Any Procedures For Testing an ABS Wheel Sensor?

[jumpjg]

1999 3500 2WD with 4 wheel ABS

Got an ABS warning light (along with a brake warning light). Rear sensor was replaced by previous owner - no fix. Took to dealer to run the diagnostics, results point to a R/H front ABS wheel sensor. Before I order the part (OEM MSRP = $200), I was wondering if there was a method to check the sensor with a meter or something. Is it possible that the sensor is just dirty with brake dust, or do the connectors get corroded? I guess I could compare the ohms resistance reading from the rt front with the value taken from left front. Any other tips or tricks would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Joe in St Louis

--- Update to the previous post...

Today I did some investigating. First I did a visual to ensure the wires didn't looked damaged (no problems), then disconnected the QD on the Rt fender well & tried to take a resistance reading on the sensor (open-no continuity). Went ahead & removed the Rt front tire/caliper/hub to expose the sensor. The sensor was cracked wide open in two places - looked like it had filled with water which froze & busted open. There also was ferrous magnetic fuzz all over it. I think I found my problem.

Cheapest replacement part was from Mopar Wholesale Parts

http://www.mopar-wholesale.com/mopar-parts-online?gclid=CNqhvfWaxKUCFY64Kgod9zrIYg

at about $135 + $12 shipping. OEM parts at a good price, or so it seems. Plan on calling tomorrow & ordering.

Joe in St Louis

[Terry C]

I guess that would explain why it quit.....

[Mopar1973Man]

Yeap... Phyiscal damage has a way of doing that...

[dripley]

rockauto.com has them for $50. i dont know aything about the quality versus what you found. i have bought a few things from them in the past and have not had any problems yet.

[jumpjg]

Thanks Dripley for the heads-up. I looked at Rock Auto but the sensor I needed (3500, 2wd, rt front w.o. solid front axle) was listed at $172.79. I'm sticking with $135 from Mopar Wholesale.Joe in St Louis

[dripley]

been looking up a 02 4wd so long i didnt think there was any thing else you would need to look up:cookoo:. sure is a big price differance between yours and mine.

[jumpjg]

Yesterday the new sensor showed up. Bolted it on, plugged it in, and the abs light is no longer illuminated - didn't even have to drive it down the road! Glad to have it fixed.I did take a resistance reading on the sensor prior to installation. I only have a digital multimeter, and when taking a reading in the ohms function it registered open, but I've had problems before with taking readings on ignition coils using a digital VOM - need to get a Simpson meter. I switched it to the diode check function and was able to read a resistance of 1.106 ohms.So for troubleshooting a sensor, check for continuity, then physical damage.Joe in St Louis

[dripley]

happy to hear you got it fixed.