ABS Sensor

Few days ago ABS light came on while taking a hard right down a highway ramp; yesterday the light would go out intermittently when making left turns. Figured there was a broken wire on one of the speed sensors, and found it on the right front hub this evening. Replaced the sensor with one I had in an old failed bearing but ABS light remains on. I figure that if the problem was resolved the light would go out, like it was when I was turning left yesterday. Is this correct, or does the system need to be 'reset' to accept the different sensor? I'm pretty sure the sensor I put in was working when I took that hub off the last truck... would there be compatibility issues with swapping used sensors? Is there something else I should look for before assuming the new one is bad and buying a new sensor?

Few days ago ABS light came on while taking a hard right down a highway ramp; yesterday the light would go out intermittently when making left turns. Figured there was a broken wire on one of the speed sensors, and found it on the right front hub this evening. Replaced the sensor with one I had in an old failed bearing but ABS light remains on. I figure that if the problem was resolved the light would go out, like it was when I was turning left yesterday. Is this correct, or does the system need to be 'reset' to accept the different sensor? I'm pretty sure the sensor I put in was working when I took that hub off the last truck... would there be compatibility issues with swapping used sensors? Is there something else I should look for before assuming the new one is bad and buying a new sensor?

sensors are matched to the hub. the gap is very inportant so that you get about .5volts AC when you rotate the hub by hand. to bad you could not adjust this gap ! some vehicles this is possible. not any GM vehicle............

every time you start your vehicle it goes threw the diagnostic test. ABS LT will come on if there is a failure.

open sensor / low output sensor / bad hub bearings cause an intermittent output which is scary...If that happens pull the ABS fuse / or un plug the ABS module because the brakes will not work.

with the LT on your Abs IS OFF .

BUY NEW SENSOR ? hub and sensors are matched as a set !

I guess its possible you could luck out . if it does not work make sure you can return the part. most places no.

Sorry, Jcat, have to disagree with you....they are not a matched set.....the sensors are replaceable.....one thing, when installing the new sensor, make sure the mating surface is free of rust(TSB)....

By the way, did anyone get an ABS code on this vehicle?

Thanks for the replies all. No, I haven't had time to get the codes scanned. I think I'll solder up the wire on the old sensor tomorrow evening and swap it back in; hopefully that will fix the problem. If not I'll have to take it in to be checked out. It would be quite a coincidence to have another problem appear at the same time that I discovered the severed wheel sensor wire, but stranger things have happened. I just hope there isn't an interference problem with the replacement sensor that might damage the reluctor ring or something before I get her back out tomorrow. Not that I really mind not having ABS... I grew up having to threshold brake... but best to get it working asap in case someone else has to drive it.

Sorry, Jcat, have to disagree with you....they are not a matched set.....the sensors are replaceable.....one thing, when installing the new sensor, make sure the mating surface is free of rust(TSB)....

By the way, did anyone get an ABS code on this vehicle?


I guess your not aware that these sensors are not made exactly the same and that goes for the hub. some have had to shim the sensor because of hitting the encoder. others had to file down the hub to get the signal up.

some hubs have a shim under the sensor. one must be careful when just replacing the sensor especially if its made by ????

so I guess you never seen or heard others with this issue.

when hubs are purchased they come with sensors that is the reason.