When your car displays a C0031 engine code, it has detected that something is wrong in the left front wheel speed sensor or in the wheel speed sensor’s control or signal circuit(s). This could mean there are potential issues with your anti-lock brakes, stability control, or traction control.

A lot can go wrong with a car at any time. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) helpfully identify many issues that can afflict a car. Every car owner should be well versed as to what these engine codes mean. Purchasing an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner to read trouble codes will help you know how serious each issue is so you can act accordingly.

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What does the engine code C0031 mean?

Definition: Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor

Engine code C0031 is defined as “the left front wheel speed sensor.” It is set to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other control modules, like the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module, after it detects something wrong with the left front wheel speed sensor.

The purpose of the left front wheel speed sensor is to gauge and report on the wheel speed for the left front wheel. This information is relayed to the ABS module.

Wheel speed sensors provide the control modules with input data about the rotational speed of each tire. Wheel speed is usually used for anti-lock brakes, stability control, and traction control—systems that are part of the chassis.

How much will it cost to fix?

A mechanic will need about one hour of labor to diagnose the problem. The total cost to repair the problem depends on the auto shop you go to and what kind of car you have.

Remember, most auto shops charge in the range of $75 and $150 per hour.

What can cause the C0031 engine code?

The C0031 engine code can be caused by several factors. The most common causes behind this engine code are:

Faulty Left Wheel Speed Sensor

Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted

Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor circuit has a poor electrical connection

Wiring or connectors in the sensor wiring harness are corroded, damaged, shorted, burnt, or disconnected.

Clogged, defective, or damaged reluctor ring

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or another control module has failed or is failing

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

Common symptoms of the C0031 engine code

Not every symptom associated with the C0031 engine code is visible. Luckily, some might trigger a warning light on your dashboard. Be on the lookout for:

Engine Light turning on (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light turning on

Remember, your car might drive normally, so you need to be extra vigilant with this engine code and proactively inspect what the problem might be.

How serious is the C0031 engine code?

The C0031engine code is considered to be serious and the repairs can be difficult. The reason that most mechanics deem this to be urgent is that it can impact a car’s brake system or the wheels.

Without a left front wheel speed sensor, your speedometer might not receive the information it needs to record and display your speed as it can not account for that one wheel.

Can I fix the C0031 engine code myself?

Yes, you can fix these issues by yourself. Start by following these steps:

Visually check the related wiring harness and connectors.

Look for any damage related to components. You want to specifically look for broken, pushed out, bent, or corroded connector’s pins.

Based on your findings, you should perform the corresponding repairs. Possible repairs might include replacing the left front wheel speed sensor.

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