Yaw Sensor Replacement Cost Estimate

Diagnosis for yaw sensors is slightly complex, at least more so than many electronic components. It can be accurately diagnosed with the use of a professional scan tool, but there is a large margin of error when diagnosing in more traditional ways. The sensor must be read for voltage and angle, and the voltage may seem correct though the angle is not. Also, these sensors need to be recalibrated to 'zero' at some points, so checking for signal values will likely lead to erroneous diagnosis. To identify a failed sensor, the first step is to check for the presence of various control modules related to the system, and also the body control module. If present, diagnostics can move on the the yaw sensor, and the moment and signal value can be checked to ensure they are "at zero" while the vehicle is sitting still. Also, signal values should change proportionately as the vehicle turns.

Accessing the location of the yaw sensor is often complicated due to necessity or removing the center console and possibly seats. Once the location is understood, deconstruction of the interior must be completed before replacing the sensor and returning the interior to original condition. The sensor will be unplugged and removed by extracting a few fasteners or clips, and the new sensor may require calibration upon successful installation.

Yaw sensors should not be reused. Collisions can cause damage to a yaw sensor, so a used yaw sensor from a damaged vehicle may function incorrectly. Also, water damage from a vehicle sitting in a salvage yard can render a yaw sensor useless, and few wrecked vehicles will be kept indoors to prevent loss of components. If the part does not come with a warranty, it is not advised to purchase a used yaw sensor.

As commonly discussed, electronic controls can make diagnostics tricky. This is because a control module can mimic the symptoms of a component that reports to the control module, and the yaw sensor can mimic control module failure. This is not always an issue, but intermittent problems with the yaw sensor will be a difficult diagnosis and may take some time.

This is not a task for the DIY mechanic unless professional diagnostic scan tools are accessible. The computerized testing equipment is too expensive to justify purchase for this issue alone, and the likelihood of the untrained person diagnosing a fault with the yaw sensor. Again, this is a complicated diagnosis, and there is a bit of assumed knowledge involved with these systems and diagnostic tools.