ABS Module Failures

slemaster · May 30, 2005

I have a 2001 Suburban 1500 LT Autoride. It has around 60K miles and I have just experienced my 2nd failure of the Electronic Brake Control Module (ABS). For those unfamiliar, the symptoms are that the ABS light comes on and you can hear what sounds like a small motor running under the drivers floorboard. The motor will continue to run even after the key is turned off.

In my case this is the second time it has happened (first at about 30K miles). Each time I have pulled the fuse to save the battery. My questions are as follows:

-Is it ok to drive it for a while with the fuse out? (recognizing I have no ABS)

-Is this something that can be replaced by an average DIY'r? I can buy the part for about half of the cost of the repair (~$1000). I'm not sure if there are any tricks to the repair or if it is just plug and play.

-Is this a common problem on these vehicles? Are there any recalls or relevent service bulletins?

Thanks in advance!

asilverblazer · May 30, 2005

I'm not the GM expert but you can send yours in to have it fixed. Not at work now so can't give the web-site. Much cheaper than buying the new part. I have not heard of any bad things from leaving the fuse out. Except locking the brakes and sliding out of control into head on traffic...

MrStaggrLee · May 31, 2005

If you install a new module a tire size calibration must be performed afterwards. Im not sure if re-built unit will require this due to the fact that Ive never used one. As far as removing and installing the module goes its actually fairly easy. There are four female torx head scews holding the module in place, remove these screws and the module will lift up. Reverse removal steps to install. If youre not comfortable doing this your best bet would be to take it in.