Braking and steering can be difficult.
Imagine the frustration of trying to do both at once or having one hand locked up because your brakes weren’t working!
That’s why most cars are equipped with ABS systems today- they make life so much easier for drivers everywhere.
How much for the ABS sensor?
The cost of an ABS wheel sensor can vary from $100 to $200, while the control module will run you up to 600 dollars.
In addition, expect about $80-150 labor/ hour for installation, and there’s usually a 1-hour minimum on-site time required.
An ABS Wheel speed sensor is an important primary unit that collects data for the ABS.
For the Anti Lock Brake ABS control module to properly behave as per the given road conditions, WSS is critical.
WSS is Wheel Speed Sensors placed on all four wheels, and they help in the continual and smooth transmission of wheel speed to the ABS control module.
It also helps out quite nicely during rainy weather conditions where traction might decrease due to wet roads.
How does the ABS wheel speed sensor work?
Mounted in the hub and within extreme vicinity to the brake calipers, the ABS WSS monitors the speed of axles turning towards the core.
All 4 WSS work in tandem and provides a unison yet independent signal to the ABS high command, the control module.
Finally, the control module does some changes and fixes to auto-correct the slipping while the wheels rotate.
What are the symptoms of a bad ABS wheel speed sensor?
Well, it is pretty easy to catch it.
If a Wheel Speed Sensor fails, the ABS and the TCS (Traction control system) along with the manufacturer-specific stability control system will illuminate a light.
The lights inform the driver about the failure of a sensor.
What are some common issues related to failed ABS WSS?
The vehicle will become more susceptible to tire slips, and normal driving patterns have to compensate quickly and adjust.
On some older models of cars, the issue is more severe.
Their speedometer can be affected and can blink the light for “Check Engine Light” as well.
Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.) Should one drive a vehicle that has a bad sensor?
Answer: Don’t even think of it.
In general, it is unsafe to drive a vehicle with a faulty or broken wheel speed sensor.
If your vehicle speed sensor is damaged or wearied out, at first sight, you might not notice any difference, especially in the way your car used to perform.
This is especially true when suddenly a slippery pavement comes and then your vehicle goes crazy.
Q2.) How many speed sensors does a car possess?
Answer: There are over 2-speed sensors that work in parallel and provide accurate transmission data.
This data then goes to the powertrain control module of the vehicle.
Q3.) What can the typical reason for the speed sensor going crazy?
Answer: As soon as you turn the wheel, a cover is knocked off by teeth.
It’s common for dirt or corrosion to accumulate on sensors and inhibit their ability to generate signals because they can go bad too.
The most common problem I see with these devices is faulty wiring connections at either end.
This leads to those not working properly when turned inwards (as if towards you).
Q4.) Which is the location of the VSS Sensor?
Answer: The vehicle speed sensor or VSS is very aptly situated near the output shaft.
It is also to the right side of the transmission.
Q5.) How can we fix a speed sensor?
Answer: How to Repair a Vehicle: Speed Sensors?
- Park the vehicle on an even surface and engage the emergency brake.
- Turn the engine off, set up jack for local repairs if needed (check tire pressures).
- Look straight ahead towards the passenger side mirror
- Unplug wire harness coming out of speed sensor
- Use caution with needle-nose pliers or large hands only when safely disconnected by itself after aligning into the transmission cavity.
- I hope you don’t break anything else putting it back together again later
- Align the new replacement speed sensor into the transmission.
Q6.) How long on average does it take to put a sensor on the car?
Answer: Generally speaking, the new upstream sensor can take up to 1.4 hours to replace, and the average cost for the replacement is $206.08.
For downstream sensors, the price would be $203.08, and usually, it takes around 1.2 hours to replace.
One of the genuine replacement options is via YourMechanic.
Q7.) Is the speed sensor that important?
Answer: Sensors like the engine speed sensor are detectors for how fast a vehicle’s crankshaft is spinning.
These devices produce an accurate value that can be used in many ways, such as measuring power output or determining fuel efficiency.
It is a critical aspect of a vehicle as it provides the real value for your engine’s speed.
Q8.) What is the right way to test a speed sensor?
Answer: Vehicle Speed Sensor Testing – This is a really simple test to make sure your speed sensor’s good.
Turn the ignition switch off and then disengage from the wiring harness connector.
Use an ohmmeter set on “volt” mode if possible (you can also use just normal amps).
190-250 resistance should show up as 0 volts/1 amp while applying 100+/- 2 milliamps between terminals with no connection at all.
Anything over that means there may be some corrosion or other issue in need of fixing ASAP!
Q9.) Should you drive without ABS?
Answer: Quite surprisingly, yes!
However, there is a catch to it.
If you are a responsible driver and keep it safe and sane, avoid any emergency stops,
ABS not even required
The more important thing is to know that if you don’t possess an ABS, and you had an ABS vehicle earlier, and then you must follow some tips.
You must understand how to break right on the edge of break locking without pretty much locking the brakes.
It means smooth braking.
Q10.) Is it possible that the ABS light comes on due to bad brake pads?
Answer: Most of the time, this light is switched on by low brake fluid or simply an engaged parking brake.
But, some vehicles are quite different, and they simply indicate a problem elsewhere.
These types of vehicles illuminate immediately if an ABS fault comes into action.
Q11.) Does low brake fluid cause ABS light to illuminate?
Answer: Have you ever had your car’s ABS light come on?
The reason it may be activated is due to low levels of brake fluid.
You will notice if this happens by how much force it takes for the brakes, which can lead to other problems like squeaking or softness.
This mostly happens when stopping from a high-speed distance between pedal presses.
Unfortunately, there are so many factors leading up until we get our vehicle into an accident (speed limit/zoom gains).
These issues tend to affect not only safety but also cost-effectiveness too so keep watching out.
Q12.) What is the right method to switch on the ABS light?
Answer: It is an easy process.
Begin by pushing and releasing the Set button present on the DIC control unit panel until you notice the ABS sign.
Proceed by holding the Set button present on the same panel for about 5 seconds.
This will reset the light and then turn it off.
Finally, Turn the key set in the ignition to Off position and remove the key.
Q13.) What causes your ABS light to lit on?
Answer: Most often than not, the ABS light switches on due to the Anti-Lock braking system issues.
The most common issues are low brake fluid, a blown a fuse, or even abnormal signals right from wheel sensors.
Q14.) Is it possible to remove ABS from the car?
Answer: Removing a wheel speed sensor will disable ABS—and sometimes, stability control.
If your car has a yaw sensor, you can unplug it for results.
You should also try to simply unplug the module if this is something that doesn’t work with what you want or needs.
Because doing so could adversely affect how well braking performance works in regards to reliability on certain models/years of vehicles.
The Final Verdict
Wheel speed sensors are notorious for failure since they are housed on the wheel hub.
This means that dust and debris from outside can easily get into these places.
Some common sources are rainwater or salt spray while driving down a highway with your windows open at any time of year.
Also, the ever-present problem of brake dust and grime of roads is a common issue that gets accumulated on the magnetic sensor.
This causes interference and hence prevents proper readings.
If both lights of ABS and TCS are active, be ready for ultra-shocking news of a faulty wheel sensor.
You can also deploy some home mechanics, which can considerably reduce the costs.
They can typically inspect the vehicle and give expert recommendations, which can be handy.
It will save you some money and get a personalized touch.
Thanks for reading!