C0513 on 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade: Right Rear Wheel Speed Rationality Fault Guide

What's Unique About the 2015-2016 Jeep RENEGADE

On the 2015-2016 Jeep Renegade, this code doesn't always point to a bad sensor. Jeep issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicating that outdated software in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) can be overly sensitive and falsely trigger C0513, along with other rationality codes for other wheels. In these cases, a simple software update at the dealership is the correct fix, not a new hardware part. This platform is also shared with the Fiat 500X, which can experience similar ABS sensor failures.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• ABS warning light is on
• Traction control or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light is on
• "Service 4WD" message may appear
• "Service Hill Start Assist" message may appear
• Cruise control may not work
• "Service Electronic Parking Brake" message may appear

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Wheel speed sensors are exposed to harsh conditions (water, debris, heat) and are a common failure item on most modern vehicles. The wiring leading to the sensor is also susceptible to damage.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool with live data to monitor all four wheel speeds while driving or spinning the wheels by hand. If the right rear sensor's reading is erratic, drops to zero, or doesn't match the others, the sensor is likely bad. Visually inspect the sensor and its harness for any physical damage.
   Typical fix: Replace the right rear wheel speed sensor. This involves removing the wheel, partially removing the wheel well liner for access, disconnecting the harness, unbolting the sensor from the hub, and installing the new one.
   Est. part cost: $25-$60
2. Outdated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software 🟡 Medium Probability Manufacturer TSB #18-061-16 REV. C specifically calls out C0513 and all other wheel speed rationality codes (C0501, C0507, C050D) as potentially being caused by a software logic issue on 2016 models with the 2.4L engine.
   How to confirm: A Jeep dealership or a properly equipped independent shop can check the vehicle's current software version against the latest available version using a wiTECH scan tool. If the TSB applies to your VIN and hasn't been performed, this is a likely cause, especially if multiple rationality codes are stored.
   Typical fix: Reprogram the PCM with the latest software version. The TSB also notes that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) should be updated at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if under warranty) or typically 1-1.5 hours of shop labor for reprogramming.
3. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability The wiring harness leading to the wheel hub can be damaged by road debris, improper repairs, or corrosion. The harness runs through the wheel well and can be chafed or snagged.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the entire length of the sensor's wiring harness from the hub to the main connector inside the wheel well for breaks, chafing, or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the sensor connector and the main harness connector, and check for shorts to power or ground.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wire or replace the pigtail connector.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Wheel Hub/Bearing Assembly: → Shop Hub Assembly The tone ring that the sensor reads is integrated into the wheel hub. A worn or loose wheel bearing can cause excessive play, leading to an erratic signal as the distance between the sensor and tone ring fluctuates. Check for a noisy bearing (humming or grinding that changes with speed) or wheel wobble by trying to rock the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions.
• Low Battery Voltage: On many modern FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) vehicles like the Renegade, a weak or failing battery can cause a cascade of seemingly unrelated electronic error codes as modules fail to initialize correctly due to low voltage. If you have other random electrical faults, slow cranking, or the code appeared after the battery died, have the battery and charging system professionally tested.
• Faulty ABS Control Module: → Shop ABS Control Module This is the least likely cause. The module itself can fail, but all other possibilities (sensor, wiring, software, bearing) should be exhaustively ruled out before considering module replacement due to high cost and the need for programming.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read all fault codes from all vehicle modules using an OBD-II scanner capable of accessing the ABS system.
2. Using the scanner's live data function, monitor the wheel speed readings from all four sensors while driving. Confirm that the right rear sensor provides an erratic, dropping, or absent signal compared to the others.
3. If the signal is faulty, raise and secure the vehicle. Remove the right rear wheel.
4. Visually inspect the wheel speed sensor and its wiring harness for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Follow the harness from the hub into the wheel well where it connects.
5. Check the wheel bearing for any looseness or play by grabbing the tire at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o'clock) and trying to rock it. Any significant movement or grinding noise when spinning the wheel indicates a bad wheel bearing/hub.
6. If the sensor and wiring appear intact, and the bearing is good, replace the wheel speed sensor. It is held in by a single Torx or Allen bolt.
7. After replacement, clear the codes and test drive. If the code returns, the issue may be more complex.
8. If multiple wheel speed rationality codes were present initially, or the code persists after sensor replacement, contact a Jeep dealer. Verify if TSB #18-061-16 REV. C or a newer version applies to your vehicle's VIN and have the PCM software updated if necessary.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Right Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (OEM #68246762AA) — This is the most common hardware component to fail, causing an irrational signal that triggers code C0513. The left and right rear sensors are often the same part.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products (ALS3380), Duralast, NTK/NGK
  OEM price range: $40-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$45

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C0501 — Wheel Speed Signal Left Front Rationality. Often appears with other wheel speed codes when the issue is software-related, as noted in TSB #18-061-16 REV. C.
• C0507 — Wheel Speed Signal Right Front Rationality. Often appears with other wheel speed codes when the issue is software-related, as noted in TSB #18-061-16 REV. C.
• C050D — Wheel Speed Signal Left Rear Rationality. Often appears with other wheel speed codes when the issue is software-related, as noted in TSB #18-061-16 REV. C.
• U1424-00 — Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received. This code is also listed in TSBs that are resolved with a PCM software update, indicating a potential link through software glitches.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-061-16 REV. C: Addresses multiple wheel speed rationality codes (C0501, C0507, C050D, C0513) on 2016 models with the 2.4L engine, which may be resolved with a PCM software update.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Technical Service Bulletin #18-061-16 REV. C was issued by the manufacturer for 2016 Renegades with the 2.4L engine. It notes that C0513 and other rationality codes can be caused by a software issue and resolved by reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This should be a primary consideration if multiple wheel speed codes are present simultaneously.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Wiring Harness Continuity to ABS Module — expected: < 1.0 Ω. Failure: Resistance greater than 1.0 Ω indicates a break or corrosion in the wire.
• Sensor Signal Voltage (Live Data) — expected: A toggling square wave signal (typically 0.5V to 5V) that increases in frequency as the wheel spins.. Failure: A flat line, erratic voltage, or a signal that does not change with wheel speed indicates a faulty sensor or wiring.
• Sensor Resistance (Comparison) — expected: The resistance value should be very close to the value from the opposing (left rear) sensor. Note: This is a comparison test, not a definitive spec test, as absolute values for modern sensors are often not published and can vary.. Failure: A reading of OL (open loop) or a value that is significantly different from the known-good sensor on the other side points to a failed sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: ABS Initialization — After replacing the ABS module, this routine must be run to initialize the new module to the vehicle.
• wiTECH: Proxi Alignment Procedure — Required after reprogramming or replacing the ABS/BSM module to ensure all vehicle modules are correctly configured and communicating.
• wiTECH: Brake Pedal Calibration / Longitudinal G-Sensor Calibration — These routines, found under the ABS module's 'Miscellaneous Functions' tab, should be performed after a software flash to ensure the system has correct baseline values.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Connector — Located inside the right rear wheel well, behind the plastic fender liner. The liner must be partially removed by taking out several plastic clips/nuts to gain access.. This is the primary connection point between the sensor and the main vehicle harness. It is a common location for corrosion or damage due to its exposure to the elements, which can directly cause the C0513 code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'Randy Church' (2015-2018 Jeep Renegade) — Service ABS, Dynamic Steering, Service Hill Start, EPB, and Service 4WD lights all on the dashboard.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The video focuses directly on the successful repair.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was a faulty right rear ABS sensor. The video shows the complete replacement process, including the specific T30 Torx bit needed for the retaining bolt and how to access the connector behind the wheel well liner. The sensor itself was seized in the hub due to rust and required penetrating oil to remove.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68246762AA → Current — This part number appears to be the current and most commonly referenced OEM part for the rear wheel speed sensor for this vehicle range.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2016: The 2016 model year received several updates, including an improved Uconnect system and refinements to the 4x4 active drive system. More critically for this code, TSB #18-061-16 REV. C specifically targets 2016 models with the 2.4L engine for a software update to fix false rationality codes, suggesting a change in software logic from the 2015 model year.