Is it REALLY my ABS Module?? '96 850 GLT

bpwsource · Post by **bpwsource** » 13 May 2011, 08:03

I have a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT and I think I am going to buy a reconditioned Module and replace my old one but I just want to make absolutely sure this is the issue before I shell out 79.99 and the time it takes to switch these units...

This is what I experience:

- I'll be driving and perhaps I'll go around a semi-tight corner or up/down a hill (sometimes even just driving straight) and then I'll hear this small "Growling" noise, as if something is either engaging or disengaging, followed immediately by the TRACS and ABS lights flipping on and staying on until they randomly go off for a while and then everything happens again a bit later.

Basically it sounds as if my TRACS and ABS functions are "turning off" and then "turning back on." The "growling" doesn't sound too mechanical as in something grinding or failing in a horrible way - just a "small growling" or better yet, like the "Release of Tension in a Wound up Spring..." And it is ALWAYS followed by the two lights flipping on.

About a month ago my Check Engine light was always on as well but this eventually went off and I haven't seen it since...

So... Is this my ABS Module?

Thank you for any help/guidance you can offer!

Post by **erikv11** » 13 May 2011, 08:15

This sure sounds like the ABS module. When it went bad on my car the ABS would engage (feels/sounds like a little vibration like a light impact wrench spinning) then the lights turned on, but it took a long time before they turned off. Then it would do it again. Wait for more opinions don't go on just mine, but basically on a a 96 these modules all eventually fail.

A side note, doesn't matter for this post but may help avoid confusion later on: your signature (nameplate) says you drive a 97 GLT, but your post says 96 GLT. Since all 97 GLTs are turbo but all 96 GLTs are non-turbo, maybe you want to change your nameplate info?

Post by **erikv11** » 13 May 2011, 08:19

Also: There is a user on here named Matty Moo who rebuilds them with an excellent guarantee and track record. I bought one from him a year ago, he helped me through some minor issues with the install. Not sure what his price is now but it used to be less than $80.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 13 May 2011, 20:23

+1 on using Matty Moo. Much, much, much cheaper than anywhere else and better service. Take a loot at this
--> https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 80#p131380

Post by **bronxnativ** » 14 May 2011, 08:16

Before you shell out any cash on a rebuild, check your fuses (three of them on a '96); I believe their marked #9,#14, and #29 BUT check your fuse cover for verification of these locations. Also check your connections to the ABS module, such as the large harness (data cable) that connects to it and the smaller cable of the two (power cable). They can become loose with time. Then, lastly, check your ABS wheel sensors. They can become dirty, so clean them and the teeth on the axle itself. The latter is a job I will be tackling this week, as weather has been bad here lately.

Good Luck,
Al

Post by **vjaneczko** » 14 May 2011, 09:33

+1 on cleaning the sensor pickups:

: Volvo ABS Pickups - Front Wheel.jpg (105.28 KiB) Viewed 1177 times

This is pic of the front pickups, right above the ball joint. It's harder to get at compared to the rears, but it takes a few minutes to pull the wheel and brush 'em with an old toothbrush.