Kia ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement
Is the ABS warning light displayed on your Kia Forte dashboard? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing your vehicle’s ABS wheel speed sensor. This guide is a step-by-step procedure for replacing the wheel speed sensor of the Kia Forte 2018-2022. This procedure may apply to other models as well.
What you will need
- Kia ABS Wheel Speed Sensor
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Philips Screwdriver
- Prying Tool
- Mechanic Toolset Metric
- 10mm Socket
- 12mm Socket
Procedure
- Park the vehicle on a flat-level ground surface.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel using a lug wrench or a breaker bar.
- Jack up the vehicle’s front and support it with jack stands.
- Remove the wheel from the vehicle.
- Locate the wheel speed sensor on the back of the rotor.
- Remove the bolt on the sensor using a 10mm socket. Turn the bolt counterclockwise to loosen.
- Pull the sensor out of the knuckle. Use a pick tool to pull the sensor if it doesn’t come off easily.
- Remove the cable bracket’s 12mm bolt on the upper part of the steering knuckle. Use a 12mm socket and turn it counterclockwise to remove the bolt.
- Remove the other cable bracket with a 10mm bolt on the wheel liner. Use a 10mm socket and turn it counterclockwise to remove the bolt.
- Pull the cable brackets out of the vehicle.
- Remove the push clips on the top of the fender well. Use a flat screwdriver/prying tool to remove the push clips.
- Remove the screws on the bottom part of the fender liner using a Philips screwdriver. Then pull the clip out using a prying tool.
- Pull the fender liner to the side to have access to the connector of the wheel speed sensor.
- Pull the cable clips out of the vehicle using a prying tool or pick tool.
- Disconnect the electrical connector of the wheel speed sensor by pressing the clip and pulling the connector out.
- Connect the new wheel speed sensor. Push the connector into the connection port of the wheel speed sensor.
- Push the cable clips back to the vehicle to lock the cable in.
- Line up the fender well back to its original position. Then reinstall the push clips and screws on the fender well.
- Line up the cable brackets back to the vehicle and reinstall the 10mm bolt and 12mm bolt on the cable. Turn the bolts clockwise to tighten.
- Insert the sensor and reinstall the 10mm bolt to fully install the new wheel speed sensor. Turn the bolt clockwise to tighten.
- Reinstall the front wheel back to the vehicle and torque it to specification.
ABS Light On
If the ABS Light is on after replacing the ABS wheel speed sensor, you can use the YOUCANIC Full System Scanner to reset the ABS light. This scanner can also read and clear fault codes through every vehicle’s control module.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a Kia ABS sensor yourself?
Yes. Replacing the ABS wheel speed sensor on a Kia is easy and takes about 30 minutes.
How much does it cost to replace the Kia ABS sensor?
At the dealership, it costs between $250-$400, but if you replace the ABS sensor yourself, you will spend under $100.
Can you drive with a broken ABS sensor?
Yes, you can drive with a broken ABS sensor, but it is not recommended. The vehicle may skid or require a longer distance to stop.
We hope you find the Kia ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Kia.
