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00290 – ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Rear Left (G46) (VAG Golf IV/V/VI, Passat B5/B6/B7, Polo, Touran, Audi A3/A4/A6, Octavia, Fabia, Leon, Ibiza)

On VAG vehicles, fault code 00290 means "ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Rear Left (G46)". It is common on Golf IV/V/VI, Passat B5/B6/B7, Polo, Touran, Audi A3/A4/A6, Octavia, Fabia, Leon, Ibiza, All engines engines. Below are the real-world causes, step-by-step tests and OEM part numbers.

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00290 quick summary

Fault code00290
MeaningABS Wheel Speed Sensor Rear Left (G46)
SystemChassis
VehiclesVAG (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat)
Common onGolf IV/V/VI, Passat B5/B6/B7, Polo, Touran, Audi A3/A4/A6, Octavia, Fabia, Leon, Ibiza, All engines
SeverityMedium
Can I drive?Yes, normal brakes work, but ABS and ESP are switched off. Drive carefully.
Repair cost€20 – €300

Symptoms of 00290

  • ABS, ESP and traction warning lights on
  • Handbrake/brake warning on some models
  • Light comes on above a certain speed
  • Fault returns after clearing
  • Sub-type: signal too small / open circuit / implausible signal

Most common causes of 00290 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

Like the rear right sensor, rust is the main enemy. Clean the sensor bore carefully, use a little copper-free grease, and check the cable along the axle for chafing. If the signal is still implausible, the encoder ring in the hub is the likely cause.

  1. 1.Faulty wheel speed sensor G46

    Most likely

  2. 2.Cable damaged under the car

  3. 3.Rust in the sensor bore

  4. 4.Damaged encoder ring in the rear hub

  5. 5.Rear wheel bearing play

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read the ABS module (03) and note the sub-type.

  2. 2

    Compare wheel speeds in measuring blocks.

  3. 3

    Inspect the rear left sensor cable along the axle.

  4. 4

    Remove the sensor, clean the bore, check the ring.

  5. 5

    Replace the sensor or hub, clear codes and test drive.

How do I read fault codes? →Where the OBD2 port is, which scanner to use and how to read and clear codes step by step.

Frequently asked questions

Can tyre size cause ABS sensor faults?

Different tyre sizes on one axle can cause implausible speed differences. Check that all tyres are the same size.

Will the speedometer still work?

Usually yes, if a front sensor provides the speed signal, but it depends on the model.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.