Electronic Brake Control

[Rookie Vette owner]

Has anyone ever had any problems with their electronic brake control module? I got a service engine soon and ABS and traction control lights on the dash this morning. I took it to the dealer where I had my brakes flushed 3 weeks ago and new fluid put in when they did a brake job, now they say I need a $1700 module. How hard is it to replace and is there any special reprogramming needed?

[gmjunkie]

Originally Posted by Rookie Vette owner

Has anyone ever had any problems with their electronic brake control module? I got a service engine soon and ABS and traction control lights on the dash this morning. I took it to the dealer where I had my brakes flushed 3 weeks ago and new fluid put in when they did a brake job, now they say I need a $1700 module. How hard is it to replace and is there any special reprogramming needed?

Pull your codes and post them,Lets see whats happening!!


Pulling Codes on C5
Pulling Codes on a C5

Heres a thread that may help you out!!

ABS/TRACTION CONTROL Comes on periodity

[Rookie Vette owner]

Well I pick the car up this morning, and everything has reset and no service engine soon display. So I guess I'll have to wait to see if it comes back. Like I said earlier, they said the module needed to be replaced, but they were almost $400 more than another area dealer, so I was going to take it to them if I couldn't replace it myself. From what I found, it is a 97 specific P/N and if I'm looking in the right place, it's attached to the rear differential in some manner. I'll get the codes as soon as they pop back up. Thanks!

[wishuwerehere82]

Junk had a real good experience with the ABSfixer people.
That's the route I would take if it happens to me.
Doesn't seem to be that hard to remove.
And if they can upgrade and repair it for 10% of what the dealer charges just to put another OEM one in, it's a no-brainer to get your old one fixed.

[Rookie Vette owner]

Well it didn't take too long for the lights to come back on, and oddly enough it happened at about the same time of the morning and the same stretch of road (not rough either) I had a lot of codes, but all had the "H" beside them and the only different one had an "H" and a "C" beside it. Section 10: P1571 H C (ASR Desired Torque). Does this ring a bell for anybody, it's not the 1214 code I've seen referenced everywhere else. Also I've noticed that ABSfixer works on 2000 and up vettes, mine is a 1997 model. Thanks for all the pointers

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Your P1571 is a communications failure within the ABS module to PCM circuit.
Now, it may be either one, so accurate diagnosis is KEY.
Making sure the grounds on your vehicle are sound is also important.
Allthebest, c4c5

[Rookie Vette owner]

Thanks, I noticed that almost all the codes that were stored were some type of communication error. Could this be pointing to a larger problem than the actual ABS problem. B2282, 2283, 2284, 2285, 2263, 2265, etc...

[Hib Halverson]

Originally Posted by Rookie Vette owner

Thanks, I noticed that almost all the codes that were stored were some type of communication error. Could this be pointing to a larger problem than the actual ABS problem. B2282, 2283, 2284, 2285, 2263, 2265, etc...

Trying to second guess the dealer because the repair is expensive is a dubious strategy unless 1) you have the factory service manual's extensive ABS diagnostic information--without the FSM, forget any DIY attempts, 2) you have any special tools necessary (ie: TECH2, if required) for the diagnosis and 3) you have enough experience with disgnosis of the car's electronics to be able to do a better job than can the dealer or independant repair facility able to diagnose the ABS.

If you are going to go the DIY route with this problem, read carefully what c4c5specialist says above and then read it twice.

Also know that problems are more likely to occur with wires and connections than they are with hardware devices, so, if there's a chance wires and connections can be at fault, look there first and then consider replacing hardware devices.

Lastly, if you do need to replace the ECBTCM, be prepared. It will be expensive.

[Rookie Vette owner]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

Trying to second guess the dealer because the repair is expensive is a dubious strategy
.

Not really trying to second guess them as much as trying to figure them out. The last three repairs that I have gotten quotes from them have averaged about $260 more than the dealer about 40 miles away. (Oil pressure sensor 500+ to 250; belts and tensioners 600+ to 350; and EBCM 1700 to 1350).

I just like to get as much information as possible before I shell out my hard earned funds and it just seemed odd to me that there were so many different "communication" errors in the history. I was just trying to tie them all together if it was possible.

PS: If I haven't said it before, thanks for all the information and insite. There are a lot of people out here that appreciate the help members provide on the CAC!

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Those codes starting with a B are mostly because of a low battery voltage issue.
Communications codes within module are usually U codes and are only to be addressed if they are a current code NOT HISTORY>
So, that being said, a careful evaluation of the ground source and the wiring, as this travels up the tunnel of the car to the PCM should be next.
Allthebest, c4c5

[Rookie Vette owner]

Well I've gone about four months since I cleaned up under the battery box. Had some acid leakage from the old battery that I doused with baking soda and found a small ground wire from the harness bundle that had been pinched by the battery tray. Cleaned and rerouted the wire and no more "brake control module" problems. Also cleaned and tightened the two grounds at the headlights and got rid of the intermittant flip-up syndrome.

Thanks again for all the info! It seems that these "ground" wires can cause a lot of different issues.