C0516 code meaning
Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic
Chassis system Generic code C05xx codes Check engine light
What C0516 means
C0516 stands for a right rear signal that stutters or spikes. GM's 2025 tables use the 491 m/s² wheel acceleration limit at speeds beyond 3.58 m/s but let the fault mature in about 200 ms of near-continuous violation, sampled every 5 ms, and decay the counter when the signal calms; the 2016 hybrid tables instead set it after a 0.03 s overflow of the timer buffer that stores sensor edges. Mitsubishi files C1067-38 as C0516, checked between 10 and 60 km/h, MIL after two trips. GM's program 18316 shows a rear-specific trigger: on 2018 Express and Savana vans with four-wheel discs, axle vibration over rumble strips made the right rear signal erratic, fixed by a brake module calibration. Bulletin 24-NA-125 lists C0516 too.
C0516 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of C0516
- ABS, stability and traction lamps after rough road sections
- Functions return only after the next ignition cycle
Common causes of C0516
- Most likelyDamaged tone ring teeth or loosely mounted right rear sensor
- PossibleRear axle vibration disturbing the signal (GM program 18316)
- PossibleHarness chafing intermittently (2024 Silverado EV)
- Less likelyBrake module calibration too sensitive, update available
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Wss rrTone ring rrSensor wiring
What each part of C0516 means
| C | Chassis system: brakes, ABS, steering and suspension. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note C0516 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 C0516
What does C0516 mean?
C0516 means "Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic". C0516 stands for a right rear signal that stutters or spikes. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with C0516?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With C0516 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will C0516 fail an emissions test?
C0516 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 C0516 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will C0516 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.