abs wheel speed sensor wiring harness

What Is an ABS Wheel Speed Sensor?

An ABS wheel speed sensor — also called an anti-lock brake sensor or wheel speed sensor — is an electronic component mounted at each wheel that monitors how fast that wheel is rotating and sends that data continuously to the ABS control module. The module uses this information to detect when a wheel is about to lock up during hard braking and releases brake pressure to that wheel in rapid pulses, preventing a skid and keeping the driver in control.

Modern vehicles typically have four ABS sensors — one per wheel — and the same sensor data also feeds the traction control system and electronic stability control. On many vehicles, the wheel speed sensor contributes to speedometer readings as well.

There are two types of ABS wheel speed sensors:

• Passive (magnetic) sensors — generate an AC voltage signal as the toothed tone ring on the axle or hub passes through the sensor’s magnetic field. Signal strength increases with wheel speed. These sensors only produce a signal above approximately 8 km/h.
• Active (Hall-effect) sensors — require a reference voltage from the ABS module and produce a digital square-wave signal. More accurate at low speeds, including when the vehicle is nearly stopped. Found on most vehicles built in the last 15–20 years.

Always confirm which type your vehicle uses before ordering a replacement — the two are not interchangeable.

Signs of a Failing ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

A faulty ABS wheel speed sensor typically disables the ABS system entirely, because the control module cannot safely operate with unreliable wheel speed data. Watch for these warning signs:

• ABS warning light on the dashboard — the most common first symptom; often accompanied by the traction control or stability control warning light
• Pulsating or pumping brake pedal — the ABS activating unexpectedly during normal braking, particularly at low speeds or when pulling into a parking spot
• Loss of anti-lock braking — wheels lock and skid during hard stops, which is especially dangerous on wet or snow-covered Canadian roads
• Traction and stability control disabled — because these systems share ABS sensor data, a failed sensor disables all three systems simultaneously
• Erratic or frozen speedometer — on vehicles where the ABS sensor feeds speed data to the instrument cluster

Road salt and freeze-thaw cycles accelerate corrosion on wheel speed sensor wiring and connector housings, making sensor failures more common on Canadian vehicles with higher mileage. If you notice any of the symptoms above, have the fault codes scanned with a diagnostic tool to confirm which sensor has failed before ordering a replacement.

Active vs. Passive ABS Wheel Speed Sensors: Which Do You Need?

The distinction between active and passive ABS sensors matters because they are electrically and mechanically different — installing the wrong type will result in a sensor that either produces no signal or an incompatible signal.

Passive sensors use a two-wire connector and produce an analogue AC voltage. Active (Hall-effect) sensors use a three-wire connector — power, ground, and signal — and produce a digital output. Most vehicles manufactured since the mid-2000s use active sensors. Your vehicle’s repair manual or a fitment search by year, make, model, and trim on PartsBlue will confirm which type is correct for your application.

Some ABS sensors are also integrated into the wheel bearing hub assembly and cannot be replaced separately — the entire hub unit must be replaced. This is common on many front-wheel-drive platforms and should be confirmed before ordering.

How Much Does ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement Cost in Canada?

ABS wheel speed sensor replacement costs in Canada vary by vehicle and whether you’re doing the work yourself or taking it to a shop. Typical CAD price ranges:

• ABS sensor part cost (aftermarket): CAD $30–$150 per sensor
• ABS sensor part cost (OEM-equivalent): CAD $80–$250 per sensor
• Wheel bearing hub with integrated ABS sensor: CAD $120–$400+
• Labour at a Canadian shop: CAD $80–$200 per sensor (1–2 hours at shop rate)
• Full replacement cost (parts + labour): CAD $150–$450 per sensor depending on vehicle

ABS sensor replacement is one of the more accessible DIY brake jobs — most sensors are secured by a single bolt and one electrical connector. However, on high-mileage vehicles or those exposed to road salt, corroded sensor bolts and seized sensor bodies are common complications. Ordering your replacement ABS wheel speed sensors directly from PartsBlue in CAD means no currency conversion and no import duties, reducing your total repair cost compared to sourcing from US-based retailers.

Why Buy Your ABS Wheel Speed Sensor from PartsBlue?

PartsBlue is a Canadian auto parts retailer with over 2.5 million parts in catalogue, including ABS wheel speed sensors for domestic and import vehicles across all major makes. Every sensor listed on PartsBlue.ca comes from a verified manufacturer or authorised distributor and is catalogued with confirmed year, make, model, and trim fitment data — so you order with confidence.

• Priced in CAD — no currency conversion, no surprise fees at checkout
• Ships from Canada — no import duties, no brokerage fees, no US customs delays
• Canada-wide delivery — fast shipping to every province, with same-day pickup available in Etobicoke, ON
• Fitment-confirmed search — enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim to find compatible sensors in seconds
• Verified brands — Dorman, BWD, ACDelco, Bosch, and other trusted manufacturers

Browse our full range of brake parts and suspension components alongside your ABS sensor order to cover the complete repair in a single shipment.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensor FAQ

What does an ABS wheel speed sensor do?

An ABS wheel speed sensor monitors the rotational speed of each wheel and sends that data to the ABS control module. The module uses this information to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking by pulsing brake pressure, helping the driver maintain steering control and reducing stopping distances on slippery surfaces.

What are the symptoms of a bad ABS wheel speed sensor?

The most common symptoms are an illuminated ABS warning light on the dashboard, loss of anti-lock braking, and disabled traction or stability control. Some drivers also experience a pulsating brake pedal during normal stops or an erratic speedometer reading. All of these symptoms typically appear together because the ABS module disables the entire system when it detects a faulty sensor.

Can I drive with a bad ABS wheel speed sensor?

You can drive with a faulty ABS sensor, but your anti-lock braking, traction control, and stability control systems will be disabled. Normal braking still works, but you lose the safety systems that prevent skidding on wet or icy roads. In Canadian winter driving conditions, this is a meaningful safety risk and the sensor should be replaced promptly.

How do I know which ABS sensor has failed?

The fastest way is to scan the ABS control module with a diagnostic scan tool. The module stores a fault code that identifies the specific wheel location (front left, front right, rear left, rear right) where the signal is missing or out of range. Without a scan, it is not reliable to guess which sensor has failed based on symptoms alone.

Are ABS wheel speed sensors interchangeable between wheels?

Not always. On many vehicles, front and rear sensors differ in connector type, cable length, or mounting configuration. On some vehicles, left and right sensors also differ. Always confirm fitment by vehicle year, make, model, trim, and wheel position before ordering.

How long do ABS wheel speed sensors last?

ABS wheel speed sensors generally last 100,000–150,000 km under normal conditions, but Canadian vehicles exposed to road salt and freeze-thaw cycles often see earlier failures due to wiring corrosion and connector damage. The sensor body itself rarely fails — most failures are caused by a damaged wiring harness or corroded connector.

Can I replace an ABS wheel speed sensor myself?

Yes, most ABS sensor replacements are within reach of a competent DIYer. The sensor is typically held by one bolt and one electrical connector. The most common complication is a corroded or seized mounting bolt, particularly on older Canadian vehicles. Penetrating oil applied in advance and a quality socket set are usually enough to handle the job.

How much does it cost to replace an ABS sensor in Canada?

Parts typically cost CAD $30–$250 depending on the vehicle and sensor type. Adding shop labour of CAD $80–$200, the total replacement cost per sensor generally ranges from CAD $150 to $450. Ordering the part directly from PartsBlue in CAD eliminates import fees and reduces the overall cost of the repair.