• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Car in my DNA

  • Home
  • Categories
    • Audio
    • Tires
    • Maintenance
    • Garage
    • Lighting
    • Accessories
  • Blog

How to tell which wheel speed sensor is bad?

By David Wardell | Updated: May 21, 2022

How to tell which wheel speed sensor is bad?When it comes to car repairs, one of the most important components that you need to be aware of is the wheel speed sensor. This sensor is responsible for sending information to the car’s computer about the rotational speed of each wheel.

If this sensor goes bad, it can cause all sorts of problems with your car, including difficulty accelerating, braking, or even steering.

In this article, you’ll find answers to questions on how you can tell if your wheel speed sensor is going bad, what are the symptoms of a bad wheel speed sensor, what causes a wheel speed sensor to go bad, and so on.

Contents

  • Where is the ABS Sensor in Your Car?
  • ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Function
  • Signs of a Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
  • How to Test ABS Sensor
  • How To Tell Which ABS Sensor Is Bad
  • Сonclusion

Where is the ABS Sensor in Your Car?

The ABS sensor is usually located near the wheel of the car. It may be mounted on the wheel hub, on the brake caliper, or on the frame of the car. You can usually see it if you look closely. If you’re having difficulty finding it, you can consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a mechanic. Once you’ve located the sensor, you’ll need to remove it and take it to a mechanic or dealership to have it checked out. They will be able to tell for sure if the sensor is failing and can replace it if necessary.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Function

The wheel speed sensor is responsible for sending information to the car’s computer about the rotational speed of each wheel. If this sensor goes bad, it can cause all sorts of problems with your car, including difficulty accelerating, braking, or even steering.

Signs of a Bad ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

One of the first signs that your wheel speed sensor may be going bad is if your car starts to have difficulty accelerating. If you notice that your car is taking longer to reach higher speeds, or that the engine seems to be working harder than usual when you step on the gas, it could be a sign that your sensor is going badly.

Another common symptom of a failing wheel speed sensor is intermittent braking problems. If you notice that your car is sometimes suddenly harder to stop, or that the brake pedal feels “spongy” when you press it, it could be a sign of a problem with the sensor. In some cases, a bad sensor can also cause the ABS light to come on.

If you suspect that your wheel speed sensor may be going bad, the best thing to do is to take it to a mechanic or dealership and have them check it out. They will be able to tell for sure if the sensor is failing and can replace it if necessary.

How to Test ABS Sensor

If you’re having difficulty finding the ABS sensor on your car, you can consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a mechanic. Once you’ve located the sensor, you’ll need to remove it and take it to a mechanic or dealership to have it checked out. They will be able to tell for sure if the sensor is failing and can replace it if necessary. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to test your ABS sensor:

  1. Check the electrical connector for signs of corrosion or damage.
  2. Use a multimeter to check for continuity between the sensor terminals.
  3. Check the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter. It should be within a certain range, depending on the sensor type.
  4. If possible, test the sensor with a scan tool to see if it is functioning properly.
  5. Check for any loose wires or other damage that could be causing the problem.

If you suspect that your ABS sensor is going bad, the best thing to do is to take it to a mechanic or dealership and have them check it out. They will be able to tell for sure if the sensor is failing and can replace it if necessary. In the meantime, these tips should help you troubleshoot the problem and get your car back on the road.

How To Tell Which ABS Sensor Is Bad

The easiest way to tell which ABS sensor is bad is to use a multimeter.

  • First, locate the sensor and check the electrical connector for signs of corrosion or damage.
  • Next, use the multimeter to check for continuity between the sensor terminals. If there is no continuity, then the sensor is most likely bad and will need to be replaced.
  • Additionally, you can check the resistance of the sensor with a multimeter. It should be within a certain range, depending on the sensor type. Finally, if possible, test the sensor with a scan tool to see if it is functioning properly. If not, then it will need to be replaced.

You can also check the ABS sensors in a vehicle’s wheels using a vehicle diagnostic scan tool.  If you don’t have one, you can borrow or rent one from an auto parts store.

  • First, open the car’s hood and locate the wheel speed sensors. There is one sensor for each wheel, so you will need to test all four sensors.
  • Next, connect the scan tool to the diagnostic port under the dash.
  • Follow the instructions on the screen to run the ABS sensor test. The test will typically take a few minutes to complete.
  • Once the test is finished, it will tell you if any of the sensors are bad. If one or more of the sensors is bad, then it will need to be replaced.

You can also check for any loose wires or other damage that could be causing the issue. If you suspect that your ABS sensor is going bad, the best thing to do is to take it to a mechanic or dealership and have them check it out. They will be able to tell for sure if the sensor is failing and can replace it if necessary. In the meantime, these tips should help you troubleshoot the problem and get your car back on the road.

Сonclusion

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the signs that your wheel speed sensor may be going badly. If you notice any of these signs, the best thing to do is to take it to a mechanic or dealership and have them check it out. They will be able to tell for sure if the sensor is failing and can replace it if necessary.

You might also enjoy

Is it safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner
Is it safe to drive with a bad belt tensioner
What happens if you put r134a in an r12 system
What happens if you put r134a in an r12 system
Chevy Silverado oil pressure gauge problem
Chevy Silverado oil pressure gauge problem

About David Wardell

I am a technical specialist with over 14 years of experience in the automotive industry. I am well versed in the field of computer diagnostics and car repairs of various brands and models, so I can solve complex issues while providing quality service. Read More.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy

All images and logos are the copyright and/or trademark of the respective owners.

 

DMCA.com Protection Status

 

Copyright © 2023 · CarInMyDNA.com

Scroll Up