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Back in our father’s time, the ABS Control Module was an optional feature. However, they have become a staple item since the early 2000s, which means that you won’t find any car without the anti-lock brakes these days. In other words, the ABS (Antilock Braking System) is a vital part of the modern-day braking system.
Without it, your car’s braking performance will take a hit. For those who don’t know, it serves its purpose of providing effective gripping power on the riding surface in snow, rain, mud, or elsewhere. Since its implementation, it has prevented many accidents worldwide, proving that it’s a vital car component.
So, it’s not something that will get past quality control.
What is an ABS Control Module?
The ABS Control Module (ABS) senses the (rotation) speed of each wheel. When you apply brakes, it senses that the wheel is about to lock up. So, it reduces the braking force momentarily, allowing the wheels to maintain contact with the ground to keep you out of harm’s way.
Without it, your car can skid, especially on hard turns or quick acceleration. Basically, it offers better control over your vehicle after braking by preventing the car’s wheels from locking up, whenever the brakes are applied. In other words, it can help you avoid an accident.
What are the Advantages of ABS Control Module Replacement?
As mentioned earlier, an ABS system helps a car driver to stop the vehicle more safely than usual. It’s particularly helpful during driving scenarios that require faster reactions. Since ABS makes a vehicle overwhelmingly safer, replacing it is well worth the expense on any given day of the week.
Even if you are someone who drives safely, there’s no harm in getting an extra safety net that an ABS Control Module offers. Other than preventing accidents, it also prolongs the life of your car’s brake pads.
Not to mention that it can reduce your car insurance premium too because vehicles that come with an ABS system lower the risk of accidents.
How Long do they Last?
The ABS module is just like any other electronic component in your vehicle, which should tell you it can get damaged due to extreme temperatures, excess voltage, mechanical shock, lack of maintenance, impact, and whatnot. That said, an ABS module will hardly require a replacement during the lifetime of a car.
Yes, it can last for the life of a vehicle if it’s not subjected to the factors that can affect its longevity. The majority of the car experts agree that normally most car owners won’t feel the need to repair or replace an ABS Control Module because of its long lifespan. Therefore, they might not even know that such a car component exists under the hood.
What are the Signs of a Failing ABS Module?
If the ABS Module fails, you will notice the following symptoms:
- The ABS warning light will come on
- The wheels will slide when you apply sudden brakes
- You will hear a hammering sound once you turn off the car keys
- You will find it hard to push the brake pedal
Well, there are times when the car owners ignore these symptoms because the car operates like normal for the most part. The problem gets its due attention only when it gets caught by a car technician during routine servicing.
On the bright side, more car-savvy folks tend to inspect their car from time to time to see whether or not the coils are burnt. For those who are not aware, burnt coils are a signal of a failed ABS system.
How Does It Cost To Replace the ABS Control Module?
Without knowing what type of car you drive, it’s hard to tell the exact cost that you will incur for ABS Control Module repair or replacement. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere between $300 to $1200 to replace an ABS Control Module.
Interestingly enough, it’s not the labor cost that creates this huge price gap. It’s actually the cost of the parts that creates this night and day difference in price.
As such, the labor cost should fall in the price bracket of $100 or so. The cost of the individual part could vary from $200 to $1000, depending on your car model. Of course, you should take your car to a reputable service center to not get screwed on the quality or price of the repair.
| Auto Center | Price |
|---|---|
| NAPA | $350-$1115 |
| Your Mechanic | $500-$1100 |
| Mr. Tire | $300-$1050 |
| Midas | $400-$1200 |
Can I drive without an ABS Control Module?
Practically, you can drive without any ABS Control Module. As long as your mechanical brake hardware is working fine, you can always bring your vehicle to a halt. However, you will lack the additional braking power that the ABS Control Module provides in bad situations.
Therefore, it’s better to fix it at the earliest. Of course, waiting for the next paycheck to remedy the problem isn’t really a bad timeframe for a problem of this nature. To put it simply, don’t drive without a working ABS Control Module for too long. It’s better to fix it eventually for your own safety.
How is ABS Control Module Replacement Done?
- You will begin by parking your car on a flat surface with the emergency brakes on.
- Then, you will disconnect the connections to the braking system and the battery.
- The next step would be to remove the mounting screws of the connectors, which will allow you to take off the ABS.
- Make sure to clean all the surrounding parts for the ABS system to work more efficiently.
- Then, hold the new and old ABS Module in hand, and verify if the specs match to be sure that the new ABS is the right fit.
- If it’s the right fit, go ahead and install the new ABS Module. Screw the mounting bolts back to where they belong.
- Then, reconnect all the connectors to the battery and the value assembly.
- Once the installation is complete, flush the brake system and bleed it. And, put in any manufacturer-specific updates.
If done right, the ABS warning light will turn off within a few minutes of you turning on the vehicle.
How to Save Money on ABS Module Replacement?
As hinted earlier, ABS Module replacement can cost an arm and a leg. Although it rarely malfunctions, you never know when it will ditch you. In the event this happens, you can compare prices from various service providers to settle for a lower-priced one.
What’s also worth pointing out is that luxury car parts cost quite a bit, no matter where you purchase them from. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from cutting the labor costs by replacing the ABS Module yourself.
Obviously, you would need some basic knowledge and time at hand to accomplish this feat. But then, you will find many tutorials floating around that will make your task easier than usual, while enabling you to save a considerable amount of money in the process.