ABS control module?

Hello Ken,
Yes, I have installed it. It came with the pump so I put the entire unit in. I put all my lines back on and bled the system. I needed to replace the brake fluid anyway and figured this was as good a time as any.

A little bit of history for you. Before I replaced this, we noticed the car would intermittently activate ABS when coming to a stop. Usually, it was provoked by a bump in the road, etc. Eventually the brake, ABS and traction lights came on and would not turn off. I tested all speed sensors at the wheels and also at the module through the harness. They were all good.

I was having a front-end alignment done and the guy asked me if I wanted him to check for codes so I said yes. He put the scanner on it and drove the car. He said all the sensors were good, but he could not activate the ABS. The code was CO550. Might have been PO550 I don't remember. It said there was an internal fault with the module. He said it was more than likely the EBCM. He cleared the codes, but it came back on after I left.

I located the used module online. The interesting thing was the one on my car was not the one that comes up for the car year and make. I have not ever replaced this unit and it looks to be the original unit. We bought the car pre-certified used, and it was only two years old with 38,000 miles on it. I'm pretty certain its original. After careful consideration I decided to match the used one to the one on the car and not what comes up on parts lists.

Anyways, was assured the used unit worked and I put it on. After installing I started the car and the brake light was no longer on. Just the ABS and traction. I went back to the guy that put the scanner on it and he hooked it up and said that it was saying it couldn't identify the part or something to that nature. I don't recall him stating a code but I'm pretty sure it was no longer reading the CO550. He also had to recalibrate the alignment sensor. Don't know if that's related but I think it is controlled with that module from what I read. He cleared codes and it stayed off. About 10 mins later driving home it came back on just ABS and traction.

I've driven the car maybe 100 miles or so, but nothing has turned off. I've tried slamming on the brakes to see if the pump activates but haven't been successful. Maybe I'll try when the roads are wet. So maybe the module doesn't even work, I don't know. The guy that put the scanner on it did all this for free, so he didn't really have a lot of time to get extensive. He said I was going to have to take it to the dealer.

The dealer seems very familiar with it, but they won't flat out tell me if I should bother having them try to put the VIN into the used one or not. The service advisor said that most used stuff is VIN locked after the original programming. He said sometimes even new ones give them a problem. They sure don't have a problem with charging me the $113.00 to do whether it works or not and this is where I'm trying to decide what to do. Do I put that $113.00 towards a new one or take a gamble with the used one? I will still have to pay them even if I get a new one. I appreciate your help with it. Thank you!

Keith

Hi Ken,

The dealer was able to program the used ABS module. It was in fact the module not identifying the VIN. All is good now.

I do have another question for you though if you don't mind. I need to install a line out converter on the factory wiring to the speakers so I can run RCA cables to a small amp and subwoofer. The best place as I can see to do this is right behind the radio. I pulled the radio out but did not disconnect. There is barely any room to work behind the unit and I've got to solder wires. It would be much better if I could unplug and remove the factory radio but I can't seem to get a straight answer from the dealer as to whether or not this will activate the anti-theft lock on the radio. I want to put the same radio back in so I would think it would be okay if it's looking for the vehicle VIN.

Do you have any experience with this situation?