Vivaro ABS Control Module

Vivaro ABS Control Module

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Discussion

Splats

Original Poster:

625 posts

169 months

Thursday 1st February 2018
quotequote all
Hi guys,

I've got some error codes on my 2008 Vauxhall Vivaro and a chap that came round yesterday said its the ABS Control Module and that when he clears the codes they come back instantly. The dash is lit up like a Christmas tree so it's fair to say it will fail an MOT unless I address this. The guy in question is a mobile mechanic and said he can't do the work because it sometimes needs to be coded into the ECU.

The van only owes me £3,400 so I don't want to end up paying big money to fix one issue when, frankly, another issue might lurk around the corner. What's the best way to approach this? Should I try and get a 2nd hand/refurbished unit and then find a garage willing to fit it?

On that note, is this the part: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Trafic-Vauxhall...

Vincecj

475 posts

130 months

Thursday 1st February 2018
quotequote all
I had an ABS problem on my Movano. The fault was a corroded plug in the wiring loom, not the ABS unit.

Josho

748 posts

104 months

Monday 5th February 2018
quotequote all
What are the codes for a start.

OldGermanHeaps

4,212 posts

185 months

Monday 5th February 2018
quotequote all
I dont think they are coded on a 2008, and its usually wiring related if the codes come back immediately, reluctor corrosion if it happens intermittantly.
If after ruling out wiring and sensors your pump is goosed places like bba and the like can refurb them with a guarantee for pennies.

Splats

Original Poster:

625 posts

169 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
I'm not sure what the actual code is but it was indicating a problem with the ABS control unit and also two wheel speed sensors which, the guy tells me, could be a false-positive as a result of the issue with the control unit. It sounds like wiring should be investigated as a first port of call.

OldGermanHeaps

4,212 posts

185 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
You can test the speed sensors and wiring independantly of the control unit easily with a scope. I think you need someone to look at it a bit more in depth than the last guy.

bearman68

4,795 posts

139 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
2 parts to this.
I suspect it is the ABS module not the wiring. But it's worth casting your eyes over the wiring,and having a look,and disconnecting and cleaning the multiplug.
If the code comes back immediately after clearing, you can be pretty sure it's an electrical problem.By that I mean that the unit has failed it's self test,and is going to be a short or open circuit somewhere.The fault codes will tell you where.
It's very common on these for the ABS pump to go belly up.What we have done very successfully is to leave the ABS hydraulic part in place,and unscrew the ECU from the ABS body.It's easy to do. Once you've bought a replacement unit, reconnect it,and see if the codes stay away. If they do, you can refit the unit to the hydraulic body.
So it's 4 bolts,and about £100. No bleeding,just swap over the ABS ECU.

bearman68

4,795 posts

139 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
2 parts to this.
I suspect it is the ABS module not the wiring. But it's worth casting your eyes over the wiring,and having a look,and disconnecting and cleaning the multiplug.
If the code comes back immediately after clearing, you can be pretty sure it's an electrical problem.By that I mean that the unit has failed it's self test,and is going to be a short or open circuit somewhere.The fault codes will tell you where.
It's very common on these for the ABS pump to go belly up.What we have done very successfully is to leave the ABS hydraulic part in place,and unscrew the ECU from the ABS body.It's easy to do. Once you've bought a replacement unit, reconnect it,and see if the codes stay away. If they do, you can refit the unit to the hydraulic body.
So it's 4 bolts,and about £100. No bleeding,just swap over the ABS ECU.