C0035 Code: Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor

Knowing what a code means is crucial for successful troubleshooting. If you’re currently getting the code C0035 on your vehicle, this guide will give you the information you need to know its definition, common causes and symptoms, as well as some recommendations for diagnosis and repair.

NOTE: There are basically four different categories of DTCs designated by the first character of the code. P series (Powertrain), B series (Body), C series (Chassis), and U series (Network).

What Does the C0035 Code Mean?

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0035 stands for “Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor.”

Wheel speed input is typically used for vehicle dynamics purposes such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, etc. These systems are considered part of the chassis, thus the C series codes.

Wheel speed input is typically used for vehicle dynamics purposes such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, etc. These systems are considered part of the chassis, thus the C series codes.

–Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

The C0035 is a generic chassis code that is set when the car’s anti-lock brake module perceives a fault with the left front wheel speed sensor or its circuit. Like any other speed sensor, this can be an inductive sensor (magnet with a wire coil surrounding it) that produces an AC analog wave, or it can be digital that produces a square wave. Some wheel speed sensors can even detect whether the vehicle is moving forward or backward.

The sensor typically either reads steel teeth moving past the sensor as the wheel spins (this is very common) or in some cases, a series of small, carefully spaced magnets will be embedded in the bearing seal and the sensor will be designed to read those magnetic pulses.

Wheel speed sensors measure and report wheel speed for each wheel to the ABS module, particularly on vehicles with four wheel anti-lock brakes.

On some vehicles, the wheel speed sensors also provide the signal for speedometer operation via the CAN bus.

The ABS module constantly monitors the wheel speed sensors, comparing the readings, and if any wheel speed sensor reading deviates from the others, a code for that sensor will be set.

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Pro Tip: Some systems will send a low voltage through inductive sensor windings when the module wakes up to determine sensor circuit integrity.

Note: The definition of code C0035 may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer. For the exact code definition, consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database.

What are the Possible Causes of the C0035 Code?

Here are the common causes for the C0035 code:

• Faulty left front wheel speed sensor
• Damaged wheel speed sensor reluctor wheel or “snaggletoothed” magnets in the bearing seal
• Left front wheel speed sensor circuit issues (e.g., damaged wires or poor connections) 
• An issue with the ABS module (e.g., outdated software) 

What are the Common Symptoms of the C0035 Code?

Common symptoms associated with code C0035 include: 

• Illuminated Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning light
• Additional warning lights (e.g, traction control and stability control)
• Inoperative or overactive ABS, traction control, and stability control systems 

How to Diagnose the C0035 Code

Underlying causes and symptoms may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Diagnosis can also become even more complicated if your vehicle has set other codes along with the C0035. 

As there are a lot of varying factors, diagnosis may require the help of a mechanic. 

How to Fix the C0035 Code

There can be different ways of clearing an error code, and the C0035 code is no exception. Usually, however, diagnosing the underlying cause should help you narrow it down to what the appropriate fix should be. 

For instance, if the cause is a faulty left front wheel speed sensor, then replacing it should clear the code⁠—this has been documented to work for the C0035 code on certain Chevy Equinox vehicles.

If you aren’t well-versed in automotive repair, we recommend that you leave the job to a professional. But if you prefer to fix your car yourself, consider getting a single-vehicle ALLDATA subscription to obtain complete repair information for your car. 

This won’t just help you in clearing the C0035 code, but also other DTCs you may encounter in the future.

How To Buy a New Wheel Speed Sensor

While you can technically drive your car with a C0035 code, you really shouldn’t. The C0035 code is often caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor, which can cause your brakes to malfunction and puts you at a greater risk of getting into traffic accidents. For your own safety, buy a new wheel speed sensor at CarParts.com and replace your faulty one.

Find the right wheel speed sensor for your vehicle by browsing through our wide selection of high-quality products. We only source our products from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry, so you know you’re only getting the best of the best. Plus, thanks to our strategically located warehouses, you can receive your new wheel speed sensor in as fast as two business days!

Don’t take the risk of driving around with a faulty wheel speed sensor. Check out CarParts.com’s catalog of wheel speed sensors and get yourself a new one today.

Products Mentioned in this Guide

ABS Speed Sensor ABS Control Module