensor, wiring, and tone ring have been thoroughly tested.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Visually inspect the right rear wheel speed sensor, harness, and connector for damage, corrosion, and proper routing.
  2. Measure the sensor’s resistance and compare it to specification; check for internal shorts or opens.
  3. Remove the sensor if accessible and inspect the tip and tone ring for rust, debris, cracking, or missing teeth.
  4. Monitor live wheel speed data with a scan tool while rotating the wheel, comparing the right rear signal to the other three wheels.
  5. Perform a continuity and insulation test on the harness between the sensor and the ABS module to identify wiring faults.
  6. If all hardware tests pass, swap in a known-good sensor to verify before evaluating module integrity.

Code facts & related codes

SystemChassis
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make
Related codesC0510 — Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor IntermittC0511 — Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor CorrelatiC0512 — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor CircuitoC0514 — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit C0515 — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit C0516 — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Intermit

Frequently asked

Is it safe to drive with code C0513?

Short trips are generally safe, but ABS and stability control may be disabled or behave unpredictably; standard hydraulic braking typically remains functional.

Will replacing the right rear wheel speed sensor always fix this code?

Not necessarily. While the sensor is the most common failure, wiring issues, connector corrosion, tone ring damage, and rust can also set this code and must be ruled out.

My mechanic says I need a new ABS computer; is that likely?

No. For C0513, a failed ABS or stability control module is uncommon. Most cases are caused by the sensor, wiring, or tone ring. Module replacement should only be considered after thorough electrical and mechanical testing proves the hardware is good.

Can rust alone cause this code without the sensor being defective?

Yes. Significant rust scale or debris on the sensor tip or tone ring can distort the magnetic signal enough to trigger a range/performance fault, and cleaning the affected area may resolve it.