- The ABS control unit is the brain processing wheel-speed data to prevent lock
- It uses sensor data to adjust brake pressure and maintain traction
- The module is attached to brake lines and works with valves and sensors
- Failures can cause no response or delayed braking, requiring a mechanic
The anti-lock braking system or ABS is an advanced safety feature found in almost all vehicles today.
The ABS system consists of the ABS module and the ABS sensors found on each tire. The entire system works in tandem to ensure that your car does not slip or lose grip in strong braking situations.
The ABS control unit is the main processing module for the entire anti-lock braking system or ABS system of your vehicle. All modern vehicle models have a pre-installed anti-lock braking system.
The main components of the ABS system are the control module, the valves and the sensors. The control unit essentially receives all information, records and makes it usable for the vehicle’s engine system, as well as to ensure the safety of the application of the brakes without causing the vehicle to skid.
What is an ABS control unit?
The anti-lock braking control (ABS) assembly is an electronic module that works like a computer.
The information generated by the installed ABS system sensors, such as the wheel speed sensors, is received by the ABS control unit. The control unit then uses this data, processes and generates electronic signals to ensure that the vehicle’s ABS system prevents the vehicle from losing traction and remaining stable on the road.
It can be considered the processor and brain of the entire anti-lock braking system. Depending on the speed of the vehicle, it also generates commands on how much pressure should be applied to the vehicle’s wheels when the driver depresses the brake pedal.
The control unit is attached directly to the brake lines to effectively apply it. The central function of the ABS control unit is to prevent one of the wheels from locking during operation.
This is done by quickly applying and not applying the brakes in quick succession. The time between each application, the frequency of brake application and the number are set by the control unit precisely to ensure that the alternating brakes are applied as long as the vehicle is in danger.
The data you use from the sensor includes how the tires rotate, any slippage between the vehicle’s wheels and any difference detected by the sensor.
ABS control module
The ABS control module is a safety component of the car. But, like any other component, it has a period after which it can show signs of wear.
If the module fails, you will become prone to accidents, while hydroplaning and skidding will become more common when you brake hard. Fortunately, a malfunction of the ABS module can be easily seen.
No response when braking
On some vehicles, the braking is directly connected to the ABS control module. This means that the entire braking function is activated after passing through the ABS module.
If this is possible and the module fails, the entire braking system may not respond. Either you will not be able to activate the brakes, or the brakes will not react fast enough to brake you at a safe distance.
This is a life-threatening problem, so it’s best for a mechanic to deal with it as soon as possible.
More force required for braking
When the ABS module malfunctions, it sends incorrect information to the braking system. This causes the brake caps to act chaotically and you will need more force to apply the brake.
Not only that, but it will take your vehicle much longer to stop, while there is always a possibility of not stopping at all. If you experience this effect over time, you should schedule an appointment with an authorized mechanic.
The ABS warning light comes on
The ABS system has its own warning light which is triggered once there is a problem with the brakes. The ABS control module is monitored by the on-board computer of the car, so that if and when a fault occurs, the ABS indicator lights up on the dashboard.
This ABS lamp may have a problem with the ABS sensors or the ABS control module, so it is best to go to a mechanic to find out the exact problem. A state-of-the-art error code scanner can usually tell you where the problem is.
Locked brakes
A malfunction of the ABS control module can sometimes cause the same thing that the system is trying to avoid, which means locking the brakes.
When you may feel that the car’s brakes lock at random or if they are completely locked and do not allow the vehicle to move at all, you may have a problem with the control module.
Where is the ABS control unit located?
Typically, in most modern vehicles, the common design requires the installation and mounting of the ABS control module inside the engine compartment.
It can also be present on the frame rail on the left side of the vehicle or usually on the driver’s side. If the control unit module is installed on the driver’s side rail, the replacement procedure may be different from if it is installed in the engine compartment. You may need to lift the vehicle using the hydraulic jacks or jack to get to the mode when you try to replace it.
Cleaning the ABS control module
The ABS control module can also be damaged due to the accumulation of dust and debris. It is an electrical and mechanical component, so it is necessary to clean it regularly to ensure proper operation.
Things you need:
- blower
- Microfiber cloth
- Alcohol or cleanser
The cleaning process
The cleaning process requires patience. First, you need to locate the sensor, which I’ve already told you where to find it. Once you have found the control module, inspect it for signs of wear. The control module may be covered with dust and damaged by debris.
Clean with a blower at a low setting. You do not want the dust to contaminate any other components. Try to cover the whole area evenly.
After you have finished and cleaned all the fresh dust that has been stored on the top of the control module, it is time to use the cloth to clean all the dirt that has remained in the module.
The remaining dirt can be cleaned with alcohol. Place the cloth with alcohol and clean the surface of the module, making sure that no liquid touches an electrical component. Finally, let the module dry.
Diagnosis of a faulty ABS control unit
Diagnosis is important for the ABS control unit, because the same problem can be caused by other faulty components.
Various parts are associated with the ABS control unit, therefore the diagnostic procedure also involves testing other systems as well, as it could be due to another problem causing the same symptoms.
The problem may start with a warning light on the dashboard of your vehicle. However, it is not enough to make sure that the problem is due to the ABS control unit and may be caused by other components of the ABS system as well as other systems associated with the ABS system.
To diagnose exactly what the problem is and if the control unit is faulty , the best device that proves to be effective here is the OBDII scanner. The generated error codes are a great way to find out more about the source of the problem.
The OBDII scanner will be able to efficiently read OBDII system error codes. With the help of a user manual or a service manual provided by the manufacturer, you can consult it to compare the readings and error codes with the ones specified in the manual to find out more about the problem.
Error codes can help you see if the problem is really related to the ABS control unit. In this case, it is recommended to replace the control unit module. Some vehicles would need an ABS control unit that also has an integrated traction control function for your vehicle, so you need to see exactly what you need to buy. It is usually recommended to refresh the brake fluid by replacing it after installing a new ABS control unit.
Replacement of a defective ABS control unit
A faulty ABS control system can affect other systems in your vehicle, such as the traction control system, the electronic stability control system and the tire pressure monitoring system, as all of these systems are interconnected and interconnected.
Replacing the control unit is generally a preferable option if there are no physical defects. Here we share an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to replace the ABS control unit.
Be sure to keep a service manual or owner’s guide provided by your car manufacturer with you.
Purchase all the tools you need to replace with the parts, ie the sets of sockets, the protection parts and the screwdrivers.
Make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface.
Apply the parking brake. Disconnect the battery or remove the cable from the negative terminal.
Locate the ABS control module of your vehicle, referring to the service manual. Remove all connectors and electrical wires from the control module. Remove the screws and any connections that mount the module.
Remove the module from its place. Replace the old module with the new one. Properly clean the mounting surface. Carefully install the new module. Hold it with the screws first before connecting the wires.
Connect cables and other electrical connections to the module. Reconnect the battery to start the connection. Start the vehicle and see if the ABS warning light has disappeared after a while. You may need to clear the error codes on some vehicles.
The cost of replacing the ABS control unit
The cost to replace the ABS control unit may be relatively higher than the other parts, as it is the computer of the entire ABS system. The cost for this module may be different for different companies and vehicle types.
If you need to replace other parts associated with the control unit, the price will increase accordingly.
The cost for this module on luxury cars may increase, but you will see this for most vehicles in this range.
Prices will differ depending on the country you live in.
