C0033 code meaning
Right Front Tone Wheel
What C0033 means
Covers the right front tone wheel (reluctor or encoder ring) read by the right front wheel speed sensor, the mirror of C0030. It is a signal-plausibility code: the module sees an erratic, noisy or intermittent speed signal consistent with a damaged, contaminated or loose tone ring rather than a sensor electrical failure. Volvo documents BCM-C0033 on the S80 together with a grinding noise at the wheel hub caused by a hub that has shifted within the steering knuckle. A fault disables ABS, traction and stability control and lights the ABS warning lamp while base braking remains available.
C0033 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.8 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0033
- ABS warning lamp on
- ABS and stability control disabled
- Grinding noise from wheel hub
Common causes of C0033
- Most likelyDamaged or contaminated tone ring
- PossibleLoose or displaced hub bearing
- Less likelyExcessive sensor-to-ring air gap
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Rf tone wheel
What each part of C0033 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0033 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about C0033
What does C0033 mean?
C0033 means "Right Front Tone Wheel". Covers the right front tone wheel (reluctor or encoder ring) read by the right front wheel speed sensor, the mirror of C0030. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0033?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0033 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0033 fail an emissions test?
C0033 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is C0033 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.8 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0033 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.