How to Unhook an Anti-Lock Brake Wiring Connector

Contributor

By Paul Vaughn
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (1 Ratings)

Modern vehicles have all wheel sensors called wheel speed sensors. These sensors send wheel speed information to the ABS control module through a wire connection to the control module. If these sensors do not function correctly, braking system will operate erratically and could cause accident or injury if the brakes apply at the wrong time. Checking and replacing ABS break sensors is an easy job but must be done according to the service manual for your vehicle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Safety glasses.
Small flat tip screw driver.
Open end box end wrench.
Wire stripper/cutter.
New plug-in connector
Wire connector the same gauge as the wire.

Disconnecting a wheel speed sensor

Step 1

Loosen the lock nut with an open end box end wrench. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the lock nut is removed.
Step 2

Use a small flat tip screw driver to gentle pry up the clip on both sides of the sensor. The wire connector will then be loose enough to remove.
Step 3

Pull gently on the wire connector until it disengages from the speed sensor connection.
Step 4

Remove the wired connection by hand. Once removed, check the wire connection for corrosion or signs of heat damage. If either condition exists, use your wire stripper/cutter to remove the connector and replace it with a new one.
Step 5

Use your wire stripper/cutter to remove about a 1/8 of an inch of insulation when installing the new connector. Use a wire connector that matches the wire size to connect the wire to the new plug-in connector. Plug the new connector into the male fitting on the wheel hub.

Tips & Warnings

When removing a wheel speed sensor, make sure their is no road debris around the sensor.
Do not use magnetic tools or feeler gauges when removing or installing your wheel speed sensor.
When installing the new sensor, you will need a scan tool for your year model vehicle.
If only the plug-in connector is removed, you do not need to remove the entire sensor from the wheel hub.
Safety glasses should be worn throughout the procedure to prevent eye injury from falling debris.
When setting the air gap on the new sensor, do not use a magnetized feeler gauge. This will damage the sensor and the ABS control module.
When checking the new plug-in connector for continuity, do not use a test light because it can cause over-volt in the circuit and damage the ABS computer. Use a combination volt/ohm meter with pin point leads to probe the wire and make sure it is powered.