The ABS module is the central brain of your entire anti-lock braking system. Its main responsibility is adjusting your braking pressure, to ensure that you don’t hydroplane in wet conditions. It is an electronic device and it can fail and it happens very often.
Since it plays such an important role, you need to know about symptoms of a bad abs control module. In this article, we will learn about the case, symptoms diagnosis and solutions for a bad it is a module.
Table of Contents
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Abs Control Module?
Abs module being a central part of the braking system, it can show many symptoms if it starts to go bad. Here is the list of common symptoms that you can observe-
1. Unresponsive Brake Pedal
In certain cases, when the ABS module fails, the brake pedal may become spongy or unresponsive. An unresponsive brake pedal will not stop a vehicle or will fail to stop the vehicle inadequately safe manner. This will happen slowly, over time. The brake pedal will become increasingly hard to press until it is no longer responsive.
2. The ABS Light Flashing/On
ABS Light coming on is the most common sign of an issue with the ABS system. The amber color light, the equivalent to a Check Engine Light will show on the dash. Older vehicles equipped with earlier ABS systems may not have an ABS light. If the ABS light comes on then that is a sure sign that there is a problem with the ABS system.
3. Brakes Locking Up
The ABS system is designed specifically to prevent the wheels from locking up during heavy braking. It prevents loss of traction. However, a faulty ABS module can behave erratically and can cause your brakes to lock up even under normal driving conditions.
If you are experiencing this behavior from your brakes, then the ABS module may need to be replaced.
4. A Hard Brake Pedal
The pedal generally, should require very little effort. It should be very easy to press down on. If you start to notice that over time the pedal requires increased effort to achieve the same amount of braking force, then that may be a sign of a possible issue with the ABS module.
5. Erratic Speedometer Behaviour
In rare cases where your ABS control module doesn’t work, the speedometer on the dashboard will also stop working. It will show you an incorrect speed or the needle will just rest at 0. But even if the ABS light doesn’t come on, a bad speedometer should be reason enough to get your car checked out by a professional.
How To Deal With A Bad ABS Module?
When you face the symptoms of a bad abs control module, there are many ways that you can go about solving the problem. Here is the detail of the options to deal with the problem-
1.Bleed Those Brakes Out
Sometimes the problem with the abs module is because of the air present in the hydraulic circuit of the brakes. A brake that requires bleeding can often confuse the abs module and it can start all the symptoms related to the bad of this module. Bleeding the break can solve the issue in 80% of cases.
2. Blown Fuse In Circuit
A blown fuse can cause the symptoms of a bad abs control module to appear. The module itself may not be bad but it may be just a blown fuse. If the moisture is trapped or is present at the contact terminals of the abs module, that can prevent the flow of electricity into the module and this can cause the fuse to blow up. Replacing the fuse, in this case, can solve the problem.
3. Module Rebuilding Service
The Abs module is divided into sub-components, you can simply replace the failing component of the abs module and make the car Braking System happy again. Care must be taken that only professionals should handle this job. Itna model is a sealed unit then only replacement option.
4. Looking Out Other Components of The Braking System
The whole abs system is primarily dependent upon the main breaking circuit of the car. Sometimes it happens that the real problem is not with the ABS module but, with some other part of the braking system. A failing master cylinder or brake servo can cause the abs module to underperform. The abs control unit can throw a fault code regarding it. The brakes should be professionally checked in order to find out the real problem.
Is It Safe To Drive With A Bad ABS Control Module?
The ABS control module prevents your vehicle’s wheels from locking while you are driving. It is most needed when you suddenly apply the brakes to avoid some accident or emergency situation. An effective ABS control module is so important and needful for a secured driving, it should never be ignored. Driving with the bad abs module can bring disadvantages to the car’s performance and will also degrade the efficiency of the engine.
Is It Illegal To Drive With A Bad ABS Module?
Ethical reasons aside, if the state in which you are living has a mandated rule regarding it, then yes, it is very illegal to drive in such a case. In case you are involved in an accident, then you might have to face strict liability and your insurance can also decline to honor your claim.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Repair Bad ABS Module?
An ABS control module replacement can range from $320 to over $1,000. The wide price range isn’t really driven by labor cost, It depends on how much the control module costs and how difficult it is to the source. This amount can be as low as $200 and may shoot well over $1,000 for some higher-end cars.
Conclusion
The signs and the symptoms of a bad abs control module are so important to note, the car is basically telling that something is wrong with the brakes. Should you ignore them, then serious consequences can happen, putting your life in danger. It is very important to get it fixed.
If you still have any questions, then feel free to comment.