ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Fault - How to Test and Fix ABS Sensor

You’ve got the dreaded ABS/wheel speed sensor fault but how do you go about fixing it?!
Tim’s going to show you the basics on what, and how, to check for ABS wheel speed sensor faults and get you back motoring as quickly as possible.
www.ecutesting.com/categories...
0:00 - Episode insight
0:17 - Wheel Speed Sensor Symptoms
0:57 - Wheel Speed Sensor Testing
1:43 - ABS Reluctor Ring
2:08 - How to test and ABS sensor with a multimeter
3:08 - How to tell which wheel speed sensor is bad
3:34 - Our ABS module repair

I think this is now best youtube channel i learn this days new things. You have very good animation with multimeter simple and easy to understand.

[@barbergraham6812]

your video editor needs a massive pat on the back. This is great content

[@user-cq9ng5gb4x]

Very good and understandable video thank you !

[@dwilliams6346]

Hi Tim. Thank you very much for this video. I wasn't sure where and how to test the circuit but now I do so thank you. I have been having a C0040 fault code on my Astra now since I did renovations to it after a failed MOT. Both front left and right sides have had new brake lines and new hubs, with a new clutch kit installed, all bled and pressurised with zero drop in pressure, which I was told is a sign there is a leak or, the ABS pump is kaput. When I powered everything up again (car was without power for about 9 months) I allowed the system to regulate itself for about 15 minutes after being cold for so long. As soon as she started up first crank, the ABS light stayed on. I plugged in my op-com and it showed this code - Front Right Wheel Speed Sensor Malfunction. So far, I have had the whole lot off again and put the old hub back on which was still working, and I was able to clear the code, but then returned. Thinking it was a faulty speed sensor cable, I replaced that which went on this morning. I put the new hob back on and the DTC database stayed free of any codes. I thought it had done the trick, until I started driving and then the ABS light came on, same code. The left side has no problem whatsoever. When I check for continuity between the Neg of the battery to the speed sensor, because it is an integrated hub, I'll need to test from the speed sensor cable instead right? If I get no reading from any of the interconnecting plug sections, can I deduce that there is a fault with the module itself? Thanks in advance

[@johnreiszel7858]

Great informative video, great job

[@RiseUpRoyalAce]

Definitely subscribed

[@nothingmuch.3014]

Good video. Could go further with passive & active sensors, & showing examples of damaged reluctor/magnetic rings

[@Ecutestinglimited]

We are glad you liked the video, and thanks for your feedback!

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

*Will the vcs abs system in a 04 Lexus gs300 cause my rear end to go berserk when I'm at highway speeds at about 60mph? Even after EVERY SUSPENSION part has been replaced and aligned???*

[@robeaton2191]

Hey i have 2010 Vauxhall Insignia with a known ABS fault code of C0040 - 0F (front right abs sensor signal) but i have no access to live data at this time. The code has come back (erratic signal), i have replaced the abs sensor as it was cheap and hoping for a quick fix but no luck, this model doesn't seem to have a reluctor ring and appears to be built into the bearing housing, as its come up as erratic is it likely to the magnet in the bearing housing at fault? It is pretty corroded underneath. Thanks

[@EXPEDITIONROVE]

Great video 👏

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Thank you for the kind words, we are glad you found it helpful!

[@haithamfaleh7727]

Hi Tim, Thanks a lot for the useful information, I have toyota rav4 2018 and the abs alarm mostly ON (not always). The car previously has a damage collision on the front right side, do the think the sensor or the wire sensor or the driving wheel component damaged and that's why the abs and traction control alarms on? Thanks a lot...

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. Are you able to scan the vehicle for any fault codes? Without these it would be tricky to pin point the cause of the ABS and traction control lights being on. However you are correct, a collision could have damaged wiring to the sensor, the sensor itself, as well as the reluctor ring or even the wheel, all of which could cause the ABS light to remain on. After a collision, the most important thing to check would be the state of the wheel, is it badly mis-aligned, is the pressure low etc. Hope that helps!

[@Suriya9703]

What happens if Any of sensor got failed ? Is there any other safety function will be available or some else in CAR ?

[@msyeleking4968]

Do you have books for reading about car maintenance?

[@Royce1982]

Is there anytime a bad speed sensor will not light up on dash?

[@bigred8927]

Great how to vids! Sorry for the long post. I'm having an issue with my 2008 Nissan X Trail T31 and wondering if you might have a idea where to look. We replaced the broken clock spring after a considerable period of time and after having the steering recalibrated, the abs would kick in at random times while driving. The warning light of the car with squiggly lines under it would flash in sync with the braking of the car. We engaged the 'esp off' button to stop the esp kicking in. We had it looked at and there were no codes showing up on the diagnostic tool. All wheel sensors showed that they were working as you described in your video. The brake system was checked and flushed with no change to the problem. After a few more visits to the Nissan mechanic, it was suggested that it may be the abs module. We are looking to sell the vehicle in the near future (another child on the way), and due to the fact that they weren't 100% on the module being the issue, we sourced another abs module (same number), from another xtrail of the same year and model, instead of a new unit. We were assured by the supplier that it would be compatible. With the 'new' one installed, there were issues with the 4wd light staying on, the abs and esp light coming on and even the speedo dropping out. They cleared up themselves, however we are back to the same symptoms as before with the stability control kicking in unless the esp is disabled. Do you have any advice on what is likely to be the issue? Apologies again for the long comment.

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. Thank you for the kind comment, we are glad you like the videos! If you have replaced the ABS and the faults still occur, it could be that you have a problem with the wiring to/from the ABS. If you are able to carry out an inspection of the wiring and connectors to check for any damage that could be the cause of the problem. We would also recommend carrying out voltage drop tests from the battery to the ABS to see if there is high resistance present in the wiring loom. If both of these check out ok then the final thing to check regarding the wiring would be the continuity of the ground connection at the ABS. We have detailed these steps in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGWvnKSaeZJlbNE The other potential causes could be a faulty steering angle sensor, or damaged reluctor ring(s) or even damaged wheels themselves. We hope this helps and your car is back to working order soon! Cheers

[@paiwandmustafa5324]

Hi i hope you are doing well I have run flat inductor tyre pressure check light symbol it's Mercedes-Benz do you think ABS speed sensor can causes tyre pressure check light, it's always on after few miles driving

[@gurdeepsanger4489]

Hi I’m not getting any fault codes but the 3 lights are on e46 bmw cabrio

[@tommasodanea5780]

Congratulations first of all for the splendid explanation, I wanted to take advantage of this video to ask a question, I have a problem with my car automatic transmission, I arrive in 4 and it goes into neutral, from the diagnosis it gives me error code U0101 in the ABS / EBCM / ESC module what can it be? Thanks I wanted to clarify that it does so as soon as I arrive at 50 km / h

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. Please send your vehicle details and all the above fault information and symptoms into our technical support team at [e-mail] and they will be able to assist you further. Cheers.

[@corybureau4124]

i have a similar issue! 3rd and 5th are essentially neutral, and reverse doesn't engage. in 3rd and 5th the speedometer will run all the way up, and the airbag light came on with occasionally the abs light on and off.

[@rickstarb]

Hi what software do you use? It's difficult to find out if they will give you live graph data for the wheel speed sensor before buying. Any advice gratefully received! Low cost would be preferable!

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. If you can find a scanner with a scope function on it, that should be able to read live data. We would recommend speaking to a local specialist as different scanners will only be compatible with certain makes or models of vehicle. Cheers

[@skorpion72586]

What about when there's no abs pump voltage and no inlet or outlet wheel valve activity and no codes? Calipers dragging intermittently. I wish mine would throw a code

[@emmaandshaunexplore]

Hi, I have had wheel sensor issues on my leon for about 6 years now. Basically, I have one replaced every year, then another one breaks, then that gets replaced and another one breaks. Would you suggest that this maybe an abs module issue instead of a wheel sensor issue?

[@RiseUpRoyalAce]

Sounds like it

[@kennysmusicalcabaret162]

Hmmmm ! nice vid, and so to a question ( been to the garage for a diagnostic of course but ? ) the garage say there is no information going to the Stability control unit from the main brain or visa versa so therefore it's not possible to say which sensor is playing up and it points to a faulty box of tricks ( this bening the box with all the brake pipes coming out just next to the round pin diagnostic plugin also the engine management light has now decided to join in the fun and the car is poor to pull away but after that it whizzes along real nice . This is a 1999 523i automatic petrol and I know it's old but it is a superb car and it could get financially written off just because of this ( so i am told by BMW ) , what a shame for such a lovely car ( any ideas ? ) Thanks folks

[@nizrannugroho9163]

hi mr. ...Nice to meet you , please help me, this resoult my obd scanner , U0401,U0423,C0002,C0001, what problem in my ford fiesta 2011 1,6 ABS , thank u

[@The_Touring_Jedi]

You guys are gonna make some good bussines during upcoming financial crisis. It would soon be a problem to get those oem new parts for a reasonable price and it is soon going to get a lot worse. Anyway a rebuild part can hold as long as a new one if done correctly if I'm not wrong. It is almost the same for turbo chargers, some people can rebuild those to hold even longer then factory original. Cheers

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi, thanks for the comment, we hope you liked the video! You are correct about rebuilt units lasting as long, if not longer than the factory original, and this is especially true for the units we rebuild as we use higher than standard rated components to eliminate the original manufactures design flaws on the unit, ensuring faults don't re-occur. And to top it off, all our units also come with lifetime warrantee for an extra peace of mind. While it is good for business, the current situation around wait times, supply issues etc for OEM parts is a big problem for customer's who only believe in 'buying brand new'. However we do hope it will shine more light into the re-manufacturing industry and encourage people to move away from the 'throw-away' style of thinking.

[@MaxS9000]

This video has helped me a lot, i have been trying to solve the dreaded peugeot wheel sensor issue for a long time. But i would add to your video, that on my car the enfine needs to be running, and rhe abs sensor neesd to be plugged in or it won't output a voltage. How do i measure it then? I got round this by making a pair of jumper cables between the sensor male and female plugs. I stripped the centre of the wire so i could attach a multimeter. I checked a known good corner and there it was 12.5V. At last we're getting somewhere. Still a way to go.

[@Ecutestinglimited]

We're glad the video helped. What you are describing is likely a variable reluctance sensor which produces an analogue signal in the form of a sine wave. You can test this by back probing the sensor connector, setting your multimeter to AC volts and rotating the wheel. There should be an AC voltage reading produced, the the reading being higher the faster the wheel spins. Hope this helps!

[@Suedenim1999]

Surely only active sensors provide a 12v voltage for hall effect sensors to feedback data? Passive sensors have little or no voltage supply and use reluctance ring and sensor induction to generate a very small AC wave from for abs actuator

[@familiaalfarorequena2631]

Hello. Your videos are very good. My peugeot 307 xli 2006 after 10 to 15 minutes of driving brakes and ABS failure is activated. Odometer, speedometer and electrohydraulic steering stop working. After turning off and letting a few hours go by it works fine again. I have checked Alternator and I have cleaned the sensors. What should I check? thanks

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. The symptoms you have described could indicate a failing ABS unit, however we would recommend getting the vehicle diagnostically scanned for fault codes first before condemning the unit. Please email our technical support team at [e-mail] with the results of this scan as well as all the details you have mentioned in your comment and they will assist you further. Thanks.

[@familiaalfarorequena2631]

Thank you very much for your reply. I will follow his advice. I will scan to find out what codes. The abs module was changed but I don't trust the work they did in the mechanical workshop that in the end they couldn't find the fault and I decided to remove the car. I will also change the brake fluid. Thank you.

[@wooddee6079]

if only i had the top notch scanner that tells you step by step

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

Get an Xtool D8 or D9

[@harunamaxzola5356]

Please which OBD scanner is best for both diesel gasoline and electric vehicles

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. We use a variety of different OBD scanning tools that work well with specific makes and models of vehicles, so we unfortunately can't recommend an all rounder. We would simply recommend doing independent research to find one that will fit your criteria.

[@Moondoggy1941]

SO I drove my car and the lights came on for ABS and Traction Control, then by the time I got home they went back off, will a reader find that code or does the light have to be one? I have a cheap OBD2 reader but I do not think it reads ABS, what brand should I get? Thanks I am in the states.

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

XTOOL D8 OR D9. I bought a D8 at the beginning of March and it has updated at least 2-3 times a week, including special functions which started at 31 and is now at 38. They give you 3 years of updates, free remote diagnosis help, and they will LITERALLY update ALL scanners based on YOUR INPUT.

[@YANDEX30V]

Good morning..hope you're well. So to add tht if I've corrosion in ECU connector pins; could tht be a reason for fault code finding no reading. Id assume so... There's no indication of damaged ECU I believe > No issues with sensors nor the castellated ring detected! No speedometer reading. Ty

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. Corrosion on the ECU pins could certainly cause no wheel speed sensor reading and, depending on the vehicle, could also cause no reading on the speedometer. We would recommend cleaning the corrosion and checking for good terminal tension on the connector and see if this clears the faults.

[@YANDEX30V]

@@Ecutestinglimited absolute genius. The garage are trying to charge me £1000.08. All theyve done is (so they say) clean abs sensor and wires. 8 hours in labour >>cough cough> a Master Technician took 8 hours to clean the rear os abs sensor and un plug the ECU connector to detect corrosion. And STILL haven't cleared the dash warnings by spraying a bit of contact cleaner. With all tht said ..I now fear collecting/paying and worst of all I fear driving the vehicle at all now ..how can I trust tht they've not swapped any of my parts .. I think it's time Live Streams were conducted for our referrances. Many reguards to you for your honesty. 😲👆

[@smailidrissi1833]

Hello please my mercedes w204 shows this fault code 5001 cc52 what is supposed to be? A failure of abs module? Have i change it completely? Please i need uour help in addition to this the steering wheel becomes rigid when i roll over 20km/h

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. The fault codes and symptoms you have described are a very common sign that the ABS unit has failed and will need to be re-built. Please visit our website for more information on this fault and for details of how to get your unit tested: www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/mercedes/c-class-abs-pump-fault/ Please let us know if you have any further questions.

[@jasonobrien3131]

Good Video, QQ, I have a Audi A6 Avant (2014), if both my FR and FL speed sensors are faulty (not completely broken), would my brakes fail, and would stop the car? I was driving the car the other day and the I pressed the brakes and nothing happened. I kept pressing the brake petal then the brakes worked. Audi claim its the speed sensor fault caused it. Seems strange.

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. A failing or faulty wheel speed sensor would not cause no braking faulty wheel speed sensor would only cause brakes locking on, no abs braking assistance or no traction control.

[@wing2jhnthnchun]

Where do you get the scan software

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. You will need to research to find a scan tool that is compatible with your vehicle and these can be bought online or at an automotive retailer.

[@Sinister_187]

I have e320 2003 with abs light on & my car breaks fine & all but my warning light comes on

[@Aero8899]

Hi my Ford Galaxy 2016 ABS sensor is showing a fault again within 1 year of replacement. I can’t understand why this is happening. We used a new genuine Ford part. Thanks

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. Have you scanned the vehicle for fault codes and they are showing a specific wheel speed sensor is faulty? If it is the WSS that is showing as faulty and you have replaced it recently, then we would recommend following the steps shown in this video to identify if the fault is with the new WSS itself or with the wiring to it, or even the ABS module. It would also be worth checking the reluctor ring on the affected wheel for damage or corrosion as this can cause WSS fault codes to be produced. Hope this helps!

[@ciprianionutapetroaie7314]

hi, I changed the new abs speed sensor rear left and it tells me like this (open circuit/short circuit to b+) and I deleted the error code with a cheap obd2 from amazon, you must have a certain larger more sophisticated obd2 with more functions to delete the ECU from the car computer, thank you, I'm waiting for an answer

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Have you tried checking the wiring from the wheel speed sensor to the ABS? It could be a wiring fault causing the code not to be cleared, as most obd2 scanners should allow you to clear codes (but check your specific scanner's manual to confirm this).

[@ciprianionutapetroaie7314]

@@Ecutestinglimited OK thanks

[@jeganjegan1701]

Nice

[@Lilnagger666]

Hey guys so ive been fighting my car this past week bout 1000 bucks in already. Ive fixed all my problems besides one. i have not had one warning light come on my dash so its kinda scary and confusing for me that my cars not displaying any warnings. Had Autozone scan it and they did tell me one of my abs sensor on the rear of my 2015 accord lx is bad. would that cause my rpms to jump up when letting off the gas? Or is that the transmission sensor any help guys id really appreciate it trynna make it to work monday no mechanics are openend till monday so im kinda screwed i either gotta miss work which isnt really an option right now or i gotta fix this over the weekend. Anyways thanks guys super frustrated right now ive done so much this past week to this thing and its just been one problem after another.

[@stephenhumphrey1767]

I've got an extremely similar problem which I have yet to figure out. Have you gotten it diagnosed?

[@Lilnagger666]

@Stephen Humphrey yea actually i doubt this would pertain to you tho. When i bought the car from the dealership used of course they didnt tell me either about it but the previous owner had installed an aftermarket alarm system and they wired it into the wiring harness and interior fuse panel instead of using the security model under the dash. Because of that it shorted out so many different sensors and was throwing off my cars computer. They removed the alarm and factory reset the car and it fixed alot of issues i was having but couple days later started having more issues after already bringing into the dealership 6 times before then and getting told they couldnt find any problems and then me having to try and work on the car myself and going in the hole just about 3 grand in the past 2 months. I just ended up threatening them with the lemon law and now i got a basically brand new 2022 camry xse as of yesterday haha

[@Lilnagger666]

@Stephen Humphrey are u getting any codes or having any other symptoms that wouldnt derive from just a speed sensor fault by chance? If ur just getting a code and also if u disconnected your battery your rpms are prob fluctuating from the readiness codes not being set which would just take a drive cycle. If ur not having any other symptoms and its just the sensor prob just needs a new sensor which is a fairly easy job to do yourself if u have the time otherwise im pretty sure anywhere else is gonna charge thr hell out of u for the sensor replacement

[@salaryinsuadiaarabia6368]

Good

[@bobert8125]

What if i get the esp lights randomly, even if i just start the car and im not even in it. But i never get the abs light.

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. Are there any fault codes present when scanning the vehicle with the ESP light on? If you are able to get a diagnostic scan, please email the results to our technical support team at [e-mail] and they will assist you further. Please also include your make and model of vehicle and symptoms of the fault. Thanks.

[@bobert8125]

@@Ecutestinglimited no I don't get any codes when I plug in a code reader when I have those lights. Iv got all 4 new wheels. All new brakes on all 4 wheels. New left wheel bearing. All fresh grease for the brake sliders and pins. Brand new steering wheel angle sensor. Checked all wiring and there's nothing broken or frayed. The light will sometimes turn on when I start the car. Sometimes I can go all the way to work before it turns on. Sometimes I can go all the way to work and then drive home at the end of the day and it will turn on when I get back to town. The longest iv had it off was about 12 hours and that was after I removed all the wheel speed sensors and cleaned and put then back in. It's honestly driving me crazy because iv exhausted all possible causes and nothing had changed the problem. The only code I have is for the maf sensor. And sometimes for the o2 sensors but they shouldn't affect the esp ligh4s. My car is a Holden captiva 2008 v6 auto

[@bobert8125]

@@Ecutestinglimited any ideas? Because it's sending me crazy. I don't know what to do.

[@nabeelilyas8791]

My ABS sensor light comes on for like 2 mins and then goes off. How can I test it when the fault is not presented on screen. I am unable to diagnose which ABS sensor is playing up. Any help please?

[@Ecutestinglimited]

If you are able to scan the vehicle for fault codes it may be that you still have a 'passive' code stored which can help identify the cause of the abs light. If you have access to a diagnostic tool with a live data function then you can drive around with it plugged in to see if one of the wheel speed sensors gives an abnormal reading. As it is an intermittent issue the fault could lie with a bad connection so it may be worth wiggling the ABS wiring harness and associated connectors to see if it causes the light to reappear. Hope this helps!

[@nabeelilyas8791]

@@Ecutestinglimited thank you so much. I shall find someone in the area who can do live testing and find the fault code. I wish you were in West Yorks and I could come down to you :)

[@nabeelilyas8791]

So I managed to get diagnostics and it came up with ABS control module malfunction. Is it worth replacing one? And if yes, how much roughly it will cost in your opinion as I understand from your video that it will need programming as well.

[@user-re2fb1dd8t]

❤❤❤❤

[@uhmeizuhngralphf0549]

Guy this guy he looks like he has a computer science degree

[@rickhenderson237]

My ABS light stay on and the car at times won't start and sometimes it will clean the wheel gears it was better for a short time now it start and don't start.

[@Ecutestinglimited]

Hi. Are you able to scan the vehicle for any fault codes? If you are able to get a diagnostic scan, please email the results to our technical support team at [e-mail] and they will assist you further. Please also include your make and model of vehicle and symptoms of the fault. Thanks.

[@peterg6114]

Dirty sensor easy fix is also a thing.

[@Zander7.5]

I have a pug 207 and my head hurts!!

[@synergismtherapy]

Do