Found debris on my wheel speed sensor. Any cause for concern?

[WheresMyBronco]

I went out on a short drive the other day in my 2023 Badlands with 1500 miles and was hit with pretty much all the same error codes found in this post here (some different symptoms though). After I got home, I saw a notification from my FordPass app saying it "detected an issue with the signal from the Rear Wheel Speed Sensor RH" amongst a couple other things.

So, after checking out that thread and other similar ones, I pulled out my rear RH speed sensor and noticed this piece of what I believe is grey RTV/silicone sealant stuck to it. I removed that grey piece, reinstalled the sensor, and went out for a drive and the error codes all cleared themselves shortly after. However, now I'm wondering where the debris came from and if there is any reason for concern.

Do I need to worry about any seals or potential damage in the future because of this?


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Full list of errors that popped up are:
In the car:

• Sta-Bar Disconnect Service Required
• Pre-Collision Assist Not Available
• Service AdvanceTrac
• Park Aid Fault

From the FordPass app:

• Collision Assist Unavailable
  • The Collision Warning system has detected either a system fault or an obstructed radar sensor.
• Anti-Lock Brake Fault
  • The brake system has detected an issue with the signal from the Rear Wheel Speed Sensor RH

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[Bikeric]

I’ve got nothing to add but wanted to give this a BUMP so that someone else might see it before it disappears from front page. I would be curious where that debris came from too.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

I’ve got nothing to add but wanted to give this a BUMP so that someone else might see it before it disappears from front page. I would be curious where that debris came from too.

Thanks, it seems like a lot of people had the same issues I had with the error codes popping up so I'm hoping this could help them out in that regard too. I'm not too concerned about it and I'm glad the codes went away, but it's still a pretty large chunk.

 

[technerd]

Just had all those errors pop up on me today, I'm not going to take apart a brand new vehicle, the dealer can do it. I'm amazed this is such a frequent issue for people, it's frustrating.

 

[Snacktime]

To be honest I wouldn't worry it looks like some sort of assembly goop.

A failed wheel bearing has lots of metal with burnt grease its hard to miss. Nothing to warranty, dealer might have just changed the sensor in order to charge the time to diagnose a non problem.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

Just had all those errors pop up on me today, I'm not going to take apart a brand new vehicle, the dealer can do it. I'm amazed this is such a frequent issue for people, it's frustrating.

When all the errors first popped up I definitely thought I would have to take it in to a dealership, but all the dealers near me all have a very long wait/service time so I figured I'd look into it for a bit.

Checking the sensor was as easy as removing an 8mm bolt and pulling it out to see if anything was on it. I also checked the other end of the cable to make sure it was fully plugged in. Nothing really needs to be taken apart and it took 5min max for everything.

Here's a pic of the 8mm bolt if you decide to check it out yourself

 

[technerd]

When all the errors first popped up I definitely thought I would have to take it in to a dealership, but all the dealers near me all have a very long wait/service time so I figured I'd look into it for a bit.

Checking the sensor was as easy as removing an 8mm bolt and pulling it out to see if anything was on it. I also checked the other end of the cable to make sure it was fully plugged in. Nothing really needs to be taken apart and it took 5min max for everything.

Good to know, really appreciate you sharing that. Everything fixed itself after a few drives, but I have a feeling it will come back, so maybe I'll look around back there.

 

[22Badskwatch]

When all the errors first popped up I definitely thought I would have to take it in to a dealership, but all the dealers near me all have a very long wait/service time so I figured I'd look into it for a bit.

Checking the sensor was as easy as removing an 8mm bolt and pulling it out to see if anything was on it. I also checked the other end of the cable to make sure it was fully plugged in. Nothing really needs to be taken apart and it took 5min max for everything.

Here's a pic of the 8mm bolt if you decide to check it out yourself

so just to confirm, is it this bolt?

I had this happen to me while out wheeling with some friends - lost 4wd - luckily I had gone through the difficult stuff and was able to make it out with 2wd, and shortly after getting back on the highway, the errors all went away.. but it's the 2nd time this has happened to me on the right rear sensor.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

so just to confirm, is it this bolt?

I had this happen to me while out wheeling with some friends - lost 4wd - luckily I had gone through the difficult stuff and was able to make it out with 2wd, and shortly after getting back on the highway, the errors all went away.. but it's the 2nd time this has happened to me on the right rear sensor.

Yes it is, sorry I should've circled it. I would check that as well as the connection of the plug on the other end of that cable to make sure it's plugged in correctly.

 

[22Badskwatch]

Yes it is, sorry I should've circled it. I would check that as well as the connection of the plug on the other end of that cable to make sure it's plugged in correctly.

thanks!

 

[jasonkosi]

Just want to say thanks to @WheresMyBronco for posting this. Came back from a hike today to get the same/similar warnings. A quick peek on the forums and I found this thread.
Turns out the connector going to the rear left speed sensor was caked in dried mud and dust, and while there wasn’t any dirt inside the connector, enough was built up around the plug’s release tab and between the male and female ends to cause it to be wonky. After cleaning them out the fault codes cleared on the next ignition cycle.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

Just want to say thanks to @WheresMyBronco for posting this. Came back from a hike today to get the same/similar warnings. A quick peek on the forums and I found this thread.
Turns out the connector going to the rear left speed sensor was caked in dried mud and dust, and while there wasn’t any dirt inside the connector, enough was built up around the plug’s release tab and between the male and female ends to cause it to be wonky. After cleaning them out the fault codes cleared on the next ignition cycle.

Glad it helped! Considering how scary all the codes look, it's such a quick and simple thing to check/fix

 

[GToddC5]

I've been suffering from these codes and going into limp mode for a while now, so glad I found this post! I can't wait to inspect and clean. My scenario is usually while accelerating (spirited) through a turn, and there's two intersections on my way to work that I have to granny my way through to avoid tripping the system. Sometimes it's just accelerating (spirited) from a stop, with a little loss of traction. I even drive around with traction control off in hopes to avoid the issue. I know these aren't race cars, but I do enjoy tossing this little 2dr 7MT around sometimes. I hope this solves it, because I want to avoid taking to the dealer, for sure. It's so bad that I don't trust taking this off-road, because I'm positive it would get tripped constantly at any loss of traction. Imagine how it feels to have zero confidence in taking a 4x4 off-road

 

[TheOregonian]

Yes it is, sorry I should've circled it. I would check that as well as the connection of the plug on the other end of that cable to make sure it's plugged in correctly.

Brand new member, joined *specifically* to interact/respond/commiserate with this issue. Seems it’s my turn. Was out last night in the snow and ice definitely being a fully law abiding citizen and casual driver when these errors (ABS, AdvanceTrac maintenance, collision assistance) started popping up like crazy. A little concerning for a two week old vehicle.

Don’t have a shop (sorry little bronco..) but will have to find some place without a sheet of ice to park and crawl under it to take a peek. Lotta gunk up there from the past week of storm buildup..

Appreciate the heads up

 

[Brian_B]

Brand new member, joined *specifically* to interact/respond/commiserate with this issue.

Hope it's an easy fix for you. The wheel speed sensor is easy to get at and check, so at least it won't take a lot of disassembly or anything.

I'm hoping it's just some ice knocked the wire harness loose or something for you.

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