Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Rear speed sensor failing?

[CumminsFarmer]

Hey guys. 2 weeks ago I was towing my wife's horse trailer, and a couple of times the ABS light would come on for a few seconds and the speedometer would quit, then everything would work fine again. Today, on the road empty with no trailer, the same thing happened. Did it once while on cruise control at 65 mph. ABS light comes on, speedometer quits, and the rig goes to FULL POWER on its own!!! It was actually pretty cool. Shut off cruise, and used the go pedal after that. Im assuming the rear speed sensor is going out. Checked the wiring and it appears to be fine. No rub spots, and no exposed wires.



SO,

How expensive is the rear speed sensor?

Does it have to be set or adjusted when replaced? i. e. -Distance from ring gear?



Thanks, Cole.

 

[JAlford]

I replaced mine several years ago, don't remember the cost. Maybe $50? It is not hard, there is no adjustment, just bolts on. If your truck has 4-wheel ABS, you don't loose the speedo in the same fashion, but it will spook you when you go to stop.

Jeff

 

[Loren]

I agree with Jeff. I replaced mine several years back too. It wasn't too expensive and the job was very easy.



As I recall, the trick is getting the old one out without having parts fall into the hole. Ask a dealer mechanic if you want to be sure. There was no adjustment for mine; just stick it in the hole and screw it down.



Good luck,

Loren

 

[big barney]

Just went throught the same thing. The part was around $45. 00 or so at the dealer. Super easy to replace.

 

[GaryOwen]

Mechanic told me that most of the time cleaning the sensor will fix the problem. Said metal shavings are picked up by the magnet and that interferes with the sensor. Have no idea if this is true, but might be worth a try.



Gary

 

[THess]

My truck had similar problems so I replaced the sensor and the problems didn't go away. It turned out to be some loose wiring to the sensor. One of the connectors had gone bad; fixed it with a couple crimp spade connectors and some silicone. To be sure the sensor is bad you should use a voltmeter and check its resistance(ohms). I can't remember how much resistance it should have but you could do a search (speed sensor ohms) and probably find out. Hope this helps.