Ford F-150 (2016-2020) ABS Wheel Speed Sensor: Symptoms and Replacement
Figuring out why your ABS and AdvanceTrac lights are on and how to choose the right replacement sensor for your truck.
- A bad ABS sensor will disable your ABS, traction control, and stability control systems.
- Before replacing a sensor, visually inspect its wiring for damage, which is a common failure point on F-150s.
- If you own a 2018-2019 model, ask a dealer about TSB 20-2046, as a software update might fix your issue without new parts.
- Replacement is a simple DIY job, but using a quality brand like Motorcraft or Delphi is recommended to ensure reliability.
Is Your F-150 Showing ABS or AdvanceTrac Warnings?
If your 2016-2020 F-150 dashboard suddenly lights up with warnings like "ABS," "Service AdvanceTrac," or "Hill Start Assist Not Available," a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor is a likely culprit. These sensors live in a harsh environment near the wheels, exposed to water, dirt, and heat, making them a common failure point. This guide will walk you through the symptoms, what causes them to fail, and how to choose the right aftermarket replacement part.
Check This First: A Known Software Glitch
For some 2018-2019 Ford F-150 models, a software issue can cause false ABS and AdvanceTrac warnings. Ford issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 20-2046 🎬 Watch: How to fix this TSB software issue yourself. for this problem. Before replacing any parts, it might be worth checking with a dealer to see if a simple ABS module reprogram is the real fix. This could save you time and money.
Symptoms of a Bad ABS Sensor on a 2016-2020 F-150
When a wheel speed sensor fails, your truck's computer loses a key piece of information. This forces it to shut down related safety systems. You will still have normal braking, but without the anti-lock function.
- Warning Lights: The most obvious sign is an illuminated ABS light on your dash. You'll likely also see warnings for traction control, stability control (AdvanceTrac), and hill start assist.
- Disabled Safety Features: Your anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control will be deactivated.
- Other Disabled Systems: You may find that cruise control no longer works and you can't select different drive modes like Sport or Tow/Haul.
- Damaged Wiring: A common issue on F-150s is the sensor wire getting damaged. Before buying a new sensor, visually inspect the wiring leading to the wheel hub for any signs of rubbing, cuts, or corrosion.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket ABS Sensor
When replacing your sensor, you have a choice between the original Ford part (Motorcraft) and several aftermarket brands. For a critical safety sensor, quality matters.
- OEM (Motorcraft): This is the part your truck was built with. It guarantees perfect fit and function but comes at the highest cost.
- Premium Aftermarket (e.g., Delphi): Delphi is a well-respected brand that often manufactures original parts for car companies. They are generally considered a reliable alternative to OEM, offering similar quality at a lower price.
- Standard Aftermarket (e.g., Standard Ignition, Holstein): These brands offer a good value and are widely available. Standard Motor Products is a huge aftermarket supplier, but quality can vary. Holstein is another established aftermarket option. For many owners, these parts work fine, but the risk of getting a defective part out of the box is slightly higher than with OEM or premium brands.
Cost of Replacing an F-150 ABS Sensor
The cost can vary depending on whether you do it yourself or go to a shop. The part itself is relatively inexpensive.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Motorcraft) Part | $45 - $160 |
| New Aftermarket Part | $26 - $124 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $300 |
| Total (Shop Repair) | $126 - $460 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an ABS sensor to fail on an F-150?
The most common causes are damage to the sensor's wiring from rubbing against a tire or suspension part, contamination from mud and road grime, and internal failure from age and heat cycles. Sometimes the magnetic ring the sensor reads from can get damaged, but this is less common.
Can I replace an F-150 ABS sensor myself?
Yes, this is a very DIY-friendly job for someone with basic tools. The process involves removing the wheel, locating the sensor on the wheel hub, undoing one bolt, and disconnecting a wiring clip. 🎬 See this step-by-step front wheel speed sensor replacement guide. The hardest part can be the sensor getting seized in the hub 🎬 Watch: What to do if a seized sensor requires a hub replacement. due to rust, which may require some gentle prying to remove.
Do I need to replace all four sensors at once?
No. A proper diagnostic scan tool will tell you which specific sensor has failed (e.g., "Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor"). You only need to replace the one that is faulty.
Do I need to reset the computer after replacing the sensor?
Often, the warning lights will go off on their own after a short drive once the new sensor is installed. However, it's always a good practice to clear the trouble codes from the ABS module with a scan tool after the repair is complete.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: BRAB-412 BRAB-514 BRAB-527 BRAB-532 ML3Z-15K857-C
The ABS wheel speed sensor for the 2016-2020 Ford F-150 is a magnetic sensor that mounts to the wheel hub/knuckle assembly. It reads the rotation of a toothed tone ring to generate a speed signal. The front and rear sensors may have different part numbers and wire lengths.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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