Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting ABS wheel sensor

I have a 96 Contour and both my ABS and T/C light come on after a certain speed. I read in my manual that the ABS sensors output an AC voltage signal. I got out the multimeter and read both rear sensors and found one to be higher than the other. I then pigtailed one sensor so that it was sending the signal for both back tires and the light didn't come on. I then switched the sensor sending the signal and the light came on. I now know that which side I am having the trouble on, but is it the toe ring that is bad or the sensor itself? Also has anyone removed the sensor? I took out the one bolt I could see but it still didn't want to come out. Any help would be appreciated.

Has anyone out there had ABS sensor problems?? Anyone??

I have had that issue before, for me it seemed to happen when there was alot of water on the road or after washing the car, all during the colder months, I figure it could be a sensor but it hasn't sone it in awhile, last winter/spring time. what you said seems to make sense to me. the sensor measure wheel speed by the voltage that they output. now if one or more of the sensors of off then the computer would think that a there is a problem. The TC only trips because it is linked the abs system, they work together. I would make sure the sensors are all alined right and that the area the sesnors read is clean and see what that will do.

Also I have read that it could be related to the wireing harness recall, the wires are just getting old and cousing problems

I don't have a direct answer to your questions, but I will give you some input anyways.

The ABS sensor is a proximity senor. Every cog or "tooth" on the toe ring sends back a pulse to the computer. It is the stream of pulses that the ABS system measures to determine how the braking ABS system is to react, or how the traction control engages (if you have that option).

If the toe ring looks intact with no broken "teeth", or plugged up with mud or something, then I would think it is the sensor.

The service manual simply states that the sensors are bolted to the front wheel knuckle and rear wheel spindle.

You probally should spray liquid wrench around the sensors before attempting to remove them.