Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Mismatch
What does C0210 mean?
The C0210 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Mismatch. This is a moderate severity code.
Common Symptoms
- ABS warning light on
- Traction control disabled
- Stability control light on
- False ABS activation at low speeds
- Drivetrain warning on AWD vehicles
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- One rear wheel speed sensor producing erratic signal Very High
- Mismatched rear tire sizes or tread wear High
- Damaged tone ring on one rear wheel Moderate
- Rear wheel bearing play affecting sensor gap Moderate
- Differential issue causing unequal wheel speeds Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Compare left and right rear wheel speed data in live data at constant speed
-
Check that rear tires are the same size with similar tread depth
-
Inspect both rear tone rings for damage or missing teeth
-
Check both rear wheel bearings for play or noise
-
If AWD, verify the differential is not binding or slipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bad differential cause a rear wheel speed mismatch?
Yes. A failing limited-slip differential or transfer case can cause one rear wheel to spin at a different rate than the other, triggering a speed mismatch code.
Will rotating my tires fix a C0210 code?
If the code is caused by uneven tire wear between the rear wheels, rotating the tires may help. However, if the tires are significantly different in size or tread depth, replacement may be necessary.
Does this code affect AWD systems?
Yes. AWD systems are particularly sensitive to wheel speed mismatches. On some AWD vehicles, a rear speed mismatch can cause the transfer case or center differential to bind or overheat.