2017 Canyon ABS/Traction Control Light On - Code C0035

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:43 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 GMC Canyon SLT 4x4

Hi all, I've got a 2017 GMC Canyon SLT, 4x4, and the ABS and Traction Control lights have both come on and stayed on. This happened suddenly a couple of days ago. I hooked up my OBD-II scanner, and it's showing a code C0035, which points to the Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction.

I'm wondering if this is just a bad sensor, or if there could be something more serious going on with the wiring or the ABS module itself. Has anyone else experienced this with their Canyon? Is it something I can tackle myself, or should I just take it straight to a mechanic? I'm a bit hesitant to drive it too much with these lights on.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Thanks for providing the specific OBD-II code, Chris. C0035 (Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction) is a very direct indicator for your 2017 GMC Canyon's ABS and Traction Control lights.

Common Causes for C0035:

  1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor: This is the most common cause. The sensor itself can fail due to internal electrical issues, corrosion, or physical damage.
  2. Damaged Wiring/Connector: The wiring harness leading to the left front wheel speed sensor can get damaged from road debris, corrosion, or even rodent activity. The connector itself can also become loose or corroded.
  3. Dirty Sensor/Tone Ring: While less likely to trigger a 'circuit malfunction' code, a buildup of dirt, rust, or metallic particles on the sensor or the ABS tone ring (the toothed ring the sensor reads) can interfere with its signal.
  4. ABS Module Issue: In rarer cases, the ABS control module itself could have an internal fault affecting that specific sensor circuit. However, with a direct sensor circuit code, the sensor or its wiring is much more probable.

Diagnostics & Next Steps:

  1. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the left front wheel speed sensor and its wiring harness. Look for any signs of physical damage, fraying wires, or corrosion at the connector. Ensure the connector is securely seated.
  2. Sensor Cleaning: If accessible, gently clean the sensor tip and the tone ring (if visible) with a non-abrasive cleaner.
  3. Multimeter Test (Advanced): If you're comfortable with a multimeter, you can test the sensor's resistance or voltage output (depending on sensor type) to confirm its functionality. You can also check for continuity in the wiring harness.
  4. Replacement: If the visual inspection and basic tests don't reveal obvious issues, replacing the left front wheel speed sensor is often the next logical step, given the specific code.

When to See a Shop:

While replacing a wheel speed sensor can be a DIY job for some, if you're uncomfortable working on your vehicle's braking system, or if the issue persists after replacing the sensor, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. They have advanced diagnostic tools to check live data from the sensor, test the wiring harness more thoroughly, and diagnose potential ABS module issues. Driving with these lights on means your ABS and Traction Control systems are disabled, which can affect braking performance and stability, especially in adverse conditions.