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A wheel speed sensor, also called an “ABS sensor,” is part of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). It is located on the tires (near the brake rotors for the front tires and in the rear end housing for the rear tires).
What happens if wheel speed sensor fails?
All cars have 4 wheel speed sensors (ABS sensors). If one of these sensors fails, you will get several warnings on the dashboard, including ABS light, traction control light, stability control warning, etc. Adaptive cruise control and adaptive braking will be disabled as well if your vehicle has those systems.
How do I know if my wheel speed sensor is bad?
Symptoms of a failing Wheel Speed Sensor Warning lights. We get it. Speedometer doesn’t work. This is a bit of a rare symptom, but can occur, especially in older vehicles. Anti-lock brakes stop working. Traction control and stability control stop working.
What causes wheel speed sensor failure?
Corrosion, affecting the air gap spacing and weakening the sensor’s signal strength. Road debris blocking the sensor, rendering it inoperative or causing mechanical damage. Particles of metallic debris attached to a wheel speed sensor magnetic encoder ring. Contaminated wheel speed sensors.
Can you clean wheel speed sensors?
With the sensor free, take your rag and wipe the sensor until it’s clean. I prefer not to use any chemicals on the sensor to avoid potential problems. If, however, the sensor is really grungy, use a mild soapy solution and rinse well. Keep this in mind when working with these sensors.
How much does it cost to replace a wheel speed sensor?
To replace the speed sensor, you are going to pay, on average, between $330 and $380. The labor should only cost you between $80 and $100, while parts will run you about $265.
How long does it take to change a wheel speed sensor?
Remove the old speed sensor. Replace it with a new one. The connector is in a plastic box hanging on the wheel well. 20 minutes.
Is it hard to replace wheel speed sensor?
The anti-lock brake system of a vehicle uses a wheel speed sensor to determine the speed of the moving wheel in order to control the anti-lock brake or traction control functions. Fortunately, it is easy to replace a wheel speed sensor and takes you about an hour at maximum.
Can wheel speed sensor affect transmission?
Can A Bad Wheel Speed Sensor Cause Transmission Not Shift? The PCM will not be able to properly control the shifting of gears within the transmission if it does not receive a valid speed signal from these sensors. The transmission may shift more quickly or rough due to this.
Will a wheel speed sensor cause brake problems?
A malfunctioning wheel speed sensor does not normally impact regular brake functioning — only the anti-lock braking system. If your ABS warning and check brake lights are both illuminated on your dashboard, there is a serious problem with your vehicle.
Can a wheel speed sensor cause limp mode?
The wheel speed sensor provides critical information to other systems in the car to run the car efficiently. In such cases, the wheel speed sensor cannot be said to put your car in limp mode. The ABS computerized system will interpret any inaccurate information from the wheel speed sensors as loss of traction.
Is wheel speed sensor same as ABS sensor?
Wheel speed sensors are often also called ABS sensors as they were used in vehicles for the first time when ABS was introduced. Wheel speed sensors can be designed as active or passive sensors, depending on how they operate.
Can I drive with a broken speed sensor?
In general, it is unsafe to drive a vehicle with a broken wheel speed sensor. The car’s computer will not be able to determine the speed that your vehicle is traveling, so it might apply the brakes at a faster rate than necessary or increase the engine power.
How many wheel speed sensors are on a car?
Modern vehicles have four wheel speed sensors: two front wheel speed sensors and two rear wheel speed sensors. That is, each wheel of your car has a wheel speed sensor.
Will grease affect ABS sensor?
They aren’t affected by grease, but debris does interfere with them. In the sealed hubs, there is no debris in them, just grease.
How much is a front wheel speed sensor?
Shopping for ABS Speed Sensor An aftermarket ABS speed sensor can cost anywhere between $50 and $500. Prices vary depending on the brand and the exact vehicle you own. Labor costs for this type of repair can set you back by another $300, but this may vary depending on the rates in your area.
How much does it cost for a wheel sensor?
The average cost for wheel speed sensor replacement is between $207 and $252. Labor costs are estimated between $62 and $78 while parts are priced between $145 and $173. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.
How long do wheel speed sensors last?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule to help you predict how long your wheel speed sensor is going to last. Unlike a brake light switch or brake caliper that can last as long as your vehicle, you can expect your transmission speed sensor to last between 30,000 and 50,000 miles.
How do you remove a wheel speed sensor?
ABS Sensor Removal Put on your safety glasses. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Safely raise and support the vehicle using a jack and jack stands. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Use a ratchet to remove the ABS sensor retaining bolt. Remove the ABS sensor from the vehicle.
