Bendix EC-60 UDS 197 / SPN 794 FMI 7 — AA Right WSS Wheel End

Code Details

Plain-English Meaning

The EC-60 identified a wheel-end issue at the front axle right wheel speed sensor. This category points to the tone ring or reluctor wheel — damaged, missing-tooth, or debris-packed — rather than a wiring fault. The sensor and harness may be electrically intact.

The Bendix EC-60 table maps UDS code 197, blink code 15-05, J1587 006-07, and J1939 SPN 794 FMI 7 to this ABS/ATC/ESP diagnostic entry. The Bendix source indicates an ABS and/or ATC/ESP warning lamp can be on for this entry. The EC-60 continuously monitors wheel speed sensor circuits, pressure modulation valve output drivers, supply voltage quality, J1939 network data from the engine and transmission controllers, and internal self-diagnostic routines. When any monitored value falls outside its acceptable range — or a circuit does not respond as the module expects — the EC-60 logs a diagnostic trouble code and may disable the affected ABS, ATC, or ESP function. Bendix ACOM Pro or a compatible diagnostic interface is the required tool for reading live sensor data, running actuator tests, performing calibrations, clearing latched codes, and adjusting EC-60 configuration parameters. Generic J1939 scan tools can read the SPN/FMI but cannot access EC-60-specific live data screens or configuration settings.

Common Symptoms

• ABS lamp on
• Signal present but erratic, often with a repeating dropout once per wheel revolution
• Issue may be speed-dependent or worsen with debris buildup
• Sensor measures within resistance spec
• Code may be intermittent depending on road conditions

Possible Causes

Possible causes may include the items below. The list is not a parts diagnosis.

• One or more missing, bent, or cracked teeth on the tone ring
• Debris (mud, ice, metallic particles) packed between sensor tip and ring
• Tone ring runout causing air gap to vary beyond spec over part of each revolution
• Loose or damaged tone ring (pressed or bolted to hub)
• Sensor tip physically damaged by contact with a loose ring or road debris

First Checks

• Raise the axle and rotate the wheel slowly — watch for uneven tone ring spacing or visible tooth damage.
• Clean debris from between sensor tip and tone ring; ice buildup is a common winter cause.
• Measure sensor resistance and confirm it is within Bendix spec — a normal reading here confirms the issue is mechanical.
• Check tone ring for looseness or axial runout; even 1–2 mm can cause this fault.
• On the front (tag/lift) axle, check the harness at the lift mechanism and air spring mount for chafing during lift-lower cycles, which are a documented wear point for WSS wiring on tag axle applications.
• Inspect sensor tip for damage from contact with a loose ring.

Can I Keep Driving?

ABS is disabled at the affected wheel channel while this fault is active. Normal hydraulic or air base braking continues unaffected — the vehicle can brake, but anti-lock protection is not available at that corner. Drive conservatively to a service location. Do not operate in conditions where ABS intervention would be likely, such as slippery surfaces or loaded highway braking. Clear only after root-cause repair.

Related Lookup Pages

• FMI 7 explanation
• Bendix manufacturer hub
• ABS / ATC / ESP fault codes
• ABS Light symptom page
• Brake Warning Light symptom page
• Search this code