C0500 code meaning
Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit/Open
Chassis system Generic code C05xx codes Check engine light
What C0500 means
C0500 flags lost continuity in the left front wheel speed sensor circuit. An active sensor draws a steady current even with the car parked; Allegro gives 7 and 14 mA as the usual levels of a two-wire interface, so a reading near zero means a broken path. GM's 2016 hybrid OBD tables set C0500 once the signal-line current stays under 3.8 mA for 0.12 s, rated Type A (MIL on the first trip), and suppress it while C05A4 reports a low sensor supply. Mitsubishi maps C1061-13 to C0500 with a delay of at most 1 s and the check-engine lamp after one trip. Unrelated: a Stellantis brake bulletin for the 2022–2023 Wagoneer uses C0500-00 for a hydraulic leak. With this code ABS, stability and traction control shut down.
C0500 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of C0500
- ABS, ESC and traction control warning lamps on, check-engine lamp on some makes
- ABS, stability control and hill start assist unavailable
- Scan tool shows no left front wheel speed while driving
Common causes of C0500
- Most likelySensor plug corroded or loose, or a wire broken along the wheel arch
- PossibleLeft front sensor open internally
- Less likelyABS module supply, fuse or fusible link faulty (Mitsubishi lists these)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Wss lfSensor wiring
What each part of C0500 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 00 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0500 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 C0500
What does C0500 mean?
C0500 means "Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor A Circuit/Open". C0500 flags lost continuity in the left front wheel speed sensor circuit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0500?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0500 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0500 fail an emissions test?
C0500 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 C0500 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0500 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.