Location of ABS module for 1989 Ford Bronco

[jimgad]

Hello all
I need to replace the ABS module for my 1989 Ford Bronco. I went to a ford dealership with an ABS light issue. I had already replaced the sensor on the rear diff and light stayed on. The mechanic said the module was bad and had pulled it out and left on floor for me. With the module removed, the light went out. They didnt replace it because they could not find a part. I now have found one on Rockauto.com and they will not install for me because they dont install parts people bring in. ugghh

This is the one I found
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...951,brake+&+wheel+hub,abs+control+module,1844

I dont know where it goes, and according to google I have been down a rabbit hole of may spots (on the frame, behind gas pedal, somewhere behind glove box, etc)
Anyone have a diagram or pictures they can share to help show me where?

Can you just plug them in or do you really need to bleed the brake lines?
Appreciate any and all advice. Thank you

 

[Tiha]

You can just plug it in. No problem.

Do it with the key off.

 

[jimgad]

where does it plug in at? That is part of my issue of not knowing where it goes.

 

[miesk5]

Yo Jim,
RABS Wiring Diagram in 87-89 Bronco & F series (Mitchell)
Source: by equivalent (Beetlejuice) at SuperMotors.net

Incorrect (RABS I) Electronic Control Unit Installed TSB 93-17-9 in 87-92 Bronco, 87-93 F-150-350 SERIES, 89-93 Ranger, 90-93 Aerostar & Econoline, 91-92 Explorer, 87-90 Bronco II
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[jimgad]

So I did find it, had engine off, plugged in, and now I have my ABS light back on again.
The sensor on the rear diff is already new, and I am scratching my head ha ha

 

[L\Bronco]

Hey jimgad
The best idea would be to check codes in the RABS module. To do this, find the test connector. It is a single wire plug under the dash, (usually on the crossbar under the glovebox.) It will have a red wire on one side and a black/orange on the other. When you find it, unplug it and ground the blk/orange wire then turn the key on. The abs light will flash the codes. Each code will end with a long flash (be sure to include the long flash in the code when counting.)
Once you get a code or codes, post them and we will see if we can figure it out.
Hope that helps.
Cheers

 

[George Coleman]

Just because the abs light is in dose not mean you don,t have brakes just no abs brakes. take the bulb out

 

[jimgad]

Just because the abs light is in dose not mean you don,t have brakes just no abs brakes. take the bulb out

Actually, the first time the bulb was on - after I replaced the sensor, I took to a Ford Dealership.
They removed the ABS module and light went out.
The diagnosis was a bad module, so I replaced it.
The mechanic told me Rear ABS added no value and I should just go without.
At the same time they had it, they replaced all brakes.
Ever since then my brakes work - but super super touchy. I lock up on dry pavement when barely moving, so I suspected because no ABS module to help "regulate" things, it was causing them to lock up all the time.

So that is why I am trying to fix aside from just not seeing the annoying light

 

[L\Bronco]

Actually, the first time the bulb was on - after I replaced the sensor, I took to a Ford Dealership.
They removed the ABS module and light went out.
The diagnosis was a bad module, so I replaced it.
The mechanic told me Rear ABS added no value and I should just go without.
At the same time they had it, they replaced all brakes.
Ever since then my brakes work - but super super touchy. I lock up on dry pavement when barely moving, so I suspected because no ABS module to help "regulate" things, it was causing them to lock up all the time.

So that is why I am trying to fix aside from just not seeing the annoying light

RABS is a very early rudimentary antilock system for rear brakes only, and it can only activate 3-4 times per event. It lowers the brake pressure slightly to the rear when it anticipates lock up. It can’t make the brakes over sensitive or “grabby”
It sounds like you have a foundation brake issue.
The RABS module turns on the warning light directly on those, so its natural that the light would go out when the module was disconnected.
For the brakes, I would look at the rears and make sure they put the shoes on correctly. The short primary shoes should be on the front of the assembly and the long secondary shoes on the rear. Also look for an axle seal leaking. (Oil on a brake shoe makes them lock up like crazy)
You also have an ABS issue causing the light. (It is often the valve, but it should be diagnosed properly)
The RABS system really doesnt do much as far as ABS systems go an you shouldn’t notice that it doesnt work unless you are in a panic stop.
Id leave the module unplugged so the light stays off and get the foundation brakes fixed.
Cheers

 

[Blueblooded]

RABS is a very early rudimentary antilock system for rear brakes only, and it can only activate 3-4 times per event. It lowers the brake pressure slightly to the rear when it anticipates lock up. It can’t make the brakes over sensitive or “grabby”
It sounds like you have a foundation brake issue.
The RABS module turns on the warning light directly on those, so its natural that the light would go out when the module was disconnected.
For the brakes, I would look at the rears and make sure they put the shoes on correctly. The short primary shoes should be on the front of the assembly and the long secondary shoes on the rear. Also look for an axle seal leaking. (Oil on a brake shoe makes them lock up like crazy)
You also have an ABS issue causing the light. (It is often the valve, but it should be diagnosed properly)
The RANS system really doesnt do much as far as ABS systems go an you shouldn’t notice that it doesnt work unless you are in a panic stop.
Id leave the module unplugged so the light stays off and get the foundation brakes fixed.
Cheers

on my 87 it is on the drivers side on the front tucked under the frame. I removed mine and ran a new brake line connected to the existing brake line and caped the the wiring. works fine without the ABS

 

[8vettes]

Hello all
I need to replace the ABS module for my 1989 Ford Bronco. I went to a ford dealership with an ABS light issue. I had already replaced the sensor on the rear diff and light stayed on. The mechanic said the module was bad and had pulled it out and left on floor for me. With the module removed, the light went out. They didnt replace it because they could not find a part. I now have found one on Rockauto.com and they will not install for me because they dont install parts people bring in. ugghh

This is the one I found
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...951,brake+&+wheel+hub,abs+control+module,1844

I dont know where it goes, and according to google I have been down a rabbit hole of may spots (on the frame, behind gas pedal, somewhere behind glove box, etc)
Anyone have a diagram or pictures they can share to help show me where?

Can you just plug them in or do you really need to bleed the brake lines?
Appreciate any and all advice. Thank you

There is also the possibility that your new unit is bad. I went thru 2 replacements and the 3rd was the charm so don’t discount getting a bad “new” part

 

[George Coleman]

I do not know about earlier Broncos but on my 96 if you disconnect the ABS module then the speedo will not work and the Trans will not shift. You have to jumper this so every thing works normal