ABS module

PVOLPE

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE
5.3L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
152,000 MILES

ABS system stays on after the key is turned off and hear a humming noise. I disconnected the positive end of car battery so battery did run down again. Took vehicle to repair shop and they are recommending I replace both the ABS pressure modulator valve (motor) and the control module. The motor is clearly still runs when car is turned off, so how do I determine both parts need replacing? I understand the control module that sits on top of the motor should be replaced. Or is this common practice to go ahead and replace both parts since paying labor to get in there and replace the module, so replace the motor at same time? Of course repair shop wants to use OEM GM parts that are very expensive and I can find cheaper online as per your how to fix videos and description of exact same issue I am having.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-warning-light-on-easy-repair-guide

Any insight/help would be greatly appreciated.

Paul

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,014 POSTS

Most of the time it is just a bad module. But did the module fail because of a bad valve? The shop is playing it safe by replacing both. Plus replacing both is faster and easier. The unit is tucked under the truck and it is faster to remove the brake lines, the mounting bolts and just pull the entire unit, install the replacement and bleed the system.

However, it is not a hard DIY item to change just the module. It is just a tight fit. The advantage of swapping just the module is that 99% of the time you do not even need to bleed the system when you are done.

As for the parts, you can buy a reman unit cheaper, or go visit a you pull it type yard and remove a couple. That would also show you how they come off without disturbing yours.
Oh, instead of removing the battery cable, you can just remove the ABS fuse. It will kill power to the system and stop it. You will not have ABS but you do not with the light on anyway.