ABS Sensor

What is a ABS Sensor?

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.

What problems can be caused by a faulty ABS Sensor?

Car skids and brakes lock up when braking hard

Check Brakes warning light shows on dashboard

ABS warning light shows on dashboard

How much does it cost to replace the ABS Sensor?

The ABS sensor is another part that varies hugely in cost depending on the manufacturer, they can range from £500 to £3500. They will usually take a couple of hours to replace.

95 problems that mention the ABS Sensor

Showing the latest 10, see more problems here

1
response

Esp light stays on. When I move get warning message ASR faulty.

Have new steering rack fitted. Got wheels aligned and checked. Car drives fine. ESP light now stays on constant. When first moving the car warning message on dash ASR faulty.

2009 Citroen C5 2Ltd hdi
Posted: May 6, 2022

1
response

No lights on dash but on heavy braking rear brakes abs cuts in ?

as above no lights on dash every thing normal ,just on haevy braking abs cuts in on rear wheels

2005 Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0 hdi
Posted: Mar 1, 2022

3
responses

Multiple electronic faults.No brake assist / Tyre pressure warning light on / Park pilot failure / Engine management light / Limp mode.Seat are having great problems identifying the issue.

Bought the car June 2021 no probem until November when out of the blue Front Nearside tyre pressure indicator came on although a check next day found no pressure problem,bought 2 new front tyres and t...

2019 Seat Arona 1.6 diesel
Posted: Feb 15, 2022

1
response

Engine malfunction

HI, engine malfunction comes up on display and the esp light above at the same time I turn engine off, wait then start up and its clear but its done this 3 times this week help please JF

2009 Ford Mondeo 2.0 diesel
Posted: Oct 13, 2021

2
responses

"Run flat indicator inoperative"

Whilst driving today I got this error message on my dashboard "Run flat indicator inoperative." This turned the traction control off, ABS off and stopped the cruise control from working. After parking...

2013 Mercedes Benz C Class C250
Posted: Jul 29, 2021

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 is ok, Electrical failure?

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 have no effect so the "cruise standby" times out. Works fine at 80 km/hr in 4th s...

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

Warning Lights

suddenly, this morning, several warning lights came on (ASR, Parking Brake, Tyre Deflation and Eco) and cruise control not working. Ran diagnostic and it said repairs needed. The Parking brake works ...

2013 Citroen C4 Picasso
Posted: Mar 21, 2021