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2018 Mirage G4: ABS and Traction Control Lights On, Speedometer Acting Up

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:09 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES

Hello! I'm having a weird issue with my 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES. Both the ABS light and the Traction Control light (the car with squiggly lines) have come on and stayed on the dashboard. What's even stranger is that my speedometer sometimes drops to zero while I'm driving, then jumps back up.

I've noticed this happens more frequently after hitting a bump or driving in wet conditions. I scanned for codes and got C0031 (Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction). Could a single wheel speed sensor cause all these problems, including the speedometer issue?

Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. I'm hoping it's not a major repair.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:09 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Yes, a single faulty wheel speed sensor, or issues within its circuit, can absolutely cause all the symptoms you're describing in your 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES, including the ABS and Traction Control lights, and the erratic speedometer readings. The C0031 code specifically points to the left front wheel speed sensor circuit.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  1. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the left front wheel speed sensor and its wiring harness. Look for physical damage to the sensor itself, frayed wires, exposed conductors, or corrosion at the connector. Also, check the tone ring (the toothed ring the sensor reads) for any debris, damage, or excessive rust.
  2. Clean Connections: Disconnect the sensor's electrical connector and clean both sides with electrical contact cleaner. Reconnect it firmly, ensuring a secure fit.
  3. Check Resistance/Voltage (Advanced): If you have a multimeter, you can test the sensor's resistance (for passive sensors) or check for a voltage signal while the wheel is spun (for active sensors). This requires specific knowledge of your sensor type and expected values, so consult a service manual.

Potential Causes for C0031 and Symptoms:

  • Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor: The sensor itself can fail internally due to age, heat, or vibration, leading to incorrect or no signal output.
  • Damaged Wiring/Connector: The wiring leading to the sensor can get cut, chafed, or corroded, especially near the wheel where it's exposed to road debris and moisture. A loose connection at the sensor or further up the harness can also be the culprit.
  • Damaged Tone Ring: The magnetic or toothed tone ring that the sensor reads can become damaged, cracked, or filled with metallic debris, disrupting the sensor's ability to accurately measure wheel speed.
  • ABS Module Issues (Less Likely with specific code): While a faulty ABS module can cause these lights, the specific C0031 code strongly points to the sensor or its circuit as the primary issue.

Why the Speedometer is Affected:

Modern vehicles often use wheel speed sensor data (typically from the front wheels, or an average of all four) to calculate vehicle speed for the speedometer, cruise control, and other systems. When a front wheel speed sensor fails, the system loses accurate speed data for that wheel, which can cause the speedometer to drop out or become erratic, and trigger the ABS and Traction Control warnings.

When to See a Shop:

If a visual inspection and cleaning don't resolve the issue, replacing the left front wheel speed sensor is the next logical step. This is a relatively straightforward repair for a competent DIYer, but if you're uncomfortable working with vehicle electronics or cannot definitively diagnose the issue, it's best to have a qualified mechanic perform the repair. Ensuring the ABS and Traction Control systems are functioning correctly is vital for your safety.

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