What happens when you troubleshoot a speed sensor?
When you are troubleshooting your vehicle speed sensor, there are several things that you need to look at. This could end up affecting your transmission, speedometer, ABS, power steering, and your cruise control. A vehicle speed sensor works a lot like a wheel speed sensor.
What happens if your speedometer is malfunctioning?
The malfunctioning speed sensor means that the speedometer will not have the ability to display the speed your vehicle is traveling at. Not knowing how fast you are going is obviously concerning especially when there is little other traffic on the road to help you at least estimate your speed.
Where is the speed sensor on a car?
This component, which is also referred to as an ABS sensor, is attached to the hub of a drive tire and is responsible for monitoring multiple vehicle functions such as traction control, anti-lock braking systems, and obviously, the vehicle’s speed.
Is the wheel speed sensor the same as the transmission?
The wheel speed sensor is different than the speed sensor attached inside the vehicle’s transmission. Its job is to record the actual wheel speed and report this data to the vehicle ECU which controls all electronic functions on the car, truck, or SUV.
What are the symptoms of a speed sensor problem?
Speed Sensor Symptoms 1 Transmission revving. If your transmission revs excessively when you are shifting, this is a classic speed sensor problem. 2 Long Shift Intervals. 3 Check Engine Light. 4 Malfunctioning Cruise Control. 5 Rough Gear Changes. 6 Speedometer Malfunction. 7 Overdrive Light Blinking.
When to replace a bad wheel speed sensor?
1. ABS Light is illuminated on the dashboard Since the wheel speed sensor also monitors the anti-lock braking system on your car, it’s common for the ABS Light to illuminate when the sensor is worn out, disconnected, or has been struck by debris, which means you’ll have to replace the wheel speed sensor.
Can a check engine light be a bad speed sensor?
But if you have malfunctioning cruise control and a Check Engine light coming on, this is a clear indication of a faulty speed sensor. After all, the engine control unit depends on having valid speed information regarding the engine’s crankshaft.
What does no signal mean on wheel speed sensor?
No signal means a bad sensor or wiring fault. NOTE: Active wheel speed sensors cannot be accurately tested by measuring resistance across the sensor’s terminals. You have to look for a good return signal from the sensor while it is receiving power from the control module or a 12-volt battery, and while the wheel is turning.
When you are troubleshooting your vehicle speed sensor, there are several things that you need to look at. This could end up affecting your transmission, speedometer, ABS, power steering, and your cruise control. A vehicle speed sensor works a lot like a wheel speed sensor.
When to test 2 or 3 wire speed sensors?
This is when you would want to test your 2 or 3 wire speed sensor, as faulty units can also cause these issues. Another reason to test your 2 or 3 wire speed sensor is of course, your speedometer is acting up or not working at all.
How can I test my car speed sensor?
If you want to test it manually, you need to unplug the sensor. Leave the key turned on, with the engine still off—test for any power, as well as a ground from the computer. Plugin the sensor and start your vehicle.
Why is my ABS wheel speed sensor not working?
Any distorted signals indicate a problem with the tone wheel and/or sensor. Sealed hubs with integral wheel speed sensors and tone rings have become more common. They are designed to keep out the elements, but that is not always the case where they use lots of road salt in the winter.