How To Change Wheel Speed Sensor On Jeep Wrangler?
From time to time, the ABS sensor light on the instrument cluster due to the wheel sensor failure makes you anxious about what to do. Sooner or later, the only solution to get rid of the issue is to replace it. Now you must be wondering how to change the wheel speed sensor on Jeep Wrangler.
Basically, to replace the wheel speed sensor, you just need to take the wheel off your Jeep Wrangler. Locate the sensor, remove it & install the new sensor on your roar of the road- Jeep Wrangler.
A little bit confusing right? That’s why we come to you with a detailed guide on speed sensor replacing of Jeep Wrangler. Now all you need to stay with us!
Signs of Jeep Wrangler Wheel Speed Sensor Failure
Wheel speed sensors are an integral part of the braking system on your Jeep Wrangler as it detects the rotational wheel speed of your jeep. When the sensor of your Jeep Wrangler fails, it throws some signs. Noted below are the common signs of speed sensor failure.
ABS Sensor Light On
The Anti-lock braking system or the ABS sensor is the sensor that measures the speed of the wheels of your Jeep Wrangler & transmits the information to the ABS control unit.
When there is a defective wheel sensor on your Jeep Wrangler, the ABS sensor light starts illuminating the instrument cluster.
Traction Or Stability Control Light On
The other indication of wheel sensor failure on your Jeep Wrangler is the traction or stability control light.
If you see the control light illuminating, get to know that the wheel sensor may have failed.
Disabled Anti-Lock Brakes
On your Jeep Wrangler, the ABS module depends on the wheel sensor & monitors whether the wheels are locking up when there is a hard brake.
So, when the ABS sensor can’t get the signal due to the wheel sensor failure, the ABS sensor disabled the anti-lock brakes.
Pulsating Brake-Pedal
When the wheel sensor of your Jeep Wrangler goes bad, it can also send false data to the ABS control.
Due to this, it can make the pulsating brake pedal when you press on it.
Unfunctional Speedometer
An unfunctional speedometer is a rare sign of wheel sensor failure in Jeep Wrangler.
Most of the time this sign appears in old vehicles. So, in case you see your speedometer isn’t working, the possibility is that the wheel sensor can fail.
What Causes Failure Of Wheel Speed Sensor On Jeep Wrangler?
Several factors cause the wheel speed sensor to fail on your Jeep Wrangler.
When there is a wiring issue with the sensor, the ABS sensor starts illuminating. The other common causes can be-
Step 1: Accumulation Of Dust
Accumulation of dust on the wheel sensor, causes the wheel sensor to fail. Road debris blocks the sensor contributing inoperative or damaged wheel sensor on your Jeep Wrangler.
Step 2: Ill-Matched Tires
This is the other common phenomenon due to which the speed sensor can damage.
By any chance, if you have used a mismatched tire on your Jeep Wrangler, obviously it will rotate at a different speed.
Thus, it can cause the sensor to send mismatched signals.
Step 3: High Heat
Due to the high heat, the wheel speed sensor of your Jeep Wrangler can also go bad. Usually, the sensor is located near the braking system.
So, it’s possible that the heat coming from the braking system can defect to the wheel sensor of the Jeep Wrangler.
How To Replace The Wheel Speed Sensor On Jeep Wrangler?
As for the wheel sensor replacement on the Jeep Wrangler, it’s not a great deal to tackle.
You can perform the task as long as you follow our guide to a T. However, take a glance at the below section.
Tools Required
- Jack & jack stands
- Ratchet & 21mm socket
- 13mm pliers
- Repair manual or repair database
Replacement Instructions
Here is the step-to-step guide to assist you in the replacement process.
Step 1: Loosen The Nuts
Loosen the lug nuts while the jeep is on the ground. Go ahead and jack it up, remove the lug nuts and get the tire out of the way.
Step 2: Take Out The Brakes
Break out their backs off. Take your large C clamp and insert the screw end into the caliper.
Open and push that piston back in your caliper. It’s easier to take the brakes off.
Then remove your seat from your brake caliper. Locate the top and bottom bolts for your calipers & remove them there on the backside.
Step 3: Pull Out The Bolts
Take a pair of pliers and hold that internal boat so that you can get the outer bolt out.
Pull both bolts out & then you can move on to remove your caliper and place it up somewhere where it’s not going to put any stress on your brake lines.
Step 4: Take The Brake Assembly
Locate and remove the two bolts that hold the brake assembly. Once you get the two bolts locally & completely taken out, take the brake assembly holding the brake pads and set them to the side.
Step 5: Remove The Wheel Speed Sensor
Here you can locate your speed sensor. Take your nail & wrench. Pop it, and unscrew it. Now you can wiggle it loose.
Just pull out the little retainers holding the wiring on & you’ll be down through the connector & let it completely loose.
Step 6: Install The New Sensor
Grease up the wheel sensor with the grace that comes with it then be careful in gently putting it back in.
Worming it through that little hole there then once you get it back in place and screwed down.
Make sure to strengthen your dust shield back out so it’s not rubbing on anything. Now just move on doing everything in the reverse order.
Step 7: Torque The Wheels
Usually most of the Jeep Wrangler uses a torque from 90-120 ft lbs. Now use a ½ inch torque wrench to torque the lug nuts of your Jeep Wrangler.
Step 8: Have A Test Drive
After a successful installation of the new wheel speed sensor Jeep Wrangler, the ABS light will go off. Now have a test drive to cherish your successful work!
How Much It’ll Cost To Replace The Wheel Speed Sensor On My Jeep Wrangler?
The cost of replacing the wheel speed sensor may vary based on your vehicle model or your dwelling place. You can take the cost as a rough idea.
| Jeep Model | Estimated Cost |
| 2015 Jeep Wrangler | $109 – $133 |
| 2016 Jeep Wrangler | $157 – $191 |
| 2017 Jeep Wrangler | $95 – $116 |
| 2015 Jeep Wrangler | $112 – $136 |
| 2008 Jeep Wrangler | $106 – $130 |
| 2009 Jeep Wrangler | $117 – $143 |
| 2010 Jeep Wrangler | $112 – $136 |
Overall, the wheel speed sensor of a Jeep Wrangler can cost between $200 to $400 anywhere.
Can I Drive With A Broken Jeep Wrangler Wheel Speed Sensor?
Most of the time, owners become anxious about whether they will continue driving with a broken Jeep Wrangler speed sensor.
Technically, you can continue driving when the speed sensor fails. But as we have already mentioned, the braking sensor & the traction system may not function.
In a wet or snowy season, you can lose steerability or it can jeopardize your safety on the road.
So, it’s better to get the replacement as soon as you notice the wheel sensor failing symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
By now, we hope that you’ve got a detailed idea of a wheel speed sensor replacing the Jeep Wrangler. Let’s go through some most encountered queries of the users that they seek answers to.
How long does the wheel speed sensor of a Jeep Wrangler last?
Basically, the wheel speed sensor on your Jeep Wrangler can go bad after 30,000-50,000 miles. After this distance, you may have to replace the sensor of your vehicle.
Will a wheel speed sensor throw a code?
Usually, when there is any issue with the wheel speed sensor like loose wiring or connection issues, it throws a code. It’s the code C0035 indicating that the wheel sensor is bearing issue on your vehicle.
Is a wheel speed sensor hard to replace on a Jeep Wrangler?
Typically, replacing the wheel speed sensor on your Jeep Wrangler isn’t a hard deal to tackle. Replacing will take you a maximum of one hour.
Can I clean my wheel speed sensor?
Yes, you can clean the wheel speed sensor. If you want to clean the sensor on your vehicle, use warm & soapy water and scrub that up.
Conclusion
Whenever you notice any wheel speed sensor failure on your Jeep Wrangler, have an expert inspection on the brake system of your jeep.
According to the experts, if any wheel sensor needs replacement, get it replaced at your earliest convenience.
Because this can be a matter of life or death of having & not having an operational ABS sensor as you’ve seen above. So, it’s best not to take any risks in your life as life always comes first.
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