Bad ABS sensor?

[exranger06]

My sister is looking for a new car since hers was totaled. She went to look at a nice 2004 Mazda 6 today. The check engine light was on. The owner said it has a bad ABS sensor. I'm a little skeptical of that because, wouldn't that trigger the ABS light and NOT the check engine light?? I'm going to go with her on sunday to look at the car again, and I'm bringing a code reader with me. Has anyone heard of an ABS sensor triggering only the check engine light?

Also, while I'm here, anything I should check/look for on this car?

 

[JeremyInMT]

On our 02 grand am, the abs sensor cable was bad and threw the ABS, traction control and CEL lights on. It was like the 4th of july on my dashboard.

 

[190E26FTW]

Usually a bad ABS sensor would trigger the ABS light on and not the CEL one. Not sure about this model so maybe some guys can chime in if they own this vehicle. If in doubt...I would move on to another car unless they make you an offer you cant refuse. I personally would avoid purchasing a used car with lights on the dash board on, that is usually a sign of neglect. If the owner was cheap on the brake sensor...it makes you wonder what else he cheaped out on? Do you want your sister to take a chance?

 

[willix]

Connections to the speed sensors at the wheel wells have to live in a very harsh environment its often the cause. Sensors do go bad.

 

[GMBoy]

CEL is only for power train related faults. There is something else wrong.

 

[mechtech2]

ex -
You were observant to note that slight misconseption.
Because it is NOT slight.
Like mentioned, it is an engine code.
Easy to check with a tester or a trip to the auto parts store.

 

[The_Jeff]

Make sure the ABS light still works on self-test. If it were disabled and a wheel speed sensor disagreed with the speedometer speed sensor it wouldn't know which was right and could (try to) light both lights. Also sometimes burned out bulbs/ cut wires to ancillary idiot lights will light the CEL.

I'm surprised the seller isn't trying the old "it just needs an oxygen sensor" line of malarkey.

 

[Kestas]

Agreed. If it was a simple and quick fix, they would have fixed it before putting it up for sale. Have the code read, and expect it to be something hard to diagnose or fix.

 

[willix]

The Traction control systems are integrate with the ABS and can evolve brakes, engine, trans, struts.

My ABS light was set by the brake fluid level sensor.