Buy Ford Mustang ABS Wheel Speed Sensors

A Ford Mustang ABS wheel speed sensor (also called an ABS sensor, wheel sensor, anti-lock brake sensor, or tone ring sensor) tells the car's computer how fast each wheel turns. The ABS uses this signal to stop the wheels from locking in hard braking. It also feeds traction control and stability control. When a sensor fails, you'll usually see an ABS light, and traction/stability features can turn off. Normal brakes still work, but without anti-lock help. Learn more about ABS in general from the U.S. safety agency's research on stopping and steering control during hard braking (NHTSA ABS overview).

The sensor reads a toothed "tone ring" (also called a reluctor ring) at each wheel. As the ring turns, the sensor sends a signal the computer can count. If a wheel slows too fast, ABS reduces brake pressure for that wheel to help you steer. Traction control and electronic stability control also use these same wheel-speed signals. See more on shared sensors in this explainer on traction control and stability systems (traction control basics).

On Mustangs, each ABS sensor sits by the wheel hub/knuckle-right behind the brake rotor. It points at the tone ring that's built into the hub/bearing or axle. Ford service procedures show the sensor mounted to the knuckle with a small bolt and a wire harness that clips to the brake hose brackets (2014 Mustang workshop step-by-step). If you unplug a sensor with the key on, the ABS module will set a fault code-so switch the ignition off before disconnecting (Ford workshop note). (reichwein.it, Charm)

Common symptoms include:

• ABS warning light on the dash.
• Traction control or stability control light/messages.
• ABS pulsing not working on slick roads.
  Ford owner's manuals say if the ABS light comes on while driving, ABS is disabled but normal braking remains-have the system checked (Ford owner's manual note).

• Dirt, rust, or metal shavings stuck to the sensor tip.
• Damaged or cracked tone ring.
• Broken wire or loose connector in the sensor harness.
• Less often: failed sensor electronics.
  A technician guide shows how even tiny tone-ring defects or air-gap changes can cause bad signals (diagnosing wheel-speed sensors).

1. Look: Inspect the sensor body, wire, and connector at each wheel. Check the tone ring for chips or missing teeth.
2. Clean: Wipe off rust or debris on the sensor tip and ring.
3. Scan: Use a scan tool that can read ABS data. Spin each wheel by hand and compare the four speed readings-one that stays at 0 or jumps around is your suspect. (Scan tools that read ABS live data are different from basic code readers; see how scan tools work here).

Your Mustang's ABS module will store "C-codes" that point to a sensor or circuit. Examples you may see:

• C0031 / C0034 - Left/Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor circuit (various sub-codes indicate open, short, or range/performance).
  These definitions appear in Ford ABS diagnostics for late-model Mustangs (Ford ABS DTC list excerpt).

• Park on level ground. Safely lift and support the car.
• Remove the wheel. Unclip the ABS sensor harness from its retainers.
• Remove the small sensor bolt. Gently twist and pull the sensor out of the knuckle. Do not pry on the plastic tip.
• Seat the new sensor fully. Route the harness in the same clips so it can't rub the tire or rotor.
• Reconnect with the ignition OFF (prevents new codes).
• Clear codes and test drive to confirm the ABS light stays off.
  Ford's service steps for the front sensor show the same general process for most years (service procedure reference).

Make sure the sensor matches: (1) front vs. rear, (2) left vs. right (some years share sides; others differ), and (3) connector shape/lead length. The easiest way is to use your Mustang's year/trim and VIN to look up the exact part in Ford's manual or owner info and compare the connector on your car. You can access official Mustang owner manuals online (Ford owner manuals hub).

Any time a brake warning is on, fix it soon. Also take a minute to check for open safety recalls on your specific car using the official VIN lookup (NHTSA recall check).

Want to read more in plain language or verify steps? These are good, non-retail references to share with shoppers:

• What ABS is and how it helps you steer under heavy braking - NHTSA ABS performance study.
• How the wheel sensor and tone ring work - Wheel speed sensor basics and trade-tech article on sensor/tone rings. (Wikipedia, MOTOR)
• Official Ford Mustang owner's manual (ABS light behavior) - example 2016 Mustang manual.
• ABS/traction/stability share wheel-speed sensors - traction control explainer.
• Technician view of diagnosing sensors and bad tone rings - step-by-step diagnostic article.

When an ABS sensor fails, check related pieces too: the wheel hub/bearing (many tone rings are inside the hub), the wiring pigtail, and the brake hose clips that hold the sensor harness. A damaged tone ring can mimic a bad sensor-so inspect it closely (sensor and tone-ring fundamentals).

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• Use a capable scan tool. Read and clear ABS codes after repair.
• Match the sensor to your year/axle/side and connector.
• Take care with routing-keep the harness away from moving parts.
• Check your VIN for open safety recalls before any brake work (NHTSA VIN recall search).