BrakesModel years 2000–2002ManufacturerGovernment

Unwanted ABS activation at low speed (front wheel speed sensor mounting corrosion)

Recall 05V-379 / GM 05068C: 2000-2002 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL (and Silverado/Sierra/Tahoe/Suburban/Avalanche) located in the listed severe-corrosion (salt belt) areas. NHTSA's index of GM bulletin 03-05-25-007 (same cleaning repair) lists Yukon 2001-2006.

FaultCrate・Unwanted ABS activation at low speed (front wheel speed sensor mounting corrosion)

With the brakes applied between about 6 km/h (3.7 mph) and 16 km/h (10 mph), the corrosion may cause unwanted ABS activation.

Stopping distances during low-speed brake applications (between 3.7 and 10 mph (= 16.1 km/h)) may increase because the ABS wheel speed sensor signal is lost.

These vehicles may have a condition permitting corrosion to occur between the front hub/bearing assembly and the wheel speed sensor.

GM indicated that the condition can occur if corrosion forms under the wheel speed sensor and moves the sensor away from the integral speed-sensor toothed ring.

What to do

The reading should be at least 350 mV AC; if it is less, the wheel speed sensor must be replaced.
If the sensor's mounting surface is warped or bent, the sensor must be replaced.
Dealers remove the sensor, clean its mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor and grease, reinstall it and check peak-to-peak output voltage.
The passage heading states that the repair is cleaning the wheel speed sensor mounting surface.
The recall procedure is to remove the sensor, clean the mounting surface, apply a rust inhibitor (Zinc-X) to the surface and reinstall the sensor; the sensor is replaced if necessary.
GM's earlier recall procedure in Canada also included greasing the mounting surfaces and verifying that the wheel speed signal output voltages were within specification.

If left

Unwanted activation can increase stopping distances in low-speed braking, which could result in a crash.→ increased stopping distance at low speed

Caution

Do not pry the sensor out of the bore; prying breaks the sensor body off in the bore.
The condition does not set any ABS codes and does not illuminate the ABS warning lamp.
Incidents were also counted outside the recall states: 168 incidents and 31 crashes among 2,406,000 vehicles in the remaining 30 states, which GM and ODI continued to monitor.
This preliminary evaluation has been closed; the Action line names Recall 05V-379.

In the records

Wheel Speed Sensor: replaced 8（says it was fixed: 1, says it did not fix it: 2, result not stated: 5）
Wheel Speed Sensor: cleaned 3（says it held for a while: 1, says it came back: 1）
Brake System: replaced 2（says it came back: 1, says it did not fix it: 1）
Hub Assembly: replaced 2（says it was fixed: 1, result not stated: 1）

Applies to

The recall covers 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 2000-2002 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, 1999-2002 GMC Sierra, and 2000-2002 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL located in the listed severe-corrosion areas.
The condition is more likely in environmentally corrosive areas.
The recall was launched only in the listed salt-belt states and the District of Columbia.
GM notified ODI on August 29, 2005 that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 C/K pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles for ABS wheel speed sensor corrosion (Recall 05V-379).
GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles registered in 14 "Salt-Belt" states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.
In November 2004 GM had already recalled approximately 150,000 model year 1999-2002 C/K model trucks in eastern Canada for the same condition.
ODI determined that 840 of the complaints, 244 of the crashes and 16 of the injuries identified in the investigation occurred in the states covered by GM's recall.

See the evidence (4 documents, 22 passages)

Document	Publisher	Date
[1]Recall Bulletin 05068C: Front Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion ↗	ManufacturerGeneral Motors (recall bulletin filed with NHTSA under 05V-379)	2008-03-01
[2]Recall 05V-379: ABS unwanted activation ↗	GovernmentNHTSA (recall summary text as published by NHTSA)	—
[3]ABS activation at low speeds (clean wheel speed sensor mounting surface) ↗	ManufacturerNHTSA manufacturer-communications index (NHTSA's one-line summary of a GM bulletin; not the bulletin text)	2009-05-01
[4]ODI investigation PE05020: Unwanted Low-Speed ABS Activation ↗	GovernmentNHTSA ODI	2005-09-13

Applies toThe recall covers 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 2000-2002 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, 1999-2002 GMC Sierra, and 2000-2002 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL located in the listed severe-corrosion areas.
MODELS: 1999-2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2000-2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE, SUBURBAN 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1999-2002 GMC SIERRA 2000-2002 GMC YUKON, YUKON XL LOCATED IN THE SEVERE CORROSION AREAS LISTED BELOW— [1] bulletin p.1
Applies toThe condition is more likely in environmentally corrosive areas.
THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS.— [2]
Applies toThe recall was launched only in the listed salt-belt states and the District of Columbia.
THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.— [2]
Why it happensThese vehicles may have a condition permitting corrosion to occur between the front hub/bearing assembly and the wheel speed sensor.
These vehicles may have a condition permitting corrosion to occur between the front hub/bearing assembly and the wheel speed sensor.— [1] bulletin, Condition
First signsWith the brakes applied between about 6 km/h (3.7 mph) and 16 km/h (10 mph), the corrosion may cause unwanted ABS activation.
If the brakes are applied while the vehicle is traveling at a speed of greater than 6 km/h (3.7 mph) but less than 16 km/h (10 mph), the corrosion may cause an unwanted anti- lock brake system (ABS) activation.— [1] bulletin, Condition
If leftUnwanted activation can increase stopping distances in low-speed braking, which could result in a crash.
THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.— [2]
RepairDealers remove the sensor, clean its mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor and grease, reinstall it and check peak-to-peak output voltage.
DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING, APPLY RUST INHIBITOR TO THE CLEANED SURFACE, GREASE THE MOUNTING SURFACE, REINSTALL THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND CHECK THE PEAK-TO-PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO ENSURE THE WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS.— [2]
How to confirmThe reading should be at least 350 mV AC; if it is less, the wheel speed sensor must be replaced.
The minimum reading should be at least 350 ACmV’s. If the reading is less than 350 ACmV’s, the wheel speed sensor must be replaced.— [1] bulletin, step 24
CautionDo not pry the sensor out of the bore; prying breaks the sensor body off in the bore.
DO NOT use a screwdriver or other device to try to pry the sensor out of the bore. Prying will cause the sensor body to break off in the bore.— [1] bulletin, step 9-10
How to confirmIf the sensor's mounting surface is warped or bent, the sensor must be replaced.
If the mounting surface on the sensor is warped or bent, the sensor must be replaced.— [1] bulletin, step 10-11
RepairThe passage heading states that the repair is cleaning the wheel speed sensor mounting surface.
ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS (CLEAN WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE).— [3]
Applies toGM notified ODI on August 29, 2005 that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 C/K pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles for ABS wheel speed sensor corrosion (Recall 05V-379).
In a letter dated August 29, 2005, GM notified ODI that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 C/K pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (Recall 05V-379).— [4]
Applies toGM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles registered in 14 "Salt-Belt" states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.
GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 "Salt-Belt" states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.— [4]
Applies toIn November 2004 GM had already recalled approximately 150,000 model year 1999-2002 C/K model trucks in eastern Canada for the same condition.
In November 2004, GM notified ODI that it was recalling approximately 150,000 model year 1999- 2002 C/K model trucks in eastern Canada to correct a condition in the antilock brake system (ABS) that may result in unwanted ABS activation and increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications.— [4]
Why it happensGM indicated that the condition can occur if corrosion forms under the wheel speed sensor and moves the sensor away from the integral speed-sensor toothed ring.
GM indicated that the condition can occur if corrosion forms under the wheel speed sensor and moves the sensor away from the integral speed-sensor toothed ring.— [4]
CautionThe condition does not set any ABS codes and does not illuminate the ABS warning lamp.
The condition does not set any ABS codes nor does it illuminate the ABS warning lamp.— [4]
First signsStopping distances during low-speed brake applications (between 3.7 and 10 mph (= 16.1 km/h)) may increase because the ABS wheel speed sensor signal is lost.
stopping distances during low-speed (between 3.7 and 10 mph) brake applications may increase due to loss of ABS wheel speed sensor signal resulting from corrosion build-up on sensor mounting surfaces.— [4]
RepairThe recall procedure is to remove the sensor, clean the mounting surface, apply a rust inhibitor (Zinc-X) to the surface and reinstall the sensor; the sensor is replaced if necessary.
The recall procedure will involve removing the sensor, cleaning the mounting surface, applying a rust inhibitor (Zinc-X) to the surface, and reinstalling the sensor. If necessary, the sensor will be replaced.— [4]
RepairGM's earlier recall procedure in Canada also included greasing the mounting surfaces and verifying that the wheel speed signal output voltages were within specification.
GM's recall procedure involved removing the wheel speed sensors, cleaning the sensor mounting surfaces on the bearings, applying Zinc-X to the cleaned surfaces, greasing the mounting surfaces, reinstalling the speed sensors, and verifying that the wheel speed signal output voltages were within specification.— [4]
Applies toODI determined that 840 of the complaints, 244 of the crashes and 16 of the injuries identified in the investigation occurred in the states covered by GM's recall.
ODI's analysis determined that 840 of the complaints, 244 of the crashes, and 16 of the injuries identified in this investigation occurred in those states.— [4]
CautionIncidents were also counted outside the recall states: 168 incidents and 31 crashes among 2,406,000 vehicles in the remaining 30 states, which GM and ODI continued to monitor.
The statistics in the remaining 30 states are 2,406,000 vehicles, 168 incidents (7.0 per 100,000 vehicles), 31 crashes, and one injury. GM and ODI are continuing to monitor the problem experience in states that are not included in the recall.— [4]
CautionThis preliminary evaluation has been closed; the Action line names Recall 05V-379.
this preliminary evaluation has been closed. Recall 05V-379.— [4]

Put together by FaultCrate from public records and technical documents. The cause and the repair are for the workshop to decide with the vehicle in front of it. Counts are records, not failure rates.

Records under this issue 63

Owner complaint 57Recall 2Manufacturer communication 4

Look into the records of this issue (63)

List the records (40 that can be opened)

Records whose recall number, document number or text matches. Each line says why it matched.

ABS activation at low speeds in Canadian Atlantic provincesRecall 2004-11-05・text contains "wheel speed sensor"
ABS activation recall in pickup trucks and SUVsRecall —・recall number matches
Supplement to 04094 Front Wheel Speed Sensor CorrosionManufacturer communication 2005-10-29・text contains "WHEEL SPEED SENSOR"
Front Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion CommunicationManufacturer communication 2005-09-28・text contains "WHEEL SPEED SENSOR"
ABS activation at low speeds - clean wheel speed sensor mounting surfaceManufacturer communication 2003-12-02・document number matches
ABS activation at low speeds (bulletin 02-05-25-006)Manufacturer communication 2002-12-01・text contains "Wheel Speed Sensor"
Unwanted ABS activation at low speed in 2002 GMC YukonOwner complaint 2020-08-07・tied by reading the record: “THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HE DROVE THE VEHICLE AT A VERY LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION.”
Low speed ABS activation under 8 mph regardless of weather or road conditionsOwner complaint 2016-11-01・text contains "ABS ACTIVATION"
ABS engaged without warning and brake pedal stiffness while drivingOwner complaint 2016-03-01・tied by reading the record: “WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ABS ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED.”
ABS engagement feel and brake pedal pulsations when braking at slow speedOwner complaint 2015-12-30・tied by reading the record: “WHEN BRAKING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED IT FEELS LIKE MY ABS IS TRYING TO ENGAGE. PULSATIONS IN BRAKE PEDAL AND SLOW TO STOP. THIS OCCURS IN ANY TYPE OF WEATHER.”
ABS activated independently while braking at 20 MPHOwner complaint 2015-07-23・tied by reading the record: “WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY.”
Low-speed ABS activation on dry pavement extending stopping distanceOwner complaint 2015-02-28・tied by reading the record: “LOW SPEED ACTIVATION OF ABS BRAKES, ON DRY PAVEMENT, EXTENDING THE STOPPING DISTANCE TO AN UNANTICIPATED LENGTH.”
ABS erroneously activates during braking at low speedOwner complaint 2014-11-24・tied by reading the record: “THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE ABS WOULD ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATE CAUSING THE BRAKING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED.”
ABS brakes suddenly activate and pulsate at low speed stopsOwner complaint 2012-05-21・tied by reading the record: “WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT AN INTERSECTION STOP LIGHT, AT THE SPEED OF UNDER 10 MPH, THE ABS BRAKES SUDDENLY KICKED IN AND PULSATED, NOT ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO STOP.”
ABS system activates independently while drivingOwner complaint 2011-11-29・text contains "WHEEL SPEED SENSOR"
ABS system engages and causes brakes to lock up while brakingOwner complaint 2011-07-06・tied by reading the record: “THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE BRAKING, THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD ENGAGE AND CAUSE THE BRAKES TO LOCK UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS OCCURS AT LOW SPEEDS AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.”
Antilock brake problem recurring after earlier recall repairOwner complaint 2011-02-01・tied by reading the record: “RECURRENCE OF ANTILOCK-BRAKE PROBLEM WHICH WAS CAUSE OF AN EARLIER GM RECALL OF THIS SAME VEHICLE. EARLIER RECALL RESULTED IN A 1.5 HOUR TASK TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND RE-INSTALL ABS SENSOR WITH A RUST-PREVENTATIVE APPLIED.”
ABS activating at slow speeds and recurring despite multiple repairsOwner complaint 2010-10-18・text contains "ABS ACTIVATES"
Anti-lock brakes locked up during parking, vehicle continued locking up at randomOwner complaint 2010-07-12・tied by reading the record: “JUNE 2010 AS I WAS PULLING MY 2000 GMC YUKON INTO A PARKING SPACE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE FACING ME.”
ABS engages when braking at low speedOwner complaint 2010-06-25・tied by reading the record: “THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 3-10 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) WOULD ENGAGE.”
ABS activation during slow stops, increased stopping distanceOwner complaint 2010-03-23・text contains "ABS ACTIVATES"
Anti-lock brakes engage at low speeds during stoppingOwner complaint 2010-02-17・tied by reading the record: “THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ENGAGES AT LOW SPEEDS EVERY TIME I STOP.”
ABS brakes activate at slow speeds causing vehicle to lurch forwardOwner complaint 2009-11-18・tied by reading the record: “MY 2002 GMC YUKON HAS THE PROBLEM THAT WHEN STOPPING AT SLOW SPEEDS THE ABS BRAKES ACTIVATE CAUSING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP.”
Anti-lock braking system activating inappropriately at low speedsOwner complaint 2009-11-17・tied by reading the record: “HE STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATING INAPPROPRIATELY AT LOW SPEEDS OF 8 MPH AND UNDER.”
Anti-lock brake activation unwanted at low speedsOwner complaint 2009-10-27・tied by reading the record: “AT RELATIVELY LOW SPEEDS HE EXPERIENCES UNWANTED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE ACTIVATION.”
ABS brakes engage at parking lot speeds, increasing stopping distancesOwner complaint 2009-10-19・tied by reading the record: “ABS BRAKES ENGAGE AT PARKING LOT SPEEDS INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AT SLOW SPEEDS.”
Unwanted ABS activation starting at 105,000 milesOwner complaint 2009-09-28・tied by reading the record: “AT 105,000 MILES HE BEGAN EXPERIENCING UNWANTED ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION.”
ABS activates from 5 MPH until full stopOwner complaint 2009-06-01・tied by reading the record: “ABS COMES ON AT 5 MPH UNTIL FULL STOP.”
Increased stopping distance and unexpected ABS activation after recall repairOwner complaint 2009-04-07・text contains "ABS ACTIVATES"
ABS pulsating and humming sound when braking at low speedsOwner complaint 2008-08-27・tied by reading the record: “WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL AT LOW SPEEDS, HE CAN FEEL THE ABS PULSATING.”
ABS light on constantly and brake pulsing at low speeds, plus knocking sound when turningOwner complaint 2008-04-19・tied by reading the record: “WHENEVER IM MOVING AT LOW SPEEDS IT TENDS TO PULSE WHEN I BRAKE OR HAVE THE ABS ACTIVATE”
ABS activation with fluttering noise while drivingOwner complaint 2008-04-15・tied by reading the record: “WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ABS ACTIVATED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A FLUTTERING NOISE. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WHEEL HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
ABS system activating at slow speeds while stoppingOwner complaint 2008-03-07・tied by reading the record: “CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ABS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATING AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE TRYING TO STOP.”
Antilock brakes pulsing and making activation noise at low speedOwner complaint 2007-12-19・tied by reading the record: “ANTILOCK BRAKES PULSE AND MAKE ACTIVATION NOISE AT LOW SPEED REGARDLESS OF ROAD CONDITIONS.”
ABS activated at low speedOwner complaint 2007-02-27・tied by reading the record: “ABS ACTIVATED AT LOW SPEED IN MY DRIVEWAY.”
ABS engaged while traveling at low speedOwner complaint 2006-10-06・tied by reading the record: “DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH, THE ABS ENGAGED.”
Antilock brakes activate at low speeds (3-5 MPH)Owner complaint 2006-03-17・tied by reading the record: “THE CONTACT STATED THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ACTIVATED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 3-5 MPH.”
ABS recall did not correct brake stopping difficulty; problem recurringOwner complaint 2006-03-15・tied by reading the record: “THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, 05V379000 CONCERNING THE ABS, HOWEVER THE RECALL DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. PRIOR TO THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE REGARDING THIS BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTIES STOPPING AT LOW SPEEDS.”
ABS engaged during driving at 10 MPHOwner complaint 2006-02-27・tied by reading the record: “THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE ABS ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED.”
Brake pulsation at low speeds after recall repairOwner complaint 2006-02-24・tied by reading the record: “THE BRAKES BEGAN TO PULSATE AT SPEEDS BELOW 10 MPH.”