How To Change A Brake Abs Module In A 2003 Chevy Trailblazer Ltz 4.2

Demand assistance with ABS Command Module Replacement?

Our mobile mechanics bring the shop to you 7 days a week.
Get a quote today for your Chevrolet Trailblazer

Become a Quote

Find Your Cost

Learn more:

four.9

(one,013 Reviews)

4.5

(987 Reviews)

4.eight

(2,074 Reviews)

Symptoms Of A Failing ABS Control Module

Hither are some mutual reasons for a failing ABS control module (ABS controller) that'll crave a repair or replacement done:

1. ABS Alert Light Is On

If your warning lite is on, it's probably because something is off with your ABS brake organization. Withal, a whole bunch of bug can trigger the ABS alarm light to plough on, like:

ABS module failure: Corrosion is usually the cause because even a tiny flake of rust in the brake command module can start problems.
Faulty ABS speed sensor: The ABS sensor may be damaged, an electrical connector or harness could exist loose, or dirt might have struck the ABS sensor.
Depression brake fluid: This can happen due to a leak in a brake line or the master cylinder .
A worn ABS pump: A damaged anti-lock braking organisation pump can't transmit proper brake pressure to the wheels.
Seedling cheque error: Some cars perform a seedling bank check when turned, where all the dashboard lights come on for a bit. A glitch can keep the ABS light on for no reason. Fortunately, your mechanic can read an ABS code generated by a triggered ABS low-cal to detect the consequence causing the anti-lock braking system error.

Note : Older cars with an anti-lock braking arrangement may not take an ABS light. Instead, they utilise the check engine light. Don't misfile these two lights with the brake light , which lights upwardly when engaging the parking brake .

2. Increased Braking Effort Or Unresponsive Brake Pedal

A bad ABS control module can make information technology extremely difficult to stop your vehicle.

Y'all probably will find a deterioration in brake functioning. As a result, yous'll take to push button the restriction pedal a few times to become a response. It tin can eventually become worse, where there's no response at all upon hitting the brakes .

This can bespeak to a failing ABS command module that tin can't process wheel sensor responses and adjust the brake pressure level appropriately.

Note : This tin besides be due to low restriction fluid levels. So it'due south best to take the entire brake system checked. Consider a brake fluid system affluent to ensure no air exists in any brake line.

three. Wheels Lock Up Often

If your wheels lock up often, you take ABS issues. After all, the ABS should avert lock-ups!

The ABS command module ensures that your wheels don't lock up when traction ceases to exist. However, as this role fails, the information required to prevent wheels from locking isn't right.

If your wheels lock upwards when traction is lost, the ABS control module might exist to blame. Typically, you'll simply detect the trouble if yous slam on the brakes. Otherwise, if the cycle is constantly locking up, it could exist a stuck brake caliper instead.

4. Inaccurate Speedometer Readings

If yous accept a bad ABS control module, the speedometer tin can terminate operating normally. This is a rare effect.

In such a example, the speedometer will stay at 0 mph or read the wrong speed.

5. Funky Restriction Pedal

An ill-functioning ABS control module volition send inaccurate information to the brake arrangement. This can crusade your brake pedal to pulsate at random moments as y'all drive.

How Much Does An ABS Control Module Replacement Cost?

An ABS control module replacement can toll you $320 to over $1,000, depending on the price of the module and how difficult it's to source it.

The labor cost can be around $fourscore-$120.

How Urgent Is An ABS Control Module Replacement?

The ABS command module rarely dies. Simply if information technology does, you will need to supplant it ASAP.

Moreover, your Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Command System (TCS) are dependent on the anti-lock braking system. This ways a failing ABS control module will bear on the ECS and TCS, endangering your route safety.

5 FAQs About The ABS Control Module

Here are the answers to some ABS control module-related questions:

1. What Is An ABS Command Module?

The ABS (anti-lock brake system) control module or ABS controller is 1 of the most important parts of your restriction organization. The main task of this auto part is to forestall the uncontrollable skidding of your vehicle past providing improved traction as necessary.

The ABS control module draws information from each wheel speed sensor via an ABS wiring harness to understand when the wheels move at inconsistent speeds. The ABS then regulates brake force per unit area accordingly to improve safety.

2. How To Replace The ABS Control Module?

Here'south a general step-by-step guide to replacing a lacking ABS command module. For vehicle-specific information, stick to the procedures in your owner's manual.

Annotation: If you're unfamiliar with automotive repairs, it's ever meliorate to get this done by a professional mechanic.

Step 1: Ensure you take the required tools and replacement parts within reach, including line wrenches, ratchet, scan tool, socket set, screwdriver, protective wear, and a new module.
Stride two: Park your vehicle on a flat surface. Keep the transmission in park and emergency brakes on.
Step 3: Disconnect the cable from the battery'southward negative final.
Step 4: Locate the ABS control module, generally installed in the engine compartment or frame rail on the commuter's side. If the ABS unit is located in the frame runway, utilise a jack stand to lift the vehicle.
Step 5 : Disconnect each electrical connector attached to the ABS unit of measurement or command unit of measurement. Remove each mounting bolt of the connector to excerpt the module.
Pace 6: Compare the old module to the new 1 to confirm if the specs match.
Stride seven: Install the new ABS control module on a make clean mounting surface and spiral every mounting commodities back again.
Stride 8: Finally, reconnect the connectors to the valve associates and battery's negative cablevision. If washed right, the ABS warning light will switch off in the next few minutes afterward turning on your vehicle.

iii. What Should I Await From My Mechanic During An ABS Module Repair?

During an ABS module repair , your mechanic would:

Confirm if the ABS control module is bad
Remove and supercede the defective ABS control module
Conduct a brake organisation flush
Add new brake fluid (brake fluid modify is mandatory for some anti-lock brake systems).
Examine other parts of the braking arrangement for further potential problems, including restriction pads, principal cylinder, etc.

Note: You can install a remanufactured module or rebuild your electric current module.

4. Can I Drive Without An ABS Module?

Yous can drive without a functional anti-lock braking system control module. Just brand certain that your conventional restriction organization isn't failing.

However, beware of wet or slick conditions, as the brakes' anti-lock feature won't function, and yous probably won't have steering control if the tires lock upwards.

Your ABS might too have an Electronic Brake Distribution system, where the ABS module controls the forepart and rear brake bias . In this example, if the ABS control module isn't working, your vehicle may feel less stable than usual when braking.

5. Does A Bad ABS Control Module Drain My Car's Battery?

A declining ABS module can cause the ABS pump to operate constantly, eventually draining your car battery.

In that instance, call for an auto repair service and let the mechanic remove the ABS fuse to prevent a dead battery or called-for out the ABS pump. The ABS fuse is typically located in the fuse panel in the engine compartment.