Yaw rate sensors are designed to keep the vehicle within certain safety parameters by tapping into the stability, abs, and traction control systems on most modern vehicles. The yaw rate sensor keeps track of your car's traction control, stability control and anti-lock braking system to alert you when the tilt of your vehicle (the yaw) reaches an unsafe level.
Part 1 of 2: Removing the old yaw rate sensor
Materials Needed
- Allen set (metric & standard sockets)
- Assorted pliers
- Assorted screw drivers
- Combination wrench set (metric & standard)
- Disposable gloves
- Flashlight
- Metric and standard wrench set
- Pry bar
- Ratchet (3/8 drive)
- Socket set (metric & standard 3/8 drive)
- Socket set (metric & standard 1/4 drive)
- Torx socket set
Step 1: Remove the old yaw rate sensor. First thing you need to do is disconnect your battery before dealing with electrical products. Now you can find out where your yaw rate sensor is located. Most vehicles have the sensor under the center console or the driver seat but some are under the dashboard as well.
Now you want to get in there and remove whatever parts of your interior you need to get access to that yaw rate sensor.
Once you have gained access to the yaw rate sensor you want to unplug it and unbolt it from the vehicle so you can compare it to the new one.
Part 2 of 2: Installing the new yaw rate sensor
Step 1: Install the new yaw rate sensor. Now you want to remount the new sensor to the same location you removed the bad sensor from. Now you can plug it back in at this point i would go ahead and make sure it's working by connecting a scan tool that can see the sensor or you might need to have a certified mechanic come do this part for you.
Step 2: Programming new yaw rate sensor. It's possible you might need the sensor re-calibrated and some vehicles might require some special programming equipment so don't forget this process will need to involve the dealership or a specialized technician with the right software and tools.
Step 3: Installing interior. Now that it has been tested and is working properly you can start to reassemble your interior. Just repeat the same process you did removing everything but in the reverse order to make sure you do not miss any steps or any pieces of your interior.
Step 4: Test driving the vehicle after repairs. You really want to make sure your yaw sensor is correctly working so you need to get it out on the open road and test it. Preferably on a road with turns so you can really make the sensor test the angles you are going to be driving through if everything is good you won't have one issue and i would consider this a job well done.
Replacing your yaw rate sensor is a vital piece of your vehicles handling and braking well just all around safety really. So I recommend to not ignore the signs which are a abs light traction control light or a check engine light whenever any of those come on it's a good idea to get your vehicle diagnosed right away. This job is something you can do at the convenience of your own home along with the guidance of a programming mechanic if you do not have the ability to do that part of the job.
