Replacement of ABS Brake Controller for Olds Silhouette WITH traction control and ABS

Tiny
BRIBERG
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 131,000 MILES
Per my mechanic, my ABS controller is faulty per a ABS Controller code and check sum error when reading the engine computer log. During hot days after driving the van 30 minutes the ABS and Traction lights come on. They reset if the engine is turned off and allowed to cool as little as five minutes. Have priced replacement new controllers which are good for model years 2001 and 2002 only but also see compatibility for later assemblies that include the valve and controller for model years 2002-2004 with AWD and traction control. Some GM sites report the later model DELCO 12225995 controller and valve assembly is backwardly compatible to years when GM did not offer AWD in the minivans. I bought a NOS 2002 assembly on hopes that the entire assembly could fit in the same location without mods and operate in a 2001 FWD car with traction control. Barring that, perhaps the controller could be separated from the new assembly and operate ABS without idiot lights coming on. If not, there is no loss as the assembly is worth over 1500 retail, I can turn around and sell for enough to buy the 2001 ABS controller outright. So the million dollar question is will the 2002 parts work in the 2001 van?
Saturday, July 4th, 2015 AT 3:34 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
So your asking about the computer itself?
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Saturday, July 4th, 2015 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
BRIBERG
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  • 6 POSTS
Since I have a confirmed code saying the ABS Controller is the problem, I want to know if I can unbolt the ABS controller-computer for a 2002 Olds Silhouette with NW9 traction control and abs feature and bolt it in the place of the 2001 model.

I do have the option of putting in the entire assembly of controller plus ABS modulator valve, but I have no idea if the full assembly is an exact fit or even if the controller is an exact fit. Photographs I have seen of both items from 2001 and 2002 look similar.

Yes, I am talking about the controller, which is a computer, but there is of course another computer that manages other parts of the car.

Regards,
Brian
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Saturday, July 4th, 2015 AT 7:21 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
I posted a pic of the part it says 2000-2002 with traction control and rpo code nw9.
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Saturday, July 4th, 2015 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
BRIBERG
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, unfortunately the thumb picture does not open. Hopefully I can bolt in the entire new assembly and it will bolt in using the same bolt hole pattern and connections. The new assembly is listed as suitable for 2002 to 2004 which are the years that AWD and traction control were offered on the Premiere models of the van.
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 6:03 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Iam not allowed to post web links on here if you go to rock auto dot com select your vechile and look up the parts. Click on the part number links and it will tell you what years makes and models that part will fit.
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
BRIBERG
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, I am a long time Rock Auto customer and their listing for the controller for 2002 to 2004 is a different part number than 2001. The Olds Silhouette DID use the same driveline, brake rotors and rear drums were available in 2002 as per 2001. That is why my question is whether the entire 2002 assembly of the modulator valve and ABS controller can bolt in place and work. I would be very surprised if the ABS modulator puts out more pressure in 2002 versus 2001 because the Front brake rotor/caliper assembly part numbers are the same across the two years. While AWD was an option there are only two part numbers for controllers. One controller works with the basic GL model of the car without traction control, the other controller works with NW9 ABS/Traction option and/or the AWD option. I know how to look up parts, the question is whether the whole 2002-2004 modulator valve plus computer assembly is backwardly compatible in 2001 models with traction control. Yes or no?
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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There is another website called Parts dot com that sell oem parts I will and see if they list the whole assembly as a part number to compare those two year's. They may long have parts due to age of the van.I look up stuff like that online like you as well sometimes those compatibilitys issue become difficult to answer.
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 11:08 AM
Tiny
BRIBERG
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Thanks. I appreciate your follow through.

I would be very surprised if the plumbing of brake lines to the ABS modulator assembly got changed between 2001 and 2002. GM had already decided to pull the plug on the Oldsmobile then. The big change with the last two production years was the availability of AWD, but GM kept the options on the controller limited. One controller was for ABS only, the other for ABS with traction and/or AWD. I think it would fit, and ABS system should not need to have communication with the engine management system because the traction control is not the same as electronic stability control.
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
BRIBERG
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I think I have stumbled onto the answer on a GM website. Appears that there was one controller assembly 12225995 for AWD with traction control and another controller assembly 12227273 for FWD with traction control. I am guessing that if the AWD controller was put into a vehicle without communication to and from a rear drive axle, an error message would occur.

Looks like I have bought a very expensive assembly for a song but it only fits
AWD. Will look to trade "down" the AWD controller for a FWD controller.

They both may be identical PLC units that could be reprogrammed by someone who has the right tools but I would have to look at the part numbers stamped inside the mini computer to see.

Thanks for your help Saturn!
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 5:06 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome there maybe more then just the calibration that makes the different part numbers different part numbers.
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Sunday, July 5th, 2015 AT 8:42 PM

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