Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Wheel Speed ​​Sensor

Common symptoms include the ABS light coming on, ABS malfunctioning, and the Traction Control light staying on.

Drivers in the US would be prone to multiple speeding tickets without the important help of a wheel speed sensor. This component, also called the ABS sensor, is attached to the hub of the drive tire and is responsible for monitoring several vehicle functions such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, and of course the vehicle's speed. Because of this, when the wheel speed sensor fails or fails, it usually affects the operation of these other vehicle functions and displays certain warning signs that any driver can immediately notice while driving.

The wheel speed sensor is different from the speed sensor installed inside the vehicle's transmission. Its job is to record the actual wheel speed and transfer this data to the car's ECU, which controls all the electronic functions of the car, truck or SUV. Like any electronic device, the best way to determine how well a wheel speed sensor is working is to measure the output voltage with a voltmeter. Since most car owners do not have access to this tool, they have to rely on warning signs that may indicate that this component is starting to wear or break and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

The following are some of the warning signs of a faulty or failing wheel speed sensor.

1. The ABS light on the dashboard is on

Because the wheel speed sensor also monitors your vehicle's anti-lock braking system, the ABS light will usually come on when the sensor is worn, disconnected, or has debris on it, which means you'll have to replace the sensor. wheel speed sensor. There are other problems that can also cause this light to come on, including a faulty ABS pump, worn brake pads, low brake fluid, brake pressure problems, or air trapped in the brake lines.

Due to the severity of brake component failure or brake damage, it is very important to contact an experienced mechanic as soon as possible if you see the ABS light on your dashboard illuminate while driving.

2. ABS not working properly

The anti-lock braking system is designed to evenly supply brake fluid to engage the brake calipers and pads to slow the vehicle without blocking the tires. The wheel speed sensor is responsible for communicating wheel speed to the ECU so it can tell the ABS system how much pressure to apply safely. When the wheel speed sensor is broken or not working properly, the ABS system is the first to suffer.

If you apply the brakes and notice that the front wheels are locking up, you should immediately contact your local ASE certified mechanic to have the problem checked. This issue may be a security issue and should not be put off. If necessary, it is recommended that the vehicle be stopped until the mechanic has identified the problem and repaired the ABS system. At best, it will be a faulty wheel speed sensor that simply needs to be replaced.

3. Traction control indicator light active

The traction control light on modern vehicles usually comes on when the driver of the vehicle turns off the system. If you have not completed this step or the traction control system is active, the most common reason for the light to be on is due to a faulty wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor also monitors wheel speed and sends data to the traction control system; This is why this warning sign is usually due to a worn or broken wheel speed sensor.

As with ABS, traction control is a safety device for cars, trucks and SUVs. This is done so that the tires do not break when you press the gas pedal. If you notice the traction control light is on and you haven't turned it off, contact your local ASE certified mechanic immediately.

You can clearly see that the wheel speed sensor does a lot more than just count how many revolutions your tire makes every second. It sends valuable data to the car's on-board computer every millisecond, so it's very important for the safe operation of your car. If you notice any of the above warning signs, don't hesitate - contact your local AvtoTachki Partner ASE Certified Mechanic as soon as possible.