C001804

On the BYD E5 and similar new energy vehicles, DTC C001804 indicates a left rear wheel speed sensor (WSS) circuit performance fault, rather than a hydraulic modulator inlet valve fault (early reference materials may contain code definition errors) — Qin Plus

Braking System

On the BYD E5 and similar new energy vehicles, DTC C001804 indicates a left rear wheel speed sensor (WSS) circuit performance fault, rather than a hydraulic modulator inlet valve fault (early reference materials may contain code definition errors).

The sensor is typically a variable reluctance or Hall-effect type mounted on the left rear knuckle.

It generates a sine wave or square wave signal by detecting magnetic field changes in the wheel hub bearing magnetic encoder ring, supplying precise wheel speed data to the ABS/ESP control unit.

The ECU sets this DTC when it detects a continuously missing left rear wheel speed signal, out-of-range voltage amplitude, intermittent signal interruption, or an abnormal logical relationship between this wheel speed and the other three (e.g., reading 0 while the vehicle moves).

This fault restricts or completely disables the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

On certain 4WD models (such as the Tang DM), it triggers the 4WD protection mechanism, forcing the vehicle into 2WD mode and severely compromising driving safety.

4
Cases Logged
5
Causes
  • 1Open or short circuit in the wheel speed sensor internal coil (normal resistance for a magnetic inductive sensor is approximately 1.2-1.8kΩ; values outside this range indicate a faulty sensor).
  • 2Water ingress and oxidation in the sensor wiring harness connector, loose terminals, or poor contact (common after wading in water during the rainy season, car washing, or due to an aging sealing ring).
  • 3Incorrect sensor installation gap (standard air gap: 0.3-1.0 mm) or loose mounting bolts, resulting in low signal amplitude.
  • 4Metal filings or mud adhering to the surface of the magnetic encoder ring (integrated into the wheel hub bearing inner ring), or a deformed, demagnetized, or damaged ring.
  • 5Wheel hub bearing wear causes excessive radial runout of the tone ring, preventing the sensor from reading a stable magnetic field signal.
  • 1
    Connect the VDS2000 or Launch X431 diagnostic tool. Enter the ABS/ESP system to read fault codes. Confirm C001804 is the current fault code. Check the vehicle speed and wheel speed information in the freeze frame data.
  • 2
    Access the live data stream. Slowly push or drive the vehicle and observe if the left rear wheel speed signal remains at 0 km/h, fluctuates, or differs from the other three wheel speeds by more than 5 km/h.
  • 3
    Turn off the ignition. Disconnect the left rear wheel speed sensor connector. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance between the two sensor terminals (normal value for magnetic induction type: 1.2-1.8 kΩ). Replace the sensor if the reading shows an open circuit (OL) or short circuit (0 Ω).
  • 4
    Measure continuity and ground insulation of the wiring harness between the sensor connector and the ABS pump ECU. Check for open circuits, short circuits, or shorts to ground. Inspect the harness sleeve for wear points where it passes through the body or suspension.
  • 5
    Visually inspect the sensor connector seal for aging or missing parts, and check the terminals for green corrosion or burn marks. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and apply conductive grease. Replace the connector or wiring harness assembly if necessary.
  • 6
    Remove the sensor and check the tip for metal debris. Clean foreign matter from the surface of the magnetic encoder ring. Use a feeler gauge to check the clearance between the sensor and the ring. Retighten the sensor to the specified torque (usually 8-12Nm).
  • 7
    If the above checks are normal, raise the vehicle and manually rock the left rear wheel to check the wheel hub bearing radial play. If the wheel has excessive play or makes abnormal noise when rotated, replace the wheel hub bearing assembly with magnetic encoder.
  • 8
    After repair, clear the fault code. Drive in a straight line at speeds above 40 km/h for 1-2 minutes to complete sensor auto-calibration. Verify the instrument cluster warning light turns off and the four-wheel speed data streams are consistent.
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Wheel speed sensor unit damaged (BYD Song Plus DM-i)

After starting the vehicle, the ESP, ABS and tyre pressure monitoring warning lights illuminate simultaneously on the dashboard. The centre console displays "Please check ESP system". While driving, the vehicle loses electronic stability program intervention, but basic braking remains normal. The warning lights stay on constantly. A VDS2000/Launch X431 scan tool read brake system (ABS/ESP module) DTCs and retrieved C001804 (left rear wheel speed sensor circuit fault). Live data showed the left rear wheel speed reading constantly at 0 km/h or displaying erratic garbled values, while the other three wheel speed signals read normally. The sensor connector showed no looseness. Measuring the sensor resistance (normally approximately 1.2-1.8 kΩ) revealed an open circuit. Solution: Replaced the left rear wheel speed sensor (part number usually starts with 3635100; confirm for specific model year). After installation, cleared the fault codes and drove straight at speeds above 40 km/h for 1-2 minutes to complete the sensor auto-calibration. The warning lights went out and data returned to normal.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Wiring harness connector oxidized due to water ingress (BYD Qin Pro DM)

Fault is intermittent. Typically appears 1–2 hours after driving in rain or washing the vehicle, when the dashboard ESP warning light suddenly lights up. Sometimes the light clears after the vehicle sits dry for several hours. False ABS activation also occurs intermittently on bumpy roads. Scanner showed history DTC C001804 and current DTC C001800 (Signal Invalid). Lifted the vehicle and inspected the left rear wheel. The wheel speed sensor connector seal was deteriorated, with obvious green corrosion (oxidation) on the internal pins. Measured continuity from the sensor to the ABS pump and found an intermittent open circuit. Thoroughly cleaned the ABS harness connector and sensor terminals, flushed with electronic cleaner, blown dry, and applied conductive grease. Replaced the waterproof seal and reinforced the wrapping with insulation tape. If internal harness corrosion is severe, replace the left rear wheel speed sensor harness assembly.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Incorrect sensor gap and dirty tone ring (BYD Han EV)

At low speeds (10-20 km/h), the driver feels slight kickback through the brake pedal (false ABS activation) accompanied by a clicking noise; alternatively, the vehicle exhibits brief power restriction when pulling away (traction control false activation). The ESP warning light may flash occasionally but does not stay on. Read fault code C001804 (signal plausibility fault). Pulled the left rear wheel speed sensor and found the head covered in iron filings (brake pad wear debris). Inspected the tone ring (integrated into the hub bearing) and found dirt or slight deformation on the surface. Measured the sensor-to-ring gap with a feeler gauge; it exceeded 1.5 mm (standard is 0.3-1.0 mm), likely from previous wheel removal or a loose bearing. Fix: Thoroughly clean the sensor head and tone ring surface. Check the sensor mounting bolts for looseness and retighten to spec (usually 8-12 Nm). If the gap remains excessive, check the hub bearing for play and replace the bearing if necessary to restore the correct clearance.
Original source ↗
BYD DTC AI Analysis

Wheel hub bearing assembly fault (BYD Tang DM)

When driving at high speed (above 80 km/h), a low humming noise comes from the rear and the ESP and four-wheel-drive system warning lights come on. The vehicle may automatically switch from four-wheel drive to two-wheel drive (front-wheel drive), with the instrument cluster displaying "4WD System Function Limited". A scan tool reads DTC C001804 in the ABS system, and the electric 4WD system (MCU) may also log wheel speed signal faults. Lift the vehicle and manually rotate the left rear wheel. Check for noticeable radial play or abnormal noise. Check the left rear wheel speed signal waveform with an oscilloscope. Low amplitude or gaps in the pattern indicate the magnetic encoder ring (tone ring) has radial runout from bearing wear, or the ring is damaged. Solution: Replace the left rear wheel hub bearing assembly (integrated unit with the magnetic encoder ring). After replacement, calibrate the wheel speed sensor. Some models also require a scan tool to initialise and run learn procedures for the EPB (Electric Park Brake) and ESP systems.
Original source ↗
Data confidence: Official This information is for reference only. Always consult a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair. Do not attempt high-voltage system repairs yourself.