What problem can you face with the Honda Civic ABS sensor? The first problem you’ll find is that brake pedals aren’t working properly. As a result, to bring your vehicle to a complete halt, you’ll have to apply more force to the brake pedal.
When you can no longer safely stop your automobile by pressing down on the brake pedal, that means your anti-lock braking system (ABS) has failed. So ultimately, it’ll affect the total performance of your Honda Civic.
Now, if you’re struggling with your Honda Civic ABS sensor problems, we have your back. Here in this article, we’ll talk about what are the major issues you’ll face if your ABS isn’t working properly. So let’s get started.
Common Problems Of Honda Civic ABS Sensor
Here you can see some of the common problems of a bad ABS sensor. So let’s check out.
| Problems | Possible Reasons |
| Indicator Lights Are Always On | This is the indication of a failed ABS sensor. |
| Pulsing the Brake Pedal When Braking | ABS sensor problem |
| Failure to Maintain Steering | The unstable electric connections |
| Low Tire Pressure | This is a sign of a faulty ABS sensor |
| Reduction in Anti-Lock Brakes | The ABS sensor is malfunctioning, thus the anti-lock brakes won’t obtain accurate readings |
let’s find out what fixes you can opt for.
1. Indicator Lights Are Always On
Warning lights are a sign that indicates that your Civic ABS sensor has some issues that need to be addressed. Moreover, the lights on your dashboard are designed to warn you of a potential hazard. First and foremost, if your speed sensor fails, you’ll likely see an ABS light on your dashboard.
Solution: As mentioned, you’ll notice the warning light first and the stability and traction control lights, which means you’ll have to take a step immediately.
With that being said, when the ABS wheel speed sensors malfunction, it is possible that the speedometer will cease to function completely.
2. Pulsing the Brake Pedal When Braking
The ABS sensors measure the velocity of each wheel, therefore, if one fails to accurately report the speed of a wheel, the velocity of all wheels will be incorrectly reported. That means the bike’s anti-slip system will be fooled into believing the bike won’t apply any brakes.
That is why you’ll notice a pulsing in the brake system due to the ABS and traction control activities.
Solution: You can install new brake pads and check the fluid level to solve this issue. Also, lubricating the rotors properly can help in this case.
3. Failure to Maintain Steering
Among many other features of an ABS sensor, the most common are stability control, traction control, roll stability, and hill-start, which won’t function properly if the sensor fails to operate. In addition, the anti-lock brakes system will shut down automatically when a sensor stops receiving data.
Also, these sensors may blame the lack of traction or sluggish handling in bad weather or while braking rapidly. However, faulty electrical connections between the sensor and ECM will be blamed for the issue.
Solution: The first thing you should do is stop the system as soon as possible. However, in slippery conditions, pump your brakes and downshift to avoid skidding.
4. Struggling With Low Tire Pressure
One of the most common ways of identifying a faulty ABS sensor is to notice if your tire is always on low pressure. When a tire is underinflated, the diameter of the tire gets smaller. This makes the wheels spin faster than usual.
An ABS error code is set for a low-pressure wheel when the control module recognizes a speed differential between wheels.
Solution: The only solution to this problem is to change the tire as quickly as possible. Also, check the ABS sensor for any further problems.
5. Reduction in Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock brakes are rendered useless when an ABS wheel sensor malfunctions. The ABS warning light illuminates if a problem is detected by the system.
Once this point is reached, the electronic control module of the automobile will no longer get useful data from the sensor. The computer uses this data to identify whether or not the wheels are locking and need assistance.
Solution: Due to a lack of understanding of what’s going on, the ABS shuts down until it can be repaired.
Replacement Cost Of An ABS Sensor
The typical estimation of a total cost is around $250 or more than that. The price to replace an ABS wheel speed sensor can vary from $200 to $400 per sensor, depending on the vehicle’s making and model as well as the cost of labor.
Nevertheless, by using some basic tools you can replace the ABS sensor if you want. Attempting this at home may be viable if you have any mechanical experience. However, after some time, it may become difficult to remove and you’ll thus likely require a source of heat to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens when an ABS sensor fails?
If a wheel sensor for your anti-lock brakes fails, your anti-lock brakes won’t work. Moreover, when a problem is recognized by the system, the ABS warning light will light up. Electrical control circuitry is needed to interrupt sensor data collection.
Can you drive with a broken ABS sensor?
If your car’s ABS sensor is broken, the anti-lock steering system (ABS) won’t work properly. However, it is feasible to operate with a faulty ABS sensor, despite the fact that this isn’t something that’s recommended.
Can I replace the ABS sensor myself on Honda Civic?
You can change the ABS sensor by yourself. But for that first of all, you’ll have to find the ABS sensor behind the fender and then find the problem with the sensor. Removing the rusty old sensor is the next step. Finally, you can install a new ABS sensor. However, the last thing is to reset the ABS lights.
Conclusion
There must be different reasons behind Honda Civic ABS sensor problems. That’s why you should test the sensor thoroughly and find the exact cause only after that can you go to the next step.
However, in most cases, you’ll face the mentioned problem in an ABS sensor that is not working properly. At that time, only two solutions were available: to repair the system or replace the sensor.
But replacing the sensor is undoubtedly an expensive option. So if you need to replace the sensor, the first consideration is the quality of the sensor, and then comes the warranty. That’s why you need to be more careful.
You Can Also Read:
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- 5 Main Reasons Why The LDW System Failed Honda Accord?
Mike Right, “The Car Dad”, has specialized himself in handling cars and repairs for engine-related issues. With a solid 9 years of experience from being a mechanical engineer to owning an auto repair shop in his locality, now Mike is gracefully thriving in his retired period sharing his experience-based knowledge for Vehicle Bro.
He is a helpful person with a lot of stories to share with youngsters. Apart from writing for us, he loves to spend time saltwater fishing and would go on frequent short trips for that.
