Right Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction (GM)
The C0050 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Right Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction (GM). This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $100 - $600 (wheel-speed sensor or wiring most often; EBCM/pump work costs more)
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Basic scanners cannot read ABS codes. This one reads all four systems so you know exactly which sensor failed.
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Common Symptoms
- ABS and/or traction control warning lights on
- ABS and stability assist may be disabled (base brakes still work)
- Possible false ABS activation at low speed with a failing wheel-speed sensor
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Fault in the ABS/traction control component this code names (Right Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction) High
- Damaged wiring or a corroded connector in that circuit - road-splash zones corrode connectors High
- Failed related sensor or actuator Moderate
- Control module fault Low
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing C0050 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra easy DIY
Right rear wheel speed sensor -- same diagnosis and repair as C0045 left rear. The sensor corrodes into the axle housing. Penetrating oil, gentle extraction, replace with an OE-quality ACDelco unit part. Check the wiring harness along the rear axle for chafing where it crosses the frame crossmember. A chafed wire can mimic a sensor failure.
Labor: 30 min - 1 hour2007-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon easy DIY
Right rear sensor replacement procedure is identical to the left. On full-size GM SUVs, also check for play in the rear axle bearings -- excessive bearing play changes the air gap between the sensor and reluctor ring, causing erratic speed readings. Grab the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and rock it; any movement indicates bearing wear.
Labor: 30 min - 1 hour2014-2020 Chevrolet Impala/Malibu easy DIY
On GM sedans, the rear wheel speed sensor is part of the rear hub assembly. The sensor cannot be replaced separately. These hubs are much easier to replace than truck axle sensors -- 3 bolts and an electrical connector. Use a torque wrench to tighten the hub bolts to spec (85 ft-lbs) to avoid warped readings from an improperly seated hub.
Labor: 45 min - 1 hourFrequently Asked Questions
What does C0050 mean?
C0050 is a chassis code used primarily by GM vehicles: Right Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction. It concerns the ABS/traction control system.
Can I keep driving with C0050?
Base brakes keep working, but assume ABS and stability control are offline until repaired - allow longer stopping distances and drive gently, especially in rain or snow. Repair promptly.
Is C0050 the same on every make?
The decimal C0xxx range is dominated by GM's assignments (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac). Other makes may use this ID differently - if your vehicle is not a GM product, verify the meaning in your make's service information.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Read the code with a GM-capable scan tool and note the symptom byte/subcode if shown.
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View live data for the named circuit (e.g. all four wheel speeds while rolling for wheel-speed codes).
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Inspect the circuit's wiring and connectors - chassis harnesses live in the splash zone and corrode first.
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Follow the GM pinpoint test for C0050 before replacing components.
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
C0050 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac (GM chassis code range)
Related Codes
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