ABS Sensor Failure?

Shane_Anigans

Bought an X
Location
MI
(Apologies in advance if this thread is in the wrong place.)

2011 Xterra S 4x4, 138k miles.

I was driving on the freeway the other night 60-70mph, temperature was in the mid-30s, road surface was wet. Drove over a minor ripple in the pavement, and immediately the ABS, VCD Off, and Slip warning lights came on. They remained on for the duration of the journey. When I started it up again the following morning, no warning lights were illuminated, and none appeared for the 40-odd mile trip.

Based on my rudimentary understanding of how these things work, I immediately thought that one of the ABS/wheel speed sensors had failed, but I also found it strange that it would start working again. The only way to know for sure is to use a scan tool (or pay someone to do that), but before I go that route, I was curious to see if the community had any experience with this sort of thing. Thanks!
 

RM975

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Templeton, Ca
Are you lifted with any sort of non OEM sensor wire routing? After I got my X reassembled lately, I didn't do the best getting one sense wire routed and it tangled for a bit with a sidewall. When the insulation rubbed though, it shorted the two circuits and threw lights, but when I tied it back away prior to replacement, the lights went away.
 

Shane_Anigans

Bought an X
Location
MI
Are you lifted with any sort of non OEM sensor wire routing? After I got my X reassembled lately, I didn't do the best getting one sense wire routed and it tangled for a bit with a sidewall. When the insulation rubbed though, it shorted the two circuits and threw lights, but when I tied it back away prior to replacement, the lights went away.
All suspension components are as they were from the factory, with the exception of removal of the bottom leaf of each of the rear springs, as they were both broken.
 

RM975

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Templeton, Ca
Front sensors are in a sealed grease environment. If the bearing assembly is making metal, I could see the signal getting screwy. All these do is report a change of AC polarity to the computer due to interaction with the tone ring. Rear sensors are "open air". Even soaked in oil from a failed axle seal they operate.
 

TheCrabby1

I Smell Fishy
Supporting Member
Location
Burtonsville, Md
(Apologies in advance if this thread is in the wrong place.)

2011 Xterra S 4x4, 138k miles.

I was driving on the freeway the other night 60-70mph, temperature was in the mid-30s, road surface was wet. Drove over a minor ripple in the pavement, and immediately the ABS, VCD Off, and Slip warning lights came on. They remained on for the duration of the journey. When I started it up again the following morning, no warning lights were illuminated, and none appeared for the 40-odd mile trip.

Based on my rudimentary understanding of how these things work, I immediately thought that one of the ABS/wheel speed sensors had failed, but I also found it strange that it would start working again. The only way to know for sure is to use a scan tool (or pay someone to do that), but before I go that route, I was curious to see if the community had any experience with this sort of thing. Thanks!
Mine threw all of these and the CEL for the pass cam sensor . but was drivable .
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
When I started having ABS issues, one of my front hubs was failing. And I had to replace both by the time it was said and done. Then the drivers rear outer bearing exploded. Which prompted a full rear rebuild.
 

Shane_Anigans

Bought an X
Location
MI
When I started having ABS issues, one of my front hubs was failing. And I had to replace both by the time it was said and done. Then the drivers rear outer bearing exploded. Which prompted a full rear rebuild.
Hopefully that's not the case here. It's 10 degrees outside and my garage isn't heated.
 

Shane_Anigans

Bought an X
Location
MI
So, the lights started coming on again intermittently; once when I went over a speed bump a bit too fast because I didn't see it in time, and then again yesterday during normal driving. Each time, the lights go away after restarting the vehicle. I may just buy a scan tool to figure this out, or have the dealership look into it when I get the overdue airbag recall done on Friday.
 

XterraRising

Bumpers Installed
Location
Utah
Having it come on intermittently would suggest a problem with the wiring. Wouldn’t hurt to get down there and poke around a bit.
 

Shane_Anigans

Bought an X
Location
MI
Update, almost a year later:

The issue seemed to vanish as the weather warmed up, and I promptly forgot all about it. Then as it got cold again, the issue resurfaced, along with the telltale pedal pulsation that comes from the ABS kicking on when it isn't supposed to. In the interim, I bought a scanner/diagnostic tool that reads ABS codes, and lo and behold it's the RF wheel speed sensor. Pulled it out and found it covered in dirt and grease, meaning the seal failed, which is probably where the issue starts. Popped in a new sensor (NTK, because I only use the best Great Value car parts), and all is well.
 

'15XterraPro

Test Drive
Location
Charlo Heights
(Apologies in advance if this thread is in the wrong place.)

2011 Xterra S 4x4, 138k miles.

I was driving on the freeway the other night 60-70mph, temperature was in the mid-30s, road surface was wet. Drove over a minor ripple in the pavement, and immediately the ABS, VCD Off, and Slip warning lights came on. They remained on for the duration of the journey. When I started it up again the following morning, no warning lights were illuminated, and none appeared for the 40-odd mile trip.

Based on my rudimentary understanding of how these things work, I immediately thought that one of the ABS/wheel speed sensors had failed, but I also found it strange that it would start working again. The only way to know for sure is to use a scan tool (or pay someone to do that), but before I go that route, I was curious to see if the community had any experience with this sort of thing. Thanks!
I have a 2015 Xterra Pro-S and just had the a complete maintenance (plugs, transmission / transfer case and F-R differentials) and 10 miles after I left the dealership I had just about every warning light go on. When I took it back to the dealership he said that Nissan's warning system snowballs, that when one sensor goes back it triggers the other sensors. I contacted Nissan USA for information and found out that was a complete waste of time. The dealership did a diagnostic and it showed the Diff Lock sensor was the center of the problem. He said in most cases they just replace the rear differential for around $7000.00 but could also have their service department go in and replace the sensor and any parts that 'may be bad' but that is could cost quite a bit more. I had them tape off the wire to the sensor and have not had any further problems.
 

Xterrorista

Charcoal Briquette
Supporting Member
Location
Denton, TX
Exact same scenario. Ended up being rear driver wheel speed sensor. If you end up replacing it be sure to get OME parts as the aftermarket parts are hit and miss on those sensors..
 
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