What are the effects of a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor?
3 Answers
abs wheel speed sensor failure most directly affects the ABS warning light on the dashboard, which will remain illuminated. Below is more information about automotive sensors: 1. Introduction: Automotive sensors can be divided into two main categories: environmental monitoring and body sensing. Environmental monitoring sensors are used to detect and perceive the surrounding environment and are essential for autonomous driving. Body sensing sensors are used to obtain vehicle information such as tire pressure, oil pressure, and speed, and are fundamental sensors necessary for maintaining normal, stable, and safe vehicle operation. 2. ABS Sensor: The ABS sensor is generally located near the wheel bearing, outside the hub bearing and inside the brake disc. It monitors vehicle speed and, during sudden braking, feeds back the wheel speed to the braking system, which then controls the wheel's rotation to achieve optimal braking performance. If the sensor fails, the ABS system will not function, and during emergency braking, the wheels may lock up, leading to skidding and loss of control.
Once my ABS sensor failed, and the ABS light on the dashboard stayed on while driving. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but later I noticed something off with the braking. During a sudden stop on a rainy day, the wheels locked up completely, causing the car to skid several meters—nearly hitting the guardrail. I later learned that the sensor monitors each wheel's speed, and if it fails, the ABS system shuts down, significantly increasing the risk of wheel lockup during hard braking, especially on wet roads or in turns, compromising safety. It also affects other functions, like traction control. The mechanic told me diagnosis is simple—just a quick computer scan to pinpoint the faulty wheel. Replacing the sensor isn’t expensive, but delaying repairs too long could damage the control module, doubling the cost. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to get any warning light checked immediately to avoid unexpected hazards.
For those frequently involved in vehicle maintenance, ABS sensor failures are common. Main symptoms include the ABS warning light staying on, abnormally stiff or unresponsive brakes while driving, causing the ABS system to shut down. During emergency braking, wheels are prone to locking up, increasing the risk of skidding. It may also be accompanied by strange noises or traction control failure. Car owners often overlook this, but diagnosis with a scan tool takes just minutes, and replacing the sensor is inexpensive, costing around a few hundred yuan. Prolonged neglect may damage the ABS module or brake components, with costs soaring to thousands. It's advisable to regularly check sensor wiring for looseness or contamination and keep it clean to prevent malfunctions. Safety first—addressing issues early is always better than dealing with an accident.
