What causes wheel speed sensor failure

What causes wheel speed sensor failure, How much cost is required for the replacement of the wheel speed ABS sensor? Location of ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

The primary function of ABS sensors is that they have the capability to assess wheel speed and in case one of them fails then it can cause very serious problems. There are several signs that can indicate that the sensor is malfunctioning. The ABS wheel speed sensor works for a multipurpose and makes it a vital component of your vehicle. You can notice a number of signs if one’s condition begins to deteriorate.

The MOT failed test may be due to a faulty wheel speed sensor, so you should need to replace the damaged wheel speed sensors with the help of a qualified mechanic before scheduling your next MOT testing service. On your dashboard, the ABS warning light appears as an indicator of a faulty ABS. Sensor. You can also notice a pulsing brake pedal and or failure of the system of the anti-lock brake while braking.

If you check the history of your car online and find out that a prior failure was because the ABS light is on, then there is a possibility that the problem was caused by broken sensors of wheel speed.

There are no several indicators that an ABS sensor has failed as you can see.

The actual reason behind this is to avoid accidents the ABS control module will brighten the warning light of the ABS and this makes inactive the system

You should need to pay special attention to the most prevalent signs of a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor:

1-Warning Lights- Illuminated 

On your dashboard, a number of crucial lights warn you of impending danger. The ABS light shows a problem with the ABS wheel speed sensor.

It can cause just at first the ABS warning light to illuminate.

The other systems when stop working correctly, then there is a possibility that can illuminate the traction and stability control warning lights as well. In such a situation, you should need to find an online certified technician for car repairs near me to schedule an appointment with him. The defective sensors of the ABS wheel speed can cause the speedometer to cease registering in some rare conditions.

 

2-Pulsating Brake Pedal 

The ABS sensors are responsible to detect the speed of every wheel during braking. In case of if one of these ABS sensors fails, then it will read the incorrect speed on more wheels or one wheel. The thinking that the vehicle is sliding on a slick surface as a result of this, the ABS control module will be deceived. Since this is not safe, so you should need to search online for car services near me and as soon as you notice a pulsing brake pedal you must be required to schedule an appointment with a repair garage. As a result of this, the ABS and traction control will activate

You can feel a pulsing or pumping brake pedal during braking.

3-Failure of the Anti-lock Brakes 

The anti-lock brakes become unworkable when the ABS wheel sensor fails. The system sends out an alarm in case when a malfunction is detected, and the warning light of ABS illuminates. The car’s electrical control module ceases receiving vital data from the sensor.

The computer uses this information to evaluate if the wheels are locking up and required help. Because the system of the ABS has no idea what is going on, it will shut down until the issue is resolved.

4-Loss of Traction or Stability Control

The other problems related to these are stability control, traction control, roll stability, and hill-start assist can all be lost.  When the sensor ceases delivering information then the computer turns off these systems. If the ABS light is turned off, then you can face trouble. If you have to face trouble maintaining traction in bad weather, and or braking rapidly, the ABS wheel speed can be responsible for that. If there is a damaged electrical connection between the sensor and the ECM, then this can also blame.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensor’s Function

The sensor ABS wheel speed is also known as the ABS brake sensor or commonly the ABS sensor. This is a very important aspect of the ABS, whatever it is named. Now modern new cars are equipped with a system of anti-lock braking. The sensor of the ABS wheel is responsible to detect the rotation speed of the wheels and which are mounted to the wheels or axle. In most ABS sensors toothed ring and a magnet, encased in a coil are founded.

An electric field is created if the magnet and the ring make contact, after this it is converted into a signal and provided to the ABS controller. The function of the controller is to regulate the speed of each wheel from here. This data is sent to the ECM (Engine Control Module). If the ECM detects a wheel that is locking up then at this time the ABS initiates.

It often emits a grinding sound along with a throbbing feeling because it runs at such a high pace.

In risky conditions, the ABS sensor is very helpful for managing the movement of the vehicle if the vehicle also possesses traction control. In the case of lost traction, the speed of one wheel is different from the others, forcing the mechanism to engage.

The computer creates issues by reducing the amount of braking force given to the wheel. This force is when reduced then the wheel is capable to get a grip, and it revolves normally once again. In newer vehicles, this system of stability control is also controlled by these sensors.

What causes wheel speed sensor failure?

How much cost is required for the replacement of the wheel speed ABS sensor?

The average replacement cost of the ABS Wheel Speed Sensor is between $200 and $400 per sensor, and it depends upon the model of the car and the labor costs. Almost you can expect to pay $100 to $150 for the sensor of the wheel speed and for the labor is about $100 to $300.

On luxury vehicles often the cost of ABS wheel speed sensors are more and work can be harder in some models, that in turn enhances the labor cost. However, it is not very hard to replace the sensor of the ABS wheel speeds yourself with a few tools. If you possess the

basic knowledge of mechanics, then this project can be worth tackling in your home garage. After a while though, they can become stuck, therefore, you can need a heat source to remove them.

Location of ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

At the wheel, behind the brake rotor, the ABS wheel speed sensor is located, and some, of these, are directly on the axle. Every vehicle has various a number of ABS wheel speed sensors,  at each wheel behind the rotor there will be one. At each wheel, Systems with three sensors have one, and the second one is on the rear axle instead of at either of the rear wheels.

The type of ABS calculates how many sensors that vehicle contains.

Four ABS types of configurations are here.

Two-channel, four-sensor ABS: On each wheel, one sensor is located, since in the front there’s a channel and one for the rear. Any speed sensor detects a wheel lockup when it then the ABS engages at that part of the vehicle.

Three-channel, three-sensor ABS: One sensor is located at every front wheel, and on the rear axle one is located. While at the same time, the rear wheels are monitored, and the front wheels are estimated separately.

Three-channel, four-sensor ABS: The sensors are present at each wheel, and on a controller, the rear wheels run.

Four-sensor ABS: At each wheel, one sensor is located and it is monitored individually. With modern vehicles, this is a very common configuration.

Four Symptoms of a Faulty ABS Ring

From here, the controller is responsible to determines each wheel’s speed or axle. After this, this information is transmitted to the ECM (Engine Control Module). When the ECM sees, a wheel is going to lock up. This works at a very fast speed and this frequently produces a grinding noise with a pulsating sensation.

When the vehicle is equipped with traction control, so ABS sensor is very helpful in controlling the movement of the vehicle’s critical conditions. If the traction is lost the speed of one wheel will be various from the others which requires a cost on the system. The computer lowers the braking force that is applied to the wheel, causing trouble.

When such force reduces, it is responsible to allow the wheel to regain grip, and it rotates normally again. In modern cars, these types of same sensors run a system of stability control.

Can we drive with the bad ABS sensor?

In case of a faulty ABS sensor, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) of the car properly won’t be working. The only possible way to drive with a bad ABS sensor is to drive technically, but it is not suggested. Safety should be always given more importance during driving. If you have a bad ABS sensor, then this is better you should just need to fix it as soon as possible.

Is it possible to clean the  ABS sensors?

Yes. You can try cleaning the ABS sensor, but it is unable to solve the issue. The most common reason for ABS sensor failure is electrical problems and open circuits. The readings of the sensor may be incorrect if the ABS reluctor ring is very rusty.

What are the possible causes that lead to cause bad ABS sensors?

There are some things that can lead to cause bad ABS sensors. The dirt and debris accumulation on the sensor or connector is also one of the reasons. Over time this can happen since in a very exposed area the sensor is mounted, particularly where you live there is a lot of dust or dirt. The other possible reason is that corrosion, if water gets into the system can occur. The third reason is that the sensor may physically damage which may lead to cause failure.

Is the ABS sensor responsible to affect acceleration?

It is rarely, but it is not impossible. The ABS sensors are utilized for the system of traction control. In case of if the wheel gives the wrong wheel speed, then it can be the possibility for causing decreased power to the engine as a safety feature.

Are you required to replace a  Speed Sensor?

Normally in some situations, you don’t require to replace the sensor. For instance, you may clean out debris, and to function normally the sensor will go back. If the sensor is not correctly working yet then such case a proper diagnosis and replacement is required.

Can transmission be affected by the Wheel Speed Sensors?

Yes. The ABS sensors are responsible to send the information to the car’s computer if these sensors do not send the correct information, then will trickle into the Engine’s Control Unit (ECU). Because the ECU has the ability to control different driving components, this causes many issues. When the transmission receives the wrong speed values, then in such case it can be unable to get the car into the correct gear. You can feel that the transmission can lock up in first gear, or the shifting of gears takes place with strong jerks.

Is wheel speed sensors able to throw a code?

Yes. A bad wheel sensor has the ability and will throw a fault code. There are almost 40 ABS codes and between them, half surround a malfunctioning wheel sensor. There are several diagnostic procedures, and you will find them, but the easiest method is to use the diagnostic scanner that has the ability to can read the ABS. After this, you will the specific code. You can find out its definition before undertaking the process of repairing or replacement procedures.

Last words

If your car is facing such types of above mention ABS sensor symptoms, but you feel that you have no knowledge to diagnose it then you need to take it to a mechanic. Because of this fact, the sensors ABS are installed in an area exposed to water and dust, and the old sensor can be difficult to remove. If you do have not adequate knowledge, then you should need help from an experienced mechanic.

If you have good work experience with cars, in such case you can replace the sensor yourself. Commonly replacing an ABS sensor is not very costly, but its cost depends upon the make and model of your car.

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