2014 Acura RDX, awd/abs/traction control lights, right front wheel speed sensor?

[apollo18]

Hello,

Yesterday, I was driving my 2014 Acura RDX and everything was fine. However, when I stopped to get groceries and returned to my vehicle, I noticed a strange humming noise coming from the right front wheel. I didn’t think much of it since the car still drove fine, but then the ABS briefly kicked in, which shouldn’t have happened, especially since I was only going about 5 mph leaving the parking lot. Then, all of a sudden, the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, with warning lights for AWD, power steering, traction control, ABS, etc. I don’t recall hitting anything, and I’m not sure what caused it.


I pulled over and checked the voltage while the engine was running. It was around 14.4V as I remember, and everything under the hood seemed fine. I disconnected the battery for a few minutes and restarted the vehicle, but the dashboard lights were still on. The car still drove fine, and I didn’t hear any grinding or scary noises, just an occasional hum from the right front wheel. I had a feeling it might be the wheel speed sensor. Later, after leaving the vehicle off for a few hours, I checked the cold battery voltage with the car off and got 12.48V. The battery has a sticker from November 2023, so I assume it’s fine. The voltage might actually be closer to 12.5V+, but when I popped the hood, some lights came on and the car kind of “woke up,” so I assume that’s why the voltage was in the 12.48V range.


I stopped by AutoZone for a code check. They couldn’t do ABS, but it did show a “front right wheel speed sensor install error.” I don’t think a new sensor has been installed, so I’m assuming this is just the scanner indicating a faulty sensor. I also did some reading on Honda and Acura's and if I read correctly it seems like a bad wheel speed sensor could definetly cause the lights I am getting. Seems like alot of the systems depend on working speed sensors unless I am mistaken.


Before I take it to a shop for replacement or further testing, is there anything else I should check? Also, if I decide to get a new sensor, is it always best to go with OEM parts like Honda or Acura, or would it be safe to go with brands like WVE, Standard Motor, VEMO, or Holstein from RockAuto?


Thanks!

 

[bdcardinal]

Go OE on ABS components whenever possible. A bad wheel speed sensor can absolutely freak out the ABS system as it is probably showing a different speed than the other wheels.

 

[Nukeman7]

Take a quick look at the wiring pigtail on the right front ABS sensor. I had a similar experience on a Honda Odyssey which turned out to be rodent damage where a squirrel had chewed through the wire's insulation. I replaced it with a new aftermarket sensor from Advance Auto and it worked perfectly.

 

[apollo18]

i did a brief look at the wiring but it looked decent, will try to look at it better later

 

[Kalle.J]

If you have humming I would suspect the ABS ring. Broken or loose ABS ring can damage the sensor if you are unlucky.
Sensor is probably normal hall sensor, any major brand should work fine.

 

[apollo18]

If you have humming I would suspect the ABS ring. Broken or loose ABS ring can damage the sensor if you are unlucky.
Sensor is probably normal hall sensor, any major brand should work fine.

i think the humming only happens when i first start up the car for the first 5 seconds as i believe the systems tries to check if the abs is working other then that no hum i think

 

[apollo18]

sadly i swapped the sensor and still have the issue. i guess before i randomly change more stuff i have to use an abs scanner and hope its correct? i guess only remaining thing is the bearing?