
Step 1 – Connect the positive probe of the multimeter or voltmeter to the ABS sensor. Then turn the multimeter on. It should read 0 now. Step 2 – If your meter displays from 1.5 to 1.7, with constant reading, then the sensor is good.
What are the symptoms of a bad ABS sensor?
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad ABS Sensor?
- ABS Warning Light Is On. This is by far the most obvious sign that something is wrong with your ABS. ...
- Brakes Are Less Effective. As we’ve mentioned, the ABS is designed to activate if it detects skidding as a result of hard braking or braking on a slippery surface.
- ABS Always Activates When Braking. ...
- Traction Control Fails to Work. ...
How to diagnose the ABS sensor problem?
- Locate the diagnostic port underneath the dashboard—driver's side.
- Connect your VW scanner and turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
- Turn on your scanner and select Volkswagen and then your particular model.
- Next, go to control units and select the ABS control unit or brake control unit, depending on the scanner.
How do you replace an ABS sensor?
Procedure
- Park the vehicle in a safe work area.
- Loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them just yet.
- Jack up the vehicle and remove the wheel where you have a bad ABS sensor.
- Support the vehicle with jack stands.
- Remove the wheel from the wheel hub.
- Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor.
- Remove the ABS sensor bolt, then pull out the wheel speed sensor.
How do you test ABS wheel sensor?
- Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
- Disengage the wiring harness connector from the VSS.
- Using a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM), measure the resistance (ohmmeter function) between the sensor terminals. If the resistance is 190–250 ohms, the sensor is okay.

How do you test if an ABS sensor is working?
1:523:28ABS Sensor Diagnostics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the wheel spinning at the desired rotation level check the readings on the multimeter. TheMoreWith the wheel spinning at the desired rotation level check the readings on the multimeter. The multimeter should be reading at least 200 millivolts or 0.2 VA see if.
How do I know if my ABS sensor is bad?
On a passive ABS sensor, measuring resistance across the signal and ground leads generally produces a reading of 800-2000 ohms. A steady reading within this range indicates a good sensor. If the resistance is constantly changing or increasing on the meter, the sensor is faulty.
How do you check wheel sensors?
11:0213:46Wheel Speed Sensors - How to easily check ABS - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just give it a little spin. So make sure that I got speed. And then we'll go on a little testMoreAnd just give it a little spin. So make sure that I got speed. And then we'll go on a little test right afterwards all right so let's go do that.
What will a bad ABS sensor do?
When an ABS wheel sensor fails, it causes the anti-lock brakes to be inoperable. Anytime a fault is noticed, the system triggers an alert, and the ABS warning light comes on. From here, the vehicle's electronic control module stops receiving valuable data from the sensor.
Can you clean ABS sensors?
Using Cleaning Solutions: Avoid using any type of chemical cleaning solution on the ABS sensor. It could damage the sensor, meaning you'd have to replace it with a new one. If you need to, use warm, soapy water to scrub away dirt from the sensor—just make sure that the sensor dries completely before you replace it.
Can worn brake pads cause ABS light to come on?
To Be Clear, Worn Brakes CAN Cause The ABS Light To Come On, But It's Not Why You Think. Your brakes and your ABS are not the same, even though they work together. Your ABS system has its own electrical control unit which is separate from your braking system, even though the ABS and your brakes work together.
How do you test an ABS unit?
1:244:17ABS Pump Failure Symptoms – How To Test And Fix! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen carrying out checks to do this firstly start the engine. Now use your diagnostic tool toMoreWhen carrying out checks to do this firstly start the engine. Now use your diagnostic tool to connect to the vehicle. And scan the abs for fault codes if faults are stored in the memory.
What causes wheel speed sensor failure?
Corrosion, affecting the air gap spacing and weakening the sensor's signal strength. Road debris blocking the sensor, rendering it inoperative or causing mechanical damage. Particles of metallic debris attached to a wheel speed sensor magnetic encoder ring. Contaminated wheel speed sensors.
How do I reset my ABS sensor?
0:372:47How to do a "QUICK Reset" on your ABS System! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDo not start your engine just turn it to the on position. And you'll know it's on when all theMoreDo not start your engine just turn it to the on position. And you'll know it's on when all the lights start illuminating. And step number 2 come down below and three quick presses of your gas pedal.
How much does it cost to fix an ABS sensor?
It will cost between $200 and $400 to replace an individual speed sensor, and there is one for each wheel. Typically, they should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Does ABS sensor affect acceleration?
electronic stability control improves vehicle handling and steering. to accomplish this, the abs computer monitors changes in vehicle speed, momentum, steering and acceleration. this information is provided by a number of sensors, including the wheel speed sensors.
How to check ABS system?
You can check by using a scan tool to read the module information or by referring to the service manual of the vehicle.
How accurate are ABS sensors?
On the other hand, active sensors are more accurate and can work at speeds as low as 0.06 mph. It is important to understand there are two types of active ABS sensors: hall sensor and magneto-resistive sensor. The hall sensor is very accurate but it needs to be installed with utmost precision to work properly.
How Does ABS Work?
Let’s assume you’re driving at a moderate pace and you suddenly apply the brakes. During this time, the ABS sensors are monitoring each wheel to detect slipping, skidding, or wheel lock. If one or some of the wheels are locking (or if the ABS detects a possible skid), the ECU will send a signal to the HCU. The HCU will release the brake pressure to the locking wheels to improve grip. When the lock is corrected, the ECU commands the HCU to reapply the brake pressure and to keep the wheel slip to an acceptable degree. All of this happens as the vehicle comes to complete stop.
What is the difference between an ABS sensor and a passive sensor?
The primary difference is an active sensor is equipped with a power supply. It also creates a digital signal whereas the passive sensor creates an AC signal. This sensor also uses a toothed ring to read the wheel speed.
What are the components of ABS?
The anti-lock brakes are not restricted to the ABS sensors alone. In fact, the ABS is made up of four major components. 1. Speed sensor/ABS sensor: The ABS sensor is responsible for monitoring the speed of each wheel in the vehicle. The data is sent to the ECU and the information is utilized to command ...
What is the purpose of the ABS valves?
2. ABS valves: The valves are necessary for regulating the air pressure to the brakes when the ABS is in action. Each valve is located in each brake line controlled by the ABS. The valves can open in three configurations.
What are the two types of ABS sensors?
There are currently two types of ABS sensors or wheel speed sensors in a modern ABS system: 1. Magnetic inductive or passive sensor. Early ABS systems utilize a set of passive ABS sensors. Wheel speed information is gathered by the help of a toothed ring or tone wheel in the wheel hub assembly.
How to tell if ABS is working?
If your ABS light is on, the first thing to do is take your car for a test drive. This will tell you whether or not the light goes off during the drive. This way you will know if your system is working properly or not. It can also give you an idea of where the problem lies.
How to check for broken wires in ABS sensor?
To check for broken wires in the hub of the ABS sensor, you will need some metal rods and some electrical tape. Only remove the broken wires (black and brown). Then use some electrical tape to fix all the remaining wires so they are not short-circuited.
What Is an ABS Sensor?
The ABS sensor is a simple device that is used to detect the locking up of a tire by the anti-lock braking system. It works with a sensor hub that sends signals to the ABS control module. The control module manages the braking system and operates all of the sensors within it. The control module reads information from each sensor and compares it with preset values to decide whether or not the brakes should be applied.
What is an ABS system?
An Anti-locking brake system (ABS) is an important system for your car. The ABS works with a sensor to detect wheel lock and prevent any tire from locking up. This sensor is known as an ABS sensor.
How much does an ABS sensor cost?
ABS wheel sensors cost anywhere from $100 to $200 each, while ABS control modules run from $200 up to $600 apiece. Discount prices are possible if you are not in a hurry.
What color is a sensor hub?
The sensor hub has two colors. If you have a problem with it, it means that there are one or more broken wires in the sensor hub. The colors of the wires are brown and black.
Where is the ABS sensor installed?
The ABS sensor kit is installed directly on the brake caliper. The sensor itself is fixed to a steel plate with two bolts.
Why are ABS sensors important?
ABS sensors are also referred to as wheel speed sensors because they are placed in strategic positions within the wheels’ hub to monitor speed and rotation. When one of the sensors is bad, it can lead to other problems, and that’s the reason why you should learn how ...
Can an ABS system malfunction?
Incorrect wiring can also cause the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to malfunction. Hence, the ABS wiring should be among your consideration when troubleshooting the problem you’re facing in your car. If all these seem complicated, kindly reach out to a mechanic.
Is a wheel speed sensor the same as an ABS sensor?
By now, you should know that Wheel Speed Sensors are the same as ABS sensors. * Since the car is not moving, the wheel speed sensor should read “Zero” (0). Any of the wheel speed sensors that reads a number below or above “Zero” when the car is not moving is the culprit.
Is ABS bad on a wheel hub?
Mere dismantling your wheel hub to have a clear glimpse of the ABS sensor won’t prove to you whether it is bad or not. However, if the ABS sensor is physically damaged, such injury can be detected in this manner. In contrast, when the ABS sensor is not physically damaged, you’ll need a technical, troubleshooting device to run diagnostic tests ...
Is the left rear ABS sensor bad?
They are also at “Zero,” which clearly indicates that the left rear ABS sensor is the bad one. Also, there is much other information displayed on the “Live Data” interface.
Can you drive with a bad ABS sensor?
In conclusion, when you discover the faulty ABS sensor (s), drive the car to a mechanic workshop and have an auto technician replace them. You may choose to replace the entire ABS sensors or just the faulty one (s). Driving with a bad ABS sensor can be dangerous – you may end up being faced with more expensive repairs.
How to tell if your ABS sensor is bad?
The easiest way to tell which ABS sensor is bad is using a car diagnostic scan tool. Just plug in the device, choose the car model and select diagnose ABS and it will show fault codes describing which speed sensor failed.
What tool do you need to test ABS?
To test a car’s wheel ABS sensors, you will need a car diagnostic scan tool. We highly recommend the Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT. It is the upgraded or 2021 version of the MK808 and MX808, which features all systems diagnosis & 25+ Services (ABS Bleed, Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, DPF, BMS, Throttle, Injector Coding).
What is the best multimeter to check ABS?
We recommend using the KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter from Amazon. This advanced tester can diagnose automotive electrical issue including ABS sensors.
Is it safe to drive a car with a broken wheel speed sensor?
In general, it is unsafe to drive a vehicle with a broken wheel speed sensor or ABS sensors. Typically, a car has four sensors and now you’re wondering, how to tell which ABS sensor is bad?
Can OBD2 scan ABS codes?
Alternatively, you can also use an OBD2 scanner to scan the code. Some scan tools offer the ability to read ABS/SRS trouble codes, but not all of them do. Keep an eye out for which diagnostic tools are available and whether they suit your needs.
What happens if your ABS sensor gets bad?
But if your ABS sensor gets bad, it will directly affect the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
What does the ABS light indicate?
So, when there occurs any problem with the sensor like it’s worn out, has a poor connection, or has got dirty, the ABS light will indicate.
Why does my ABS light glow up?
This happens because this sensor also monitors the wheel speed and sends the data to the traction control system. Hence, if the monitoring goes wrong, the light will glow up.
Can you test an ABS sensor on your own?
It is not much tedious to test your ABS sensor, and you can do it on your own. The important apparatus that you will need for this testing process includes a voltmeter and a hydraulic jack.
Can you test ABS sensor on all four wheels?
If you are manually testing for the bad ABS sensor, then it is recommended that you should jack the whole car. In this way, you can test all four wheels one by one without lowering down or lifting up every side separately.
