An Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Sensor is a key safety component that works with your vehicle’s ABS control module to prevent the wheels from locking during hard braking. This allows drivers to maintain steering control and stability, especially on slippery surfaces.
Modern vehicles rely on multiple ABS sensors, including wheel speed sensors and yaw rate sensors, which provide continuous feedback to the ABS control system for precise braking control.
How It Works:
- Wheel Speed Sensors: Mounted at each wheel, these sensors measure individual wheel rotation speed. They use a magnet and coil assembly to generate a signal proportional to wheel speed, which is sent to the ABS control module.
- Yaw Rate Sensors: Measure the vehicle’s rotation around its vertical axis using piezoelectric crystals that detect acceleration and deceleration.
- The ABS control module combines data from these sensors — and the lateral acceleration sensor — to determine when a wheel is about to lock up.
- When necessary, the system pulses brake pressure at that wheel to maintain traction and vehicle stability.
- The ABS system can also communicate with the engine control module (ECU) to reduce engine output and help maintain traction.
Product Features & Benefits from Walker Products:
- Exact OE Fit: Direct replacement for easy installation and reliable operation.
- OE Replacement Quality: Meets or exceeds original equipment specifications.
- Durable Construction: Built with stainless steel and high-temperature plastics to resist corrosion and heat.
- Restores Safety Performance: Ensures accurate wheel speed data for proper ABS operation.
- Aftermarket Expertise: Backed by over 75 years of experience in advanced sensor manufacturing.
Symptoms of a Failing ABS Sensor
- ABS warning light illuminated on dashboard
- Longer stopping distances under heavy braking
- Pulsating brake pedal during normal braking
- Loss of traction or wheel lockup during hard stops
- Intermittent traction control or stability control faults
Common Check Engine Light (CEL) / OBD-II Codes
The following OBD-II codes are commonly associated with this product type. On-Board Diagnostic systems were first introduced in the late 1980s to monitor vehicle emissions, and by 1996, OBD-II became standard on all passenger vehicles. Later, requirements expanded to heavy-duty vehicles, aligning diagnostic standards across the automotive industry.
The codes listed below are common references for ABS sensors and should be used as a general guide only. Walker Products will not be held responsible for any use of this information. Always consult a professional mechanic and follow vehicle manufacturer and EPA guidelines when diagnosing, replacing, or resetting components.
- C0035 – Left Front Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction
- C0040 – Right Front Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction
- C0041 – Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- C0045 – Left Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction
- C0050 – Right Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction
- C0051 – Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- C0055 – Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0060 – Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- C0070 – Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0071 – Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- C0075 – Right Front ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Shorted
- C0080 – Left Front ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Shorted
- C0085 – Right Front ABS Solenoid #2 Circuit Shorted
- C0090 – Left Front ABS Solenoid #2 Circuit Shorted
- C0100 – Right Front ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Open
- C0105 – Left Front ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Open
- C0110 – Right Front ABS Solenoid #2 Circuit Open
- C0115 – Left Front ABS Solenoid #2 Circuit Open
- C0121 – Valve Relay Circuit Malfunction
- C0131 – ABS/TCS System Pressure Circuit Malfunction
- C0141 – Left Front ABS Channel Enable Circuit Malfunction
- C0151 – Right Front ABS Channel Enable Circuit Malfunction
- C0161 – ABS/TCS Brake Switch Circuit Malfunction
- C0176 – Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Input Circuit Malfunction
- C0181 – Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Input Circuit Malfunction
- C0196 – Yaw Rate Circuit Malfunction
- C0210 – Right Front ABS Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0220 – Right Front ABS Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- C0230 – Rear Wheel ABS Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0240 – Rear Wheel ABS Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- C0251 – Left Front ABS Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0265 – Electronic Brake Control Module Motor Relay Circuit
- C0267 – Pump Motor Circuit Open/Shorted
- C0270 – ABS/TCS Motor Circuit Malfunction
- C0272 – ABS/TCS Brake Motor Relay Circuit Malfunction
- C0277 – Front Left Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0278 – Rear Right Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0279 – Rear Left Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0280 – Front Right Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
- C0281 – ABS Indicator Lamp Circuit Malfunction
- C0283 – Traction Control Switch Circuit Malfunction
- C0287 – Traction Control Switch Circuit Low
- C0288 – Traction Control Switch Circuit High
- C0292 – Left Rear ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Shorted
- C0295 – Right Rear ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Shorted
- C0300 – Rear ABS Motor Circuit Malfunction
- C0305 – Front ABS Motor Circuit Malfunction
- C0310 – Rear ABS Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction
- C0315 – Front ABS Pump Motor Circuit Malfunction
- C0321 – Front ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Shorted
- C0325 – Rear ABS Solenoid #1 Circuit Shorted
- C0330 – Front ABS Solenoid #2 Circuit Shorted
- C0335 – Rear ABS Solenoid #2 Circuit Shorted
- C0340 – Left Rear ABS Channel Enable Circuit Malfunction
- C0350 – Right Rear ABS Channel Enable Circuit Malfunction