What are the effects of a faulty rear wheel sensor?
3 Answers
There are many situations where the rear wheel sensor fails. If the wheel speed sensor malfunctions, it will affect the car's ABS braking performance or cause the ABS to stop working. At the same time, the dashboard will display a fault light warning. Although it does not affect the car's original mechanical braking system, it does affect the ABS system. It is recommended to promptly inspect and repair or replace it. Damage to the wheel speed sensor will not only cause a certain deviation in the speed display on the car's dashboard but also lead to unstable engine idling and reduced acceleration performance. Additionally, during the process of starting the vehicle or decelerating to a stop while driving, there is a high likelihood of experiencing momentary pauses or even stalling, which directly affects driving safety to a certain extent.
When my rear wheel sensor failed the other day, the ABS warning light instantly came on, which really scared me. The ABS system completely malfunctioned, causing the wheels to easily lock up and skid during braking, especially on wet roads during rainy days—emergency stops were truly nerve-wracking. I also noticed that turning stability was affected; with the electronic stability control out of order, the car wobbled, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. I suggest not delaying repairs, as it might also affect the speedometer and dashboard readings. Safety comes first—get it checked and replaced at a repair shop ASAP. It usually costs a few hundred yuan, but your life is worth more.
As someone who has driven for half a lifetime, I deeply understand the troubles caused by a faulty rear wheel sensor. The ABS function immediately fails, and without wheel speed data support, braking distance increases while the risk of skidding and losing control rises. Especially on highways or when taking turns, driving becomes unstable like walking on thin ice, significantly increasing the probability of accidents. It may also trigger other warning lights, such as ESC failure, complicating the diagnosis. It's advisable to first use a diagnostic tool to check the codes—sometimes it's just a loose wire, and replacing the sensor solves the problem. Never risk driving long distances to save a small amount of money.