Clean an ABS sensor (wheel speed sensor) by removing it from the wheel and wiping the sensing face of the sensor with a dry microfiber towel or a wire brush. In most cases, no chemical cleaner is needed.
The sensor sits near the wheel, where it is constantly exposed to dirt, road debris, and moisture. Metal filings and grime that collect on it block the signal it needs to measure wheel speed, which can trigger the ABS warning light.
The ABS light is on
Find the ABS sensor behind the tire.
Disconnect the ABS sensor connector.
Remove the ABS sensor
Check the sensor for damage
Clean the sensor mounting surface.
Why Clean the ABS Sensor
The ABS sensor monitors wheel speed and sends that data to the ABS control module. A build-up of debris can make the sensor send erratic signals or fail to send a signal at all, causing the ABS light to come on. Cleaning restores the sensor’s ability to read wheel speed accurately, which is often all that is needed to get the anti-lock braking system working again.
How to Clean the ABS Sensor
What to Avoid
Avoid cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals, which can damage the sensor. A dry microfiber towel or a wire brush is sufficient in most cases.
If Cleaning Does Not Help
Cleaning fixes a sensor that has failed from debris build-up. If it still does not work after cleaning, the problem may be internal, such as a short or a cracked housing. In that case, test the sensor with a multimeter or have it checked with an ABS scan tool to determine whether it needs replacing.
