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Need advice for ABS control module.

K

KillShot

New Member
My car has been having issues, and took it to a local Mazda dealership, the local tech determined it was the abs control module that was causing all the problems.

He said once we replace that it should fix all the problems, such as it not shifting out of 3rd gear at times, and TCS lights constantly staying on even in park. Now my question is this, I'm buying a used abs control module from a salvage shop for 1/6th the price of the dealership.

I have heard many different stories, do I need to get it flashed and have the codes pulled from the old one into the new one? and if this is so, can only Mazda dealerships do this?

Reason I ask is any union dealership charges an insanely high labor rate, anybody have any advice on what I can do? Will any local shops be able to do this? or am I best with a Mazda dealership?
 
Big Nate

Big Nate

Chaos Engineer
What model car is this for?

Some cars have a safe mode that turns on when warning light come on.
 
Big Nate

Big Nate

Chaos Engineer
I would guess there are no codes stored on the abs sensor itself. That being said the try to unplug the sensor and drive the car around the block and see how it goes. The ecu controls a lot of things and could be in safe mode. Also try disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery and that should reset the ecu.
 
S

spek1098

Guest
I don't believe he is talking about an ABS sensor, he his talking about the main ABS controller module, which is the breaking systems brain. I would not recommend disconnecting that. By disconnecting that you are disabling all the electronics involved in breaking, and relying solely on the mechanical braking system.

I don't think the question of whether or not this unit stores codes matters, codes are simply there to reported messages. It's not like you or your car is making changes to the firmware in the ABS CM.

Did the mechanic say what the problem is with the ABS CM?
The TCS light being always on is an indication of a problem with either the ABS CM or one of the sensors involved, should be throwing a code, could you tell us which one?

I'm assuming you have an automatic? I'm also assuming, as I've only worked with manuals, that the PCM (main ECU) is responsible for shifting. I don't perceive what the connection between the two systems would be. Anyone have any ideas here?
 
K

KillShot

New Member
The guy at precision tune pulled these codes for me :

code u0155 lost communication with i/p module.

code uo121 lost communication with abs module.

code u0101 lost commincation with trans module.

b1342 ecu internal malfunction.

u0100 lost communcation with pcm.

Took it to a Mazda dealership, and had a "certified tech" look at it and he stated this is not covered by the 8 year, 80k warranty, the pcm and ecu he said would of been. The codes he pulled up were u0101, u1900, u00073. He disconnected abs control module, started vehicle 2 times, checked codes u12900, u0121, u0121 for abs communication, he responded in notes needs abs control module. The part cost $1,050, and install will be $310
 
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spek1098

Guest
Well it definetly sounds like the ABS CM is the place to start, its connected to the cars network (CAN - Controller Area Network), and if its throwing noise out on that network, it could explain those other codes. Check out mazda-parts.com, they have it for $740, and I'd be willing to install it for alot less then that, or it could be something the group here could knock out on any given Saturday. I replaced the entire braking system on my 3 and I'm pretty sure I/we could knock this out in a day.
 
K

KillShot

New Member
Hey man appreciate the offer, after having my car sitting in my driveway and being a 2000lb paperweight, I took it to Morries Mazda last night. It will be getting fixed today, I was able to get a used ABS control module for a steal. I hope all goes well, and this is a simple fix. The techs at all 3 Mazda dealerships in Minnesota instructed me that codes need to be pulled from the old abs module to the new one, that is why I went with the dealership. Again thanks for your offer/advice.
 
K

KillShot

New Member
Ok picked up my car today, after talking to the tech and he said he test drove it and it worked great. My dad took it home earlier today and got it back to the house, he said he had problems with it not shifting out of 3rd gear when he got to a close street to our house. I just got back from driving it, the check engine soon light is on and all the same problems exist even with the new abs control module installed, what the hell else could be the cause of the problem? I'm already out 600+ dollars because of this crap.
 
mndsm

mndsm

I'M OFFENDED!
Car might be going into limp mode, not allowing it into the upper gears...... is everything on the ignition side ok?
 
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spek1098

Guest
Only thing you can do is pull the codes and see what comes up, if its the same old ones, then the abs isn't the issue. Did you get the old one back? If it's new ones, you have more problems then just that. Any idea what caused this? Was your car struck by lightning or something?
 
K

KillShot

New Member
They haven't checked the ignition to my knowledge, and no it hasn't been struck by lightning. This is just super frustrating having to spend 600 bucks on LABOR with no resolution, they agreed to relook at it for free. But I'm worried it may be something else that these guys are going to say whats wrong that may cost me a few K. If thats the case might as well drive this bitch off a bridge and get a new car.
 
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spek1098

Guest
lol, we'll if your serious about that, better edit your post.
 
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