The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2016 Tucson ABS and ESC Warning Lights On After Pothole

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:02 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Tucson Sport

Hi all, I'm looking for some advice on my 2016 Hyundai Tucson Sport. Recently, after hitting a pretty nasty pothole, both my ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning lights illuminated on the dashboard. They've been on ever since.

The brakes still feel like they're working fine, and I haven't noticed any immediate changes in driving, but I know these are important safety systems. Could hitting the pothole have damaged a sensor or wiring?

What should I be looking for, or is this something that definitely needs a professional diagnosis? Thanks in advance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:02 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

It's very common for ABS and ESC warning lights to illuminate simultaneously after an impact like hitting a pothole. These systems are interconnected, and a fault in one often affects the other. Here's what's likely happening:

  1. Wheel Speed Sensor Damage: The most probable cause is damage to a wheel speed sensor or its wiring, specifically on the wheel that hit the pothole. Each wheel has a sensor that monitors its rotational speed, providing crucial data to the ABS and ESC modules. A sudden jolt can:
    • Physically break the sensor.
    • Damage the wiring harness leading to the sensor.
    • Dislodge the sensor from its mounting.
    • Damage the tone ring (a toothed ring the sensor reads) on the axle.
  2. Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): An OBD-II scanner capable of reading ABS/ESC codes is essential. Look for C-codes (Chassis) such as:
    • C1200: Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction (often followed by a digit indicating which wheel, e.g., C1201 for front left).
    • C1202-C1205: Specific wheel speed sensor faults.
    • Codes related to ABS pump motor or valve faults (less likely with a pothole, but possible).
  3. Visual Inspection: If you're comfortable, you can visually inspect the wheel area that hit the pothole. Look for: frayed wires, cracked plastic on the sensor, or any signs of damage to the brake dust shield or axle components near the sensor.
  4. Safety Concern: While your brakes might feel normal, the ABS and ESC systems are disabled when these lights are on. This means your wheels could lock up under hard braking, and the vehicle's stability control won't intervene in a skid. This significantly reduces your vehicle's active safety features.
  5. When to See a Shop:
    • Immediately. Because these are critical safety systems, it's highly recommended to have a professional diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible. Driving without functioning ABS and ESC can be dangerous.
    • A shop can accurately identify the faulty sensor or wiring, perform necessary repairs, and clear the codes.
Menu

Help & account