C0510 code meaning
Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic
Chassis system Generic code C05xx codes Check engine light
What C0510 means
C0510 flags a left rear speed signal that jumps instead of changing smoothly. GM's 19OBDG03D EBCM logic counts every moment in which the unfiltered wheel acceleration exceeds 491 m/s² at vehicle speeds beyond 3.58 m/s and sets the code once that tally reaches 40 s; a second path latches it within 25 ms when more than 55 edges arrive too quickly. GM names loose mounting, missing teeth on the tone ring and electromagnetic interference as causes. Mitsubishi's C1065-38 runs between 10 and 60 km/h and counts as C0510 after two trips. On the rear axle, load matters: a Stellantis STAR case for the Ram 3500 describes erratic rear sensor codes only with payload or a trailer on rough pavement, without a part fault.
C0510 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0510
- ABS or stability lamp on after bumps, railway crossings or rumble strips
- Brief, unexpected ABS pulsing at the rear
- Fault often gone after the next ignition cycle
Common causes of C0510
- Most likelySensor loose in its bore or play in the rear wheel bearing
- PossibleMissing or damaged teeth, rust flakes on the tone ring
- PossibleWire breaking up intermittently as the rear suspension moves
- Less likelyHeavy payload or trailer on rough roads (Ram 3500 case)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Wss lrTone ring lrSensor wiring
What each part of C0510 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 10 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0510 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 C0510
What does C0510 mean?
C0510 means "Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic". C0510 flags a left rear speed signal that jumps instead of changing smoothly. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0510?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0510 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0510 fail an emissions test?
C0510 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 C0510 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will C0510 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.