Any way to quiet failing ABS controller?

140k wow lucky, mine went at 100k. the only way known to me to get rid of that annoying sound at startups is having your abs unit replace/rebuild. ive managed to diy on my abs module, took me and my friend couple of hours and lots of beer but we got it fixed.

Thanks. Yea, my mechanic told me the same thing. I thought I'd ask here because my mechanic is fairly orthodox when it comes to things like this. He DID tell me that it's not just a matter of removing a fuse or relay. However, if it only happens at startup then I'm not that concerned about it. I"m taking a long drivie this weekend and I don't want it bugging me constantly is all. It went off for the first time last night, and it didn't go off this morning when I started the car, so maybe there's some life left in it.

Again, thanks!

Kenny

If you remove the ABS module (takes about 30 min) and put a plastic ziploc bag around the exposed metal (on the hydraulic pump), the beeping will only occur when you turn the car on (and not while you're driving). I think that also stopped my dash lights from blinking, but I can't remember.

I drove like this for a year until I found a junked ABS unit for $50.

:wrench:Hmmm.

Thanks.

Kenny

You really do not need to remove the module to stop the warning other than at start-up. Just remove the sensor and power connections (2 connectors), then cover the module in place with a plastic bag to prevent water intrusion. Then remove the module later. Or you could remove the ABS fuse.

GSO_Passater said:

You really do not need to remove the module to stop the warning other than at start-up. Just remove the sensor and power connections (2 connectors), then cover the module in place with a plastic bag to prevent water intrusion. Then remove the module later. Or you could remove the ABS fuse.

Click to expand...

That's a good point. I forgot... you can just pull the plug. Takes about 20 seconds from under the hood.

Pull the sliding latch near ABS wires, then pull out plug. Done...

Or.... you could fix the damn thing. A rebuild is about $210 from http://www.modulemaster.com/. Call me crazy, but I like brakes that work as intended. Any compromise to braking performance is unacceptable, in my opinion.

I'd unplug it until you have time to do something about it, but fix it as soon as you get a chance.

What's this noise it makes? So I'll know it if it ever happens.

I intend to fix it once it actually fails. And if I had the time and inclination I could argue that I have better braking performance without ABS.

I'm driving over 600 miles this weekend and I don't want the noise.

Urban, you'll know if it ever happens. It makes a really obnoxious beep, like when it's low on washer fluid, and the ABS and brake lights come on. You couldn't miss it. I promise.

Thankfully, it didn't happen at all today ( just once last night) so maybe it's just the beginning of the end. At any rate, thanks for the suggestions.

Kenny

Kenny Payne said:

I intend to fix it once it actually fails. And if I had the time and inclination I could argue that I have better braking performance without ABS.

Click to expand...

You could argue it, but you'd be wrong.

You might have better performance without ABS vs Broken ABS, sure. But that's about it.

Intermittent failure = failure. Failure means fails to be reliable. Your ABS isn't reliable, therefore, failed.

I haven't used this site but I found it a few weeks ago.

http://www.bba-reman.com/content.as...w_passat_1996_2001_abs_pumps_commonly_failing

They quote only $140 for my module which started going bad recently. I haven't used them yet, but it beats Module Master's price.

Also - If you're interested in taking the control module apart and trying to repair it yourself, here is a link:

http://passat-b5.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=296&Itemid=57

To answer the original question I would say pull the plugs to the unit and wrap everything.

get a louder stereo

It really scares the crap out of you when you are driving along and the BEEP goes off, the oil light comes on and the tach goes to zero while the engine is running. But just for a few seconds, and then everything is ok.