'96 Camaro w/ 3.8L v6...

I recently had the ABS/INOP light come on while driving (solid, not flashing). This happened two days in a row, and the next day the Low Trac light came on (but not the ABS light). Today, neither came on.

Tech scanned the history codes, and he came up with a code for the right front sensor. He didn't test the sensor because he couldn't reach it without removing the hub. He didn't want to do that and have to charge me that much time just to test a sensor.

My first question is: what's the likelyhood that the sensor is bad, as opposed to anything else in the system making the ABS module think it's bad? In other words, could it be something else but still give that code?

Second: if that sensor is bad, what is really involved with replacing it? The tech seemed to think that it's a good idea to replace the hub if I'm taking the old one off. Is there any reason that's necessary? If I do replace the hub, is it important to do those in pairs like you do with brakes?

 

1 the sensor could be bad or the sensor wire harness can be bad also. ive seen both on here.
2 u cant just change the sensor. the hub and sensor are one part. its really not to hard to change. u will need to take the tire off the caliper and rotor will need to come off also so if u think it needs brakes or u want to switch to drilled and gruved rotors now would be a good time. once the brakes are out of the way its a matter of four bolts and unplugging the sensor wire harness.

 

What craby said! But they ain't cheap! I only replaced the bad one and have had no issues.

 

Thanks guys! If the light comes onagain, I'll look into replacing that. Any ideas where to get one cheap? Is this something I'd be able to tear off another car at a junkyard?

 

its not a part u want to pick up used. we are talking about what makes the wheels go round so oem would be best in this case. ive seen some cheep ones on the net but i have a feeling a guy would get what he paid for on em.

 

Great point. I was afraid of that, LOL.

I haven't seen either light again in the last few days, so I'm leaning towards it being a loose wire (crossing my fingers). I'll have time next week to get under there and check the wiring. I've had other wiring problems with this car, so I wouldn't be surprised if that was the issue.

Thanks again to everyone for the info! I'll let you all know if/what I find out.

 

It could be the harness has a cracked wire casing or a plug that has a bad seal, either of which would expose it to the weather elements. Were you driving in sloppy weather shortly before this happened?

 

Yeah, it was cold and rainy for the last few days before this happened. I saw the Low Trac light again today for just a few seconds, even though I was on a smooth road and the car was braking smoothly. I'll check all the wiring this weekend when I get some free time.