What are the symptoms of a faulty wheel speed sensor in a Mercedes?
4 Answers
There may be unstable engine idling; momentary stalling or engine shutdown when starting the vehicle or decelerating to a stop while driving. Here are some related solutions: External force breaking the wheel speed sensor wiring harness: In models manufactured before 2011, the wheel speed sensor wiring harness did not have extra length reserved, which often led to the harness being broken when the wheels were turned to full lock. This can be resolved by modifying the wheel speed sensor bracket to create extra length for the wiring harness, preventing future damage after replacement. False damage: Dirt on the sensor head or contamination by magnetic materials can cause the wheel speed sensor to fail. If the wheel speed sensor frequently malfunctions after driving through water, mud, or sandy roads, it is likely due to dirt and can be cleaned.
I once experienced a faulty wheel speed sensor while driving my Mercedes-Benz. The ABS warning light on the dashboard lit up like a little alarm bell, and the vehicle noticeably skidded during sharp turns or on slippery roads. The stability system was intermittent, accompanied by slight squeaking sounds. The speedometer readings were also unstable, fluctuating between fast and slow, making me feel quite uneasy. This happened during a long highway trip where I nearly lost control, but fortunately, I slowed down in time and pulled over. Later, a check revealed that the sensor malfunction caused the system to misjudge, and everything was fine after replacement. The experience taught me that such issues must be addressed immediately, otherwise the risk increases during rain or emergency braking. I regularly advise friends to clean the wheel sensor area periodically to avoid mud buildup. Safety first—don't let small faults turn into big troubles.
As a young car owner, I once experienced a failure of the wheel speed sensor on my Mercedes-Benz, and the symptoms were quite alarming: the ABS and ESP warning lights suddenly lit up and flashed while driving. The car felt like the wheels were spinning and slipping during acceleration, and braking was unstable, as if being dragged by a force. It happened during the evening rush hour in the city, and I was so nervous that my palms were sweating. I immediately found a place to pull over and check. The speedometer was jumping inaccurately, causing me to misjudge my speed—thankfully, no accident occurred. After repairs, I learned it was an issue with the right front sensor. It's surprising how such a small component can have such a big impact. I recommend everyone pay attention to dashboard warning lights; if they light up, don’t delay—timely inspection can prevent many hazards. By the way, wheel speed sensors are prone to problems when dirty, so giving the inside of the wheels a quick brush during car washes can be quite helpful.
Wheel speed sensor failures are manifested by illuminated dashboard indicators, with the ABS warning light being the most common, and the ESP light may also flash. Vehicle handling deteriorates immediately, with abnormal locking or skidding during braking. This is particularly noticeable in corners, where the loss of balance can be unsettling. Erroneous sensor signals can also cause speedometer fluctuations, with erratic readings affecting judgment. Neglecting it in daily driving can increase the burden on other systems, such as higher fuel consumption or damage to brake discs. For maintenance, it is recommended to avoid driving through water without cleaning afterward and to use diagnostic tools early to identify which wheel is faulty for replacement. After a simple repair, the vehicle returns to its original safe and worry-free state.
