What Does C1190 Mean?
The left front (LF) wheel speed sensor input circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The ABS module is reading a constant high voltage on the LF sensor signal line instead of the normal alternating signal from the wheel speed sensor. This prevents the module from determining the left front wheel's rotational speed, disabling ABS, traction control, and stability control.
Safety Warning
ABS and traction control are disabled. The vehicle has conventional braking only, with no anti-lock protection. The left front wheel is typically the most critical for braking — loss of ABS on this corner is especially dangerous in emergency stops. Have repaired promptly.
Common Causes
35%
Sensor signal wire shorted to a 12V source in the engine bay or wheel well harness
25%
LF wheel speed sensor internally shorted (Hall-effect type with failed output stage)
20%
Corroded connector with conductive bridge between sensor pin and a power pin
15%
Aftermarket wiring (fog lights, driving lights) pinched against or spliced into the sensor circuit
5%
ABS module input circuit failure creating a false short-to-battery reading
Diagnostic Steps
1
Disconnect the LF wheel speed sensor connector at the knuckle. Clear codes and check if the code changes to an open circuit or general failure code. If it does, the sensor is shorted internally — replace it.
2
With the sensor disconnected, measure voltage at the harness-side connector pins. For a passive (VR) sensor, both pins should show 0V or near 0V. For a Hall-effect sensor, one pin should have supply voltage. If battery voltage appears on the signal line, trace the harness for the short.
3
Inspect the LF wheel well harness routing. Look for areas where the sensor wires may run alongside or cross over power wires (fog light feeds, ABS pump power, headlight harness).
4
Check for aftermarket installations in the front of the vehicle that may have inadvertently contacted the wheel speed sensor circuit.
5
Inspect the ABS module connector for corrosion, bent pins, or foreign material that could bridge the sensor input pin to an adjacent power pin.
Estimated Repair Cost
$50 - $400
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The left front (LF) wheel speed sensor input circuit is shorted to battery voltage. The ABS module is reading a constant high voltage on the LF sensor signal line instead of the normal alternating signal from the wheel speed sensor. This prevents the module from determining the left front wheel's ro...
The most common cause of C1190 (Speed Wheel Sensor LF Input Short Circuit To Battery) is: Sensor signal wire shorted to a 12V source in the engine bay or wheel well harness
Typical repair costs for C1190 range from $50 to $400, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
ABS and traction control are disabled. The vehicle has conventional braking only, with no anti-lock protection. The left front wheel is typically the most critical for braking — loss of ABS on this corner is especially dangerous in emergency stops. Have repaired promptly.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to C1190 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Chassis
System
ABS / Traction Control
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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