Speed sensor, small intermittent issue with ABS on the left side?

Tiny
BBER468
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET UPLANDER
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 34,000 MILES
I have a small intermittent issue with ABS on the left side. It seems to be too aggressive. This only happens when the wheel slips on snow or ice. You can hear and feel the ABS engaging on that side and the right seems to be fine.
The van will also occasionally "jump" from a complete stop. You have to let off the accelerator to keep the transmission from banging. It seems like the vehicle is getting too much throttle. I was thinking it may be the speed sensor.
Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 6:08 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, it sounds like the wheel speed sensor is weak. You can confirm the issue if you connector and ABS scanner and watch the wheel speeds on a dry flat road, they should be within 1% of each other, this video can help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvooM1X2SDs&pp=0gcJCb8Ag7Wk3p_U

This guide can help you test the sensors:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-wheel-speed-sensor-test

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
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I bought a Foxwell NT630 Plus. I checked the wheel speed sensors on an active test, and they were within +/- 1 MPH of each other. There were no active codes in the system either. I did some research on the internet, and I found someone else with a similar issue, occasional jumping/slamming from a stop. The answer he received was that it could be a possible failing forward sprag clutch. What are your thoughts on this?
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Saturday, April 5th, 2025 AT 8:20 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, I have seen the bearing hub go bad and the wheel speed sensor loses count making the ABS activate. If you are in a turn and the ABS goes off suspect the bearing hub failure. It sounds like you have two problems.
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Saturday, April 5th, 2025 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
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With the scanner connected I went around the block a few times. I made both right and left turns. The scanner showed no codes, and the dashboard didn't have any lights on. There was no noise coming from the front wheels. There was no pedal vibration as if the ABS activated.
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Saturday, April 5th, 2025 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Is there a common time when the ABS does go off? You might have an ABS module that is going out.
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Sunday, April 6th, 2025 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
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The only time it acts up is when that tire slides on snowy/icy roads. Otherwise, that wheel never gives me any problems. The ABS never illuminates when it does act up.
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Sunday, April 6th, 2025 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Then it sounds like the system is working as intended?
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Sunday, April 6th, 2025 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
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It appears too. Occasionally I get a service traction control error on the dash. It is very random and there is no rhyme or reason behind it. It's not that it engaged and gives an error. Sometimes when you start the van it's on. It might be that same module but it's so random it's hard to say. There are no error codes for the traction control system when I scanned it. Both of these issues have me confused.
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Sunday, April 6th, 2025 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would wait until the system has more of a problem to where you can get a code. If the wheel hub is going bad it would not leave a code so to me the problem is most likely a wheel speed sensor shorting out or the ABS module. You might want to try removing the wheel sensors and check for metal shavings.
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Monday, April 7th, 2025 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
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Okay. Where exactly are the speed sensors located? I think I found the ABS sensor located in the hub. There were two wires attached to it, and it looked like it was epoxied into the hub. According to everything I've read they say there's a bolt that holds it in. In my quick glances with the tire off I didn't see anything in the hub with a bolt. Thanks for your patience.
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Monday, April 7th, 2025 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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You are correct, the wheel speed sensor are in the hub.
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Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 AT 8:23 AM

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