P1716
Wheel Speed Signal 2 Range Performance.
- Volkswagen
- Powertrain
- Manufacturer code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 1
- Defined byThe manufacturer
- 7
- AreaTransmission
- 16
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
On Volkswagen, P1716 is logged as Wheel Speed Signal 2 Range Performance. The control unit has received a wheel speed signal that is implausible or does not agree with other speed information, such as the other wheels, vehicle speed or output speed. Which wheel 'signal 2' refers to, and which module sets the code, depends on the model and the transmission or engine control fitted.
Symptoms
- Engine management or transmission warning light on
- ABS or traction control warning light on at the same time
- Erratic or missing speedometer reading
- Harsh, delayed or poorly timed gear changes on automatic models
- Transmission or engine going into a limp or fixed-gear mode
- Traction or stability control intervening unexpectedly
Possible causes
- Faulty wheel speed sensor or damaged sensor wiring and connectorlikely
- Dirty, damaged or magnetically contaminated sensor ring or encoder, or a cracked tone ringlikely
- Worn or damaged wheel bearing causing excessive play and an unstable signalpossible
- Incorrect or mismatched tyre sizes, or a mix of worn and new tyres, giving a speed difference between wheelspossible
- Corrosion or poor contact in the connector or harness between the ABS unit and the engine or transmission control unitpossible
- Fault in the ABS control unit or a data bus communication problemrare
- Outdated control unit software where a known fault exists for that modelrare
How to diagnose
- Read all fault codes from every module, especially the ABS unit, and note any wheel speed sensor codes stored alongside P1716.
- Check the freeze frame data and clear the code, then see if it returns and under what conditions (speed, turning, braking).
- Compare live wheel speed values for all four wheels on a road test or with the wheels raised, looking for one that drops out or disagrees.
- Visually inspect the wheel speed sensor wiring, connectors and mountings for chafing, corrosion, water ingress and damage.
- Inspect the sensor tip and encoder or tone ring for dirt, metallic debris, rust damage or cracks.
- Check for wheel bearing play and roughness, and confirm tyre sizes, condition and pressures match.
- Test the sensor signal and wiring continuity against the manufacturer's data for your model, and check the connector pins for fit and corrosion.
- Check for any manufacturer software updates or technical bulletins that apply to your vehicle.
How to fix
- Replace the faulty wheel speed sensor once testing confirms it is at fault.
- Repair or replace damaged wiring and corroded connectors.
- Clean or replace the damaged sensor ring or encoder, or replace the wheel bearing unit if it incorporates the ring.
- Replace a worn wheel bearing and recheck the signal.
- Fit matching tyres of the correct size and condition on all wheels.
- Update the control unit software where an outdated version is a known cause, or repair or replace a confirmed faulty ABS unit.
Can I keep driving?
The car can usually be driven carefully for a short time, but the ABS, stability control or gearbox behaviour may be affected. Have it diagnosed soon, and avoid driving if gear changes become harsh or the ABS warning light is on and braking feels unusual.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.