Test F, Wheel Sensor Output

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 1990 Pontiac Bonneville, 1990 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 1990 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, 1990 Cadillac Fleetwood, and 1990 Cadillac DeVille. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Wheel sensors send a AC signal to EBCM, by passing a toothed ring past 2-pole inductive sensor. EBCM determines calculated wheel speed, using sensor output frequency, to detect wheel lock-up. Resistance of sensor should be 800-1400 ohms.
If cable is damaged, repair or replace cable, using manufacturer repair kit. It is important to maintain original cable twist (6-9 turns per foot).
- The following test may be performed for individual wheel speed sensors (as directed by the appropiate diagnostic procedure), or for all sensors as a system check.
- To set up for test: - Install J-35592 pinout box. - Raise vehicle so that wheels clear the ground. - An assistant may be required to spin wheels
  
  Fig 1: Flow Chart F, Wheel Sensor Output
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTOR CO.
- The Following Test May Be Performed For Individual Wheel Speed Sensors (As Directed By The Appropriate Diagnostic Procedure) Or For All Sensors As A System Check
- To Set Up For Test: - Install J-35592 Pinout Box - Raise Car So That Wheels Clear The Ground - An Assistant May Be Required To Spin The Wheels

Fig 2: Right Rear

Fig 3: Left Front

Fig 4: Left Rear

Fig 5: Right Front

If No Trouble Is Found With Wheel Speed Sensor Output, Consider That:

Output Should Not Be Significantly Different From LF To RF And LR To RR
Front WSS Output Should Be Slightly Higher Than Rear WSS Output
Improper Output May Be Caused By Misadjusted Front Sensor
Wheel Speed Sensor Cables Sometimes Can Intermittently Go Open, Particularly In The Wheelhouse Area, Manipulate The Cables By Hand When Inspecting For An Open Circuit
Toothed Sensor Rings Should Also Be Inspected For Damage Or Missing Teeth

If no trouble is found with wheel speed sensor output, consider that:

Output should not be significantly different from LF to RF and LR to RR.
Front WSS output should be slightly higher than rear WSS output.
Improper output may be caused by mis-adjusted front sensor.
Wheel speed sensor cables sometimes can intermittely go open, particularly in the wheelhouse area, manipulate the cables by hand when inspecting for an open circuit.
Toothed sensor rings should be inspected for damage or missing teeth.