Thunderbird V6-232 3.8L SC (1989)
Wheel Speed Sensor: Service and Repair
Wheel Speed Sensor
Front
1.
Disconnect sensor electrical connector for RH or LH front sensor from underside of the vehicle (up near radiator support).
2.
Remove routing clips along wiring harness.
3.
Remove Torx head screw securing sensor to spindle.
4.
Reverse procedure to install. Torque Torx head screw to 40-60 inch lbs.
Rear
1.
Disconnect battery ground cable.
2.
Disconnect wheel sensor electrical connector, located behind wheelwell, under carpeting, inside luggage compartment.
3.
Push sensor wire grommet through hole in luggage compartment floor.
4.
Raise and support vehicle, then remove sensor wire from routing clips.
5.
On Cougar and Thunderbird models, remove sensor retaining bolt with a 1/2 inch socket.
6.
On Mark VII models, proceed as follows:
a. Remove wheel and tire assembly, then caliper and rotor assemblies.
b. Remove Torx head retaining bolt, then slip grommet out of rear brake splash shield and pull sensor out through the hole.
7.
Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. On Cougar and Thunderbird models, align sensor location tab and bolt hole to axle, then push into position.
b. Torque retaining bolt to 14-20 ft. lbs.
c. On Mark VII models, loosen 5mm setscrew on sensor and ensure sensor slides freely on sensor bracket post.
d. If sensor is to be reused or adjusted, ensure sensor face is clean and free of foreign material. Carefully scrape pole face with a dull knife. Glue a
new front paper spacer on pole face (spacer is marked with a "R" and is .043 inch thick). Steel sleeve around post bolt must be rotated to
provide a new surface for setscrew to indent and lock into.
e. Torque Torx head screw to 40-60 inch lbs.
f. Push sensor toward toothed ring, until new paper sensor contacts sensor ring. Hold sensor, then torque 5mm setscrew to 21-26 inch lbs.
