ABS Sensor Fault Symptoms & Problems

The ABS sensor is also known as the Wheel Speed Sensor. The job of the sensor is to provide a digital signal to the car's ECU that reports the speed of each wheel.

This function is vital for ABS to operate as without speed readings from the wheels the ECU cannot determine whether a wheel is locking up under braking. When the ECU detects a wheel is turning at a speed slower than is possible relative to the other wheels it will engage the ABS system to manage braking on the wheel. Once the wheel then returns to a normal speed it will re apply the brake (via the abs pump). This process repeats up to 20 times per second and is responsible for the grinding sensation you sometimes feel when you apply the brakes.

If the sensors malfunction this vital safety system cannot work correctly. It's not always clear if the sensors are failing as other issues can make them appear to be the culprit. Any problems or warnings from the ABS should be investigated by a qualified mechanic.

3 Symptoms of ABS Sensor Problems

We have 90 owner submitted problems mentioning the ABS Sensor

Showing the latest 10, see more problems here

3
responses

ABS and AntiSlide warning lights come on sometimes not allways, electrical problem?

ABS and Antislide warninglights come upp , not always and not when the car is parked. We checked the brakingsystem which...

2018 Renault Scenic Grand Scenic 1,4TCE Bose
Posted: Jul 14, 2021

6
responses

Cruise control won't engage in 5th gear

Works fine in 3rd and 4th gear, go to 5th gear and it will go into "cruise standby" but the set / plus / minus buttons h...

2007 Ford Mondeo 1.6 Petrol Hatchback 07-14
Posted: May 11, 2021

2
responses

Abs esp lights on I've replaced just about everything new abs sensors and stator rings new wheel bearings and hubs

Abs esp lights on

2006 Ssangyong Rexton 270sx 5auto
Posted: Apr 19, 2021

9
responses

suddenly, this morning, several warning lights came on (ASR, Parking Brake, Tyre Deflation and Eco) and cruise control ...

2013 Citroen C4 Picasso
Posted: Mar 21, 2021

1
response

Spedometer not working

I had my passenger front brake caliper replaced, suddenly after my spedometer stopped working and ABS sensor came on?

2005 Vauxhall Astra 1.8 club
Posted: Dec 11, 2020

4
responses

Brakes kicking in at low speed

when pulling off from the car standing for some time around 10mph in first it feels as if the brakes are engaging and ma...

2012 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4
Posted: Aug 16, 2020

3
responses

i had new rear shocks replaced and immediately car was started the abs light stayed on...two different dianostics could ...

2008 Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 petrol
Posted: Feb 24, 2020

1
response

Electrics and power steering

After 3 days in the garage, the problems are still present - the hand-brake light, on the dash, flashes, the ABS warning...

2010 Seat Ibiza 1200cc
Posted: Feb 20, 2020

1
response

Abs and tracs light

i have intermittent issue with tracs and abs lights cming on and the car seems to go into limp mode then ityll come back...

2008 Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 lt diesel
Posted: Aug 8, 2019

1
response

Intermitent loss of power, no speedo & no parking brake All at Same time!

I have an intermittent issue. I had warning lights coming up which the garage fixed stating it was the ABS sensor. Then ...

2010 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 deisel
Posted: Jun 2, 2019

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