The Difference Between Active and Passive Wheel Speed Sensors

[@888jackflash]

Passive sensor on a motorcycle rear wheel- I'm getting a light stammer or hesitation when going slowly over ripples in the tarmac, at part throttle. If the wheel dampers were worn, and the wheel was lurching back and forward a bit... could the wheel speed sensor cause hesitation in the ignition or fueling?

[@BCABearings]

Unfortunately, we don't have enough experience with motorcycle wheel speed sensors or access to the service information needed to answer your question.

[@pomz3604]

On the diagram for the active sensor it shows that the hold down bolt is also grounding the sensor. I had to remove both rear sensors on a 2012 Nissan Frontier to replace axle seals and both hold down bolts snapped off due to rust. I used a self tapping screw as a replacement. After replacing the sensors the ABS light is on and my cheap scanner shows left and right sensor faults. Could it be due to a bad ground. There was a brass ring in the hole for the bolt. Does 2012 Nissan use active or passive sensors?

[@BCABearings]

Thank you for your question. We can’t accurately diagnose this issue without seeing the actual error codes, but here are some ideas: -If the code is for open, short or hi/lo voltage/range: Check the circuit integrity from the HCU to the wheel speed sensor. These codes indicate that there is a loss of integrity with the circuit. Remember, the signal reading in millivolts, small changes in the wiring resistance can cause these codes. If the sensor had a bad ground, it would cause these types of codes. -If the code is for an erratic or invalid signal: Check the encoder or reluctor ring for damage and measure the air gap if possible. If the sensor was replaced, the issue with the ring would still cause codes. And yes, most late-model Nissans use both passive and active sensors. Some models have active sensors in the front and passive sensors in the rear, while others might have active sensors at all four corners. Hope this is helpful!

[@pomz3604]

​@@BCABearings thanks so much for the info. It will certainly help in my troubleshooting 👍🏻👍🏻