Do it yourself ABS module repair. Topic is solved

Post by **lewismug** » 23 Feb 2008, 10:48

Lee, I just want to let you know that your write-up on this gave me the confidence to give this a shot. I have been dragging me feet about this problem trying to decide what to do. I cracked open the case last night with my dremel and fired up the soldering iron. I could clearly see several broken solder joints. I went ahead and flowed all of them that were broken, along with all of the others you had circled. My ABS light is now off, but each time I get above 20 mph, my brake light illuminates. It didn't do this before the ABS repair, so I'm guessing I may have missed a few joints. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you get it to stop? Getting back into the unit will be much easier this time around, since I used black silicone to button it up. Any clue as to which pins it could be? I couldn't see any more that were broken.

Post by **JRL** » 23 Feb 2008, 11:13

BRAKE light, not ABS?
Have you checked the fluid level lately

Post by **lewismug** » 23 Feb 2008, 11:41

Now, ya see! That's the reason I value this board so much. The ones that think of the MOST obvious reason a brake light would be on. I am an idiot. Thanks for waking up my brain today JRL.

TomPaol · Post by **TomPaol** » 06 Apr 2008, 08:53

I got excited to attempt this repair and am at a stand still on getting the last screw out of the modulator to remove it. I have tried every angle and tool I can think of but can't seem to find the room to turn the socket. I even went down to a 6 degree wratchet. How did you guys do this. I have removed the air cleaner as well.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Apr 2008, 09:17

I used a very short ratchet with a torx bit and contorted my hand from above the module. It took some doing, but it came out. Make sure you have the ratchet set to turn the right way. In the reverse/contorted position, it's very easy to be tightening when you think you're loosening. Good luck!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Apr 2008, 16:52

I seem to recall that the brake lines were in the way on one of the bolts and I think I actually used an extension and got the 1/4" ratchet below the gob of brake lines to get the bolt out.

I know for sure that I fought with one of them and I seem to remember a hand cramp as part of the process.

...Lee

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Apr 2008, 17:08

True, you do need an extension and stubby ratchet, and your hand WILL cramp and you PROBABLY WILL curse, but it WILL come out.
Good luck!

As long as you don't drop the small torx screws they go back in much easier than they came out. I "magnetized" my torx bit (rubbing it on a strong magnet about 100 times) before trying the re-installation because I was afraid of losing these small screws and had no replacements.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 06 Apr 2008, 17:30

MadeInJapan wrote:True, you do need an extension and stubby ratchet, and your hand WILL cramp and you PROBABLY WILL curse, but it WILL come out.
Good luck!

As long as you don't drop the small torx screws they go back in much easier than they came out. I "magnetized" my torx bit (rubbing it on a strong magnet about 100 times) before trying the re-installation because I was afraid of losing these small screws and had no replacements.

+1 on the reach. It's a real PITA!
I did mine over two years ago and my hand still hurts...

Spreading out an old towel right under the ABS brain caught several
falling items that would have otherwise vanished into the mechanical darkness.

The torx socket came off of the little, flex head ratchet handle
more than once, too. A bit of a problem to find in the black abyss.
So I taped a dental floss leash to it - Big Timesaver!

Some of the cheaper, easy ways to speed things up
and keep from scarring the eardrums of the neighbor kids.

ANIGAV Inc. · Post by **ANIGAV Inc.** » 04 May 2008, 08:53

I'm feeling kinda lazy right about now. Could I use an ABS module from the bone yard? I have a few 850's at my local pick and pull and I can get them at a great price.

Does it have to be the same year as mine? ('96)

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 May 2008, 09:18

Same as long as it matches your '96...some had TRACS and some didn't...make sure that these match. From what I understand, you can use any that match the TRACS/NO TRACS from '96~'98 850's and 70 series Volvos for your model year car. But since these are old they may have the same failures as yours, so make sure you can bring the module back if it's also failing. Oh, and when you take the ABS module off- keep the little reverse torx screws. These are very hard to find.
Regards,
MIJ