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To understand the ABS control module, we first need to know what an ABS is?  

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to prevent your wheels from locking during heavy braking to avoid vehicle skidding or hydroplaning.  It’s an additional safety feature found on many modern vehicle designs that allows for a faster, controlled stop and has been available since the 1980s.  The ABS is also an integral part of electronic stability control (ESC) systems.   Stability controls help prevent your car from skidding even when the brakes aren’t applied.  

So, what makes up an anti-lock brake system?  

The most common configuration consists of these components: 

The ABS wheel speed sensor detects the speed of a rotating wheel and feeds that information to the ABS control module.

The ABS control module is a microprocessor that runs diagnostic checks on a vehicle’s anti-lock braking system and controls the ABS modulator.

The ABS modulator is also called the ABS pump, Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), or even ABS motor.  

It typically comprises an electrical engine, ABS valves operated by solenoids, and a base where brake hoses (from the master cylinder and to brake caliper at each wheel) are connected.   

The hydraulic unit allows electric signals from the ABS control module to control the brake lines’ hydraulic pressure.   

It does this through the solenoid, a magnetic coil that opens and closes a valve that regulates brake fluid flow. The number of solenoids and valves used can vary depending on the ABS modulator design.  

What happens if the ABS system fails?  

The ABS relies on a functioning conventional brake system.   

If your vehicle ABS fails, your normal brakes should still function — provided nothing’s wrong with them. You’ll just have to be more careful when braking to avoid skidding.    

Now that we’ve gone over what the ABS system is, let’s get into the ABS module.

 Here are the obvious signs that can help you detect an ABS control module issue:

This is the most common sign of problems with the ABS system.  

Just be aware that the dashboard ABS Light is supposed to come on for a few seconds when you start a vehicle, so don’t panic.  

If the ABS Light remains glowing, try turning the ignition key off and back on, sort of like rebooting your computer. There may be some transient issue that confused the ABS control module, and restarting the car could help clear that.  

If restarting doesn’t make the ABS Light go away, it’s probably time to call your mechanic.   

The ABS Light triggers a code that helps your mechanic pinpoint which ABS component is causing the problem.  

If you’re driving and the ABS Light suddenly glows, this can indicate a failure with any one of the ABS system components, including the ABS control module.   

Again, don’t panic.   

Some ABS systems may function despite the glowing ABS light. The anti-lock may not work, and stability control and traction control might also be disabled, but as long as your conventional brakes aren’t compromised, you should still be able to brake your car just fine.   

Keep in mind that older cars equipped with earlier ABS systems might not have an ABS Light. These use the Check Engine Light instead. 

The ABS system is specifically designed to prevent any wheel from locking up during heavy braking. So, when an ABS control module fails, you’ll likely notice it when you’re braking heavily.    A bad ABS module can behave erratically, making your brakes lock up even under normal braking. You might even notice unusual behavior from the brakes, like random clicking noises. These can also indicate ABS module failure.  

Here’s something to note — if one tire is consistently locked, it might not be the vehicle ABS but a stuck caliper instead.

Your brake pedal may slowly become unresponsive over time.  

At first, you’ll have to press the pedal a couple of times to get some braking action.   

Eventually, you’ll have to press down multiple times just to get it to work.   

This may be the sign of a deteriorating ABS module.  

However, an unresponsive brake pedal can mean many other things. Have your mechanic check the brake fluid level and maybe get the brake system flushed so there’s no air in the brake lines.

With a fully functional braking system, the brake pedal needs minimal effort to slow the vehicle.   If you notice you need more pedal effort required to generate the same amount of braking force, there could be a problem with the ABS control module.   

Again, brake pedal issues like increased foot effort can mean other things, like worn brake pads or a failing brake booster, so be sure to have your mechanic check everything.

There are rare cases where an ABS control module failure affects the speedometer.   

It’ll either show you the wrong speed, or the needle will just rest at 0 mph.  

Next, the ABS Light or Check Engine Light will likely switch on. Even if those lights don’t come on, a faulty speedometer is a reasonable cause to have your car checked out.  

Essentially, if you have an inkling that your ABS control module may be going haywire, get to a mechanic quickly.