VinGear VIN decoder VinGearVIN decoder, VIN lookup & history check Check a VIN

C0511 code meaning

Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Correlation

Chassis system Generic code C05xx codes Check engine light

What C0511 means

C0511 means the left rear speed does not match what the other three wheels report. In GM's 19OBDG03D tables four monitors feed it: missing sensor (this wheel below 1.5 km/h while the rest exceed 6 km/h, 3 to 120 s), dropout (no edges for 150 ms after a valid reading above 30 km/h, with thresholds that depend on axle and brake pedal), fast missing (counted from key-on until 15 km/h is first reached) and too fast (this wheel faster than 6 km/h with the others standing, 40 ms). All are Type A. Mitsubishi calls C1065-64 its C0511 and blames a wrong tire size, checked between 10 and 60 km/h. GM bulletin PIT5950 for the 2019–2023 Silverado 1500 lists C0511 among codes that keep returning after a front sensor of the wrong side was fitted.

C0511 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testNot an emissions code
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
  • Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
  • Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle

Symptoms of C0511

  • ABS and stability lamps on after setting off or at moderate speed
  • Speedometer and driver aids act up after a tire change

Common causes of C0511

  • Most likelyLeft rear tire of a different size or heavily worn compared with the others
  • PossibleDemagnetized encoder or damaged tone ring at the left rear
  • PossibleWrong sensor fitted after a repair (GM PIT5950)

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Wss lrTone ring lrTires

What each part of C0511 means

CChassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
11The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note C0511 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 C0511

What does C0511 mean?

C0511 means "Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Correlation". C0511 means the left rear speed does not match what the other three wheels report. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with C0511?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0511 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will C0511 fail an emissions test?

C0511 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 C0511 to fix?

Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.

Will C0511 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.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 6 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for C0511