ABS, brake, traction, ESP, BAS lights on

Tiny
DSTEP
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
I took the vehicle to a local mechanic and was told that the ABS module will have to be replaced and that I will have to take the car to the dealer to have the module reprogrammed. Is it true that only the dealer can reprogram the module or is there a chance that I would be able to find another shop that can handle this issue?
Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 2:41 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,379 POSTS
It is not a dealer only option for the reprogramming, some shops just don't do that even though it is getting to be a very common requirement when modules are replaced. They will just tell you to "Take it to a dealer" instead. There are many shops as well as mobile technicians who do programming as well as the physical repairs. I would call around or look online for a couple different shops around you and then go from there, especially as the ABS module doesn't actually get re-programmed, it just needs the ABS verification run once replaced. Most of the better scan tools can do that without any dealer involvement.

I would also get a second opinion that it is the module that is the problem as most of the system can turn those lights on. Something like a broken speed sensor wire or a damaged tone ring on a wheel bearing will do it and those require no scan tool to replace, but they are also not of money as the module is.

This is actually a very similar repair as the module replacement on your truck. Just a different brand. For yours you remove the left front tire/wheel, then unplug the cable to the module. Remove the 4 screws and remove the module. Don't touch anything inside the unit and then reverse the process to install the new unit. Then you run the verification test on the scan tool and if it passes you clear any codes and are done after you test drive it.
The 4 screws get tightened to 22 inch pounds, or basically hand tight.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
DSTEP
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thanks Steve for your quick and detailed response. If 2CarPros provides a listing of
mechanics in the Long Island Ny area that
would really be great.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,379 POSTS
As a general rule we don't list shops, mainly because we can't be sure that they are good shops or that you would get someone who actually does this work because of how fast some places change hands.
Another option would be to scan the ABS system yourself and see what codes are stored in the system. While most don't say "Replace part A" the codes and descriptions could point toward the problem.
We have a guide as well as a couple videos on that process.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-warning-light-on-easy-repair-guide
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links