Wheel Based Vehicle Speed Sensor

Active wheel-speed sensors are an integral part of brake control systems. They detect the rotational wheel speed of vehicles using a non-contacting measurement principle.

What is the difference between vehicle speed sensor and wheel speed sensor?

A vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is a small component mounted on your car's transmission that lets the car's onboard computer know how fast you're moving. It's also known as a wheel speed sensor, transmission speed sensor, or output shaft speed sensor.

What type of sensor is used to sense vehicle speed at each wheel?

A wheel speed sensor (WSS) or vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is a type of tachometer. It is a sender device used for reading the speed of a vehicle's wheel rotation. It usually consists of a toothed ring and pickup.

How does an active wheel speed sensor work?

The sensor is mounted close to a target wheel called a tone ring, which looks like a gear with square teeth. The sensor's magnetic field is disturbed as each tooth moves through it, and that disturbance generates A/C voltage in the coil. As a tooth on the tone ring approaches the magnet, voltage increases.

What happens when wheel speed sensor fails?

A failing wheel speed sensor will turn off your vehicle's traction control, stability control, or any other driver assist feature. Sometimes, a damaged wire could also prevent the sensor from sending data to the control module.

Can you drive without a wheel speed sensor?

However, when it comes to wheel speed sensors, a minor-seeming glitch may turn into a major safety risk. That is why in general, it is unsafe to drive a vehicle with a broken wheel speed sensor.

Can wheel speed sensor affect engine?

Yes, the wheel speed sensor is a very sensitive sensor, and its malfunction can cause reduced engine power. The sensor is also designed to enhance transmission shifting while the engine is running.

How do you fix a wheel speed sensor?

Part 1 of 1: Replacing the wheel speed sensor

1. Materials Needed.
2. Step 1: Prepare your work area. ...
3. Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts. ...
4. Step 3: Jack the vehicle up and use jack stands. ...
5. Step 4: Remove the old wheel speed sensor. ...
6. Step 5: Install the wheel speed sensor and brake parts. ...
7. Step 6: Reinstall the wheels.

Can wheel speed sensor affect transmission?

Yes, faulty ABS or wheel speed sensors as they are commonly called can cause transmission problems.

Where is a wheel speed sensor located?

Wheel speed sensors are often called ABS sensors. You'll find them mounted on the axles of all ABS equipped vehicles. Look for this sensor on your wheel hubs, near the brake rotors. You'll find the rear wheel speed sensor mounted on the rear axle housing or wheel cylinder.

What is the function of the wheel sensors?

Wheel speed sensors (also known as wheel sensors) must detect the speed of the wheels and supply this information to the ABS or ESP control unit in the form of an electrical signal. The latest wheel sensors are also able to detect the direction of rotation of the wheels.

Which wheel speed sensor controls speedometer?

Some manufacturers began using the output of the ABS wheel speed sensor(s) to run the speedometer functions of the cluster as well as provide a VSS signal for the Engine Control Module (ECM) or the Transmission Control Module (TCM) depending on the options the vehicle was built with.

What are the two types of wheel speed sensors?

Wheel Speed Sensors now have an impact on the vehicle dynamics, driving comfort, safety, emissions and fuel consumption. Wheel Speed Sensors come in 2 types, passive or active. Passive sensors are inductive analogue type and active sensor are digital hall sensor type. Active sensors need a power supply to work.

What is the difference between active and passive wheel speed sensor?

Passive sensors are larger and less accurate than active sensors and only start to operate when the wheel reaches a certain speed, therefore they have limited operation at lower speed. They are also unable to operate in reverse, so thus unable to determine the direction of travel.

What are the two types of speed sensors?

Currently, two types of wheel speed sensors are in use: magnetic inductive (passive) and magneto resistive (active). Passive sensors have been around since the early days of the anti-lock brake system (ABS).

Can I drive my car with a faulty speed sensor?

While it's technically possible to operate your vehicle without a properly functioning vehicle speed sensor, it is strongly discouraged. A faulty VSS can negatively impact multiple aspects of vehicle operation—which is why it's best to replace a bad speed sensor as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to replace a wheel speed sensor?

It will cost between $200 and $400 to replace an individual speed sensor, and there is one for each wheel. Typically, they should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.

How often do wheel speed sensors need to be replaced?

When do I need to get a speed sensor replacement? You'll need to get a speed sensor replacement around every 100,000 miles on your car's odometer. However, it might be smart to think about replacing it a little earlier—as you won't want to wait until your car is on the verge of breaking to get an important part sorted.

Is it hard to replace wheel speed sensor?

Fortunately, it is easy to replace a wheel speed sensor and takes you about an hour at maximum. You can also remove the ABS wheel speed sensors separately keeping other parts integrated into the wheel bearing hub assembly.

How many wheel speed sensors are there?

More than 90% of vehicles on the road today are equip- ped with wheel speed sensors. A vehicle has from two to four such sensors – in most cases fitted opposite the bearing.