We are excited to make Holstein brand sensors and solenoids available to RockAuto customers. Holstein broadens RockAuto's selection of ABS Wheel Speed Sensors, Brake Pad Wear Sensors, Crankshaft Position Sensors, Camshaft Position Sensors and Variable Valve Timing Solenoids.

Holstein parts are tested to ensure they meet or exceed OE standards for fit and performance, helping ensure the repair is done right the first time. Holstein parts are OE-quality without the OE price.

Holstein sensors and solenoids are not just for newer cars. Some German brand cars built way back in the 1970s have Brake Pad Wear Sensors. From a Camshaft Position Sensor for a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, to a Variable Valve Timing Solenoid for a 2009 Toyota Rav4, to an ABS Wheel Speed Sensor for a 1995 Volkswagen Jetta, to Brake Pad Wear Sensors for a 1978 Porsche 928, you will find the Holstein parts for your specific vehicle within the “Brake & Wheel Hub”, “Engine” and “Ignition” categories of the RockAuto catalog.

YotaTech.com is a Toyota truck and SUV discussion forum. From early Land Cruisers and first generation pickups, to modern 4-Runners and Tacomas, you will find many discussions on maintenance, repair and modifications of your Toyota truck.

You will also find well informed discussions related to trip planning, trail reports/photos, proper land usage and camping/overlanding gear.

If you are the administrator or member of a forum and you would like to see your website featured in an upcoming newsletter and receive a discount code to share with your members, contact marketing@rockauto.com.

I got my first job when I first turned 16 working at a local gas station down the street from home. I basically was a gas pumper, but at times would change a set of wiper blades for a customer and do other menial tasks.

One day, the older mechanic I was working with asked if I would grease a car for him as he was too busy to do it. I gladly accepted the challenge and went to work greasing the front end, the front drum brake pivots, the drive shaft and the rear drum brake pivots. I had no problems at all getting grease in every fitting, except for those brake pivots!

I learned a little later that the reason they would not take grease is because they were the brake BLEEDERS, not what my 16-year-old mind imagined to be "brake pivots."

Jonathan in Pennsylvania

Tell us about your most infamous auto repair blunder or unconventional fix. Use your woe to help others avoid similar mistakes or share off-the-wall solutions that worked (at least for a while!). Please email your story to flamur@rockauto.com. Include your mailing address and if you would like a RockAuto T-Shirt (please let us know your shirt size) or Hat if we publish your story. See the T-Shirts and Hats under Tools & Universal Parts in the catalog. The story will be credited using only your first name and your vague geographic location (state, province, country, continent, etc.) so you can remain semi-anonymous!

How much energy does it take to build a new hybrid compact-sized car?

A. The equivalent of 79 gallons (300 liters) of gasoline.
B. The equivalent of 210 gallons (795 liters) of gasoline.
C. The equivalent of 325 gallons (1230 liters) of gasoline.

Answer below

Wiring diagram example & 4WD Switch
used on 1983-2005 GM vehicles

Cars are loaded with computers poised to generate trouble codes, but there are still instances where the computers can be oblivious while something as important as the anti-lock-brake system (ABS) is not working.

Some all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, especially older models, turn off the ABS whenever the AWD is active. This avoids handling problems that might occur if the ABS were to apply the brake on just one wheel while the AWD has tied the axle of that wheel and the axle for the opposite wheel together by locking the transfer case.

There is typically a 4WD Switch that tells the ABS Control Module ("EBCM" in wiring diagram example shown) when AWD is on and the transfer case is locked. That switch is often mounted on the transfer case or axle where it and its electrical connector/wiring are exposed to water and debris. When the switch breaks, the ABS Control Module might see a steady erroneous signal indicating that the AWD system is on.

The bad switch leads the ABS Control Module to disable the ABS, and it stays disabled. It is not the ABS Control Module's job to worry about why the vehicle appears to constantly be in AWD mode, and the ABS can stay disabled for years without any trouble codes or warning lights.

It is up to the driver to occasionally find a safe place to slam on the brakes and verify the vehicle does not skid and the ABS is working. If the AWD indicator light on the dash is constantly on or never on, then that is another sign that the 4WD Switch is failing and the ABS might be disabled.

The good news is that an inexpensive 4WD Switch (found under "Electrical-Switch & Relay") and/or its connector (under "Electrical-Connector") may be all that it takes to bring an AWD vehicle's dormant ABS back to life!

Tom Taylor,
RockAuto.com

To read more of Toms articles, click this link and choose from story titles on the Newsletter Archives page.

Share Your Hard Work
Do you purchase parts from RockAuto? If so, RockAuto would like to give you the opportunity to have your car or truck possibly featured in one (or occasionally more) of our publications such as the monthly newsletter, collector magnets, RockAuto social media or other commercial use. New, old, import, domestic, daily driver, trailer queen, classic, antique, we want to see them all! Please email flamur@RockAuto.com with your vehicles history, interesting details, your favorite images (tips for taking pictures of your car) and what parts from RockAuto you have used.

How much energy does it take to build a new hybrid compact-sized car?

A. The equivalent of 79 gallons (300 liters) of gasoline.
B. The equivalent of 210 gallons (795 liters) of gasoline.
Answer: C. The equivalent of 325 gallons (1230 liters) of gasoline. (source: Sierra Magazine citing study by Argonne National Laboratory)

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