ABS sensor damage from a pothole

Tags: #abs

A driver hit a large pothole (described as a "drunken road") and the ABS warning light activated. Inspection revealed the wheel sensor's tooth (reluctor ring tooth) was bent/damaged. The owner straightened the sensor tooth manually, and the ABS light cleared automatically without any diagnostic reset. No further issues occurred over a month of driving afterward. This suggests sensor-tooth damage may be a temporary fault if the damage isn't severe — worth trying before assuming a full sensor replacement or professional reset is needed¹.

Related pages

• Front wheel hub — ABS sensor ring identification
• ESP light and the "drunk road" error code
• PDC sensor issues after bumper removal
• Service fraud — unneeded overhaul then VVT damage
• Off-road wiring damage and full-system fault diagnosis

Sources

This page is compiled from 1 community messages. Every fact carries a numbered reference to its original author and message.

Last updated: 2026-07-24