RSS

.

        How to test a vehicle ABS sensor     Test Procedures     Tricks


     Summary: Test ABS brake sensors with a meter, never waste money replacing a good sensor again.

  

If you're getting an "ABS" or "Brake" light on your vehicle, there is a chance that your ABS wheel speed sensor is not functioning properly.

A Chilton or Haines manual for your vehicle should show exact procedures for removing the sensor.

Step 1 To check out the sensor, first remove it from the vehicle. Most are going to be mounted directly into the top or side of the rear end (pumpkin).

             

                

 

Note: Some vehicles use two separate sensors with one being on the front differential, and the other on the rear differential. 

Step 2 Once you remove the sensor you should see the two contacts where the plug connects. Clean off any dirt or grime that may have built up in there.

Step 3 Now put one lead on each contact while your meter is in the Ohms setting. This particular sensor is 50 Ohms, so I should read 50 Ohms across the two contacts. Check your service manual for your vehicle's specific value.

  Testing ABS wheel speed sensor          

 

 

If your meter doesn't move or shows an open, then your sensor is bad. If the reading is a lot higher than it should be, you have high resistance on the coil, and the sensor will need replaced. Similarly, if the reading is of very low or zero Ohms, then you have a shorted coil. Most ABS wheel sensors can be purchased from a local dealer for well under $100 U.S.

A few tricks to try if the sensor is good, but you still have an ABS problem.

Step 1 A very dirty sensor (the part that sticks into the differential), can cause an incorrect output to the car's computer, causing an ABS light. Simply clean off with some cleaner and a rag.

Step 2 Even if the sensor reads good, you may have a break or short in the wiring to the sensor. Most likely it will be near the sensor because this is the dirtiest area in the circuit. If no damage is found there, follow the harness up to the engine or dash connection. 

 

                                                       See more how-to articles 

 
 
   

              


                                       Home | How to videos | How to articles | Safety | About | Links | Help | Link exchange | Privacy Policy 

                                                   Copyright  2007- 2009 Ohmcheck.com, Trevor Bannon, Ohmer@ohmcheck.com. All Rights Reserved.

                                                                                                     Valid CSS!