ABS module vs Brake booster - which should I have replaced?
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Recently the brakes stopped working properly. Applying the normal pressure doesn't stop the car, or even slow it down at all. I have to press on the brake pedal much harder than normal to get the car to stop. Plus, it is flashing a variety of things on the dash, including:
- SERVICE ADVANCETRAC (in yellow letters)
- BRAKE - CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM (in red letters)
- a yellow wrench
- and, both the parking brake indicator and the traction control indicator (yellow car swerving) are illuminated.
I've had two different Ford dealers run a diagnostic on it, and they gave me two different diagnoses:
1) The first one said it needs a new "brake booster" because there's a bad solenoid in the original brake booster and there's no way to replace just that solenoid. They quoted me $750 for the repair.
2) The second dealer said the ABS module needs to be replaced and in the process of doing that the brake fluid needs to be flushed and refilled. They quoted me over $1,700 for the repair.
Both are confident they know what the problem is and how to repair it, but given the difference in the answers, I don't have confidence in either.
Any advice or suggestions?
Bffgr
Either willing to guarantee IN WRITING? How 'about this - take the fuse out for the ABS module so it won't do anything and see if the problem is still there.
A+A+AA
Since the ABS keeps the brakes from locking in a skid and your car doesn't stop, rule that one out. It COULD be the brake booster but I'm guessing it's just the old fashioned brake job. Nothing more than replacing brake pads.
Definitely not the booster! This is a very well known problem with the ABS module. There are eBay companies that will rebuild your module very reasonably or just pay the dealer full pull but a new booster would be a complete waste of money.
My guess is the brake booster. But have the system checked. It gets expensive when you shotgun the parts until you find the broken one.
"The second dealer said the ABS module needs to be replaced". This guy seriously doesn't know what he's talking about and looks like he's just trying to sell you an expensive brake job.
The ABS module has nothing to do with you needing to push the brakes extra hard to stop. The ABS unlocks the brakes instantly if they lock to allow the tires to regrip the road and prevent skidding. That's how ABS works.
So, out of the two things, it sounds like the brake booster is faulty.
But it's more likely (and much cheaper) to just get the brakes serviced properly. Old brake fluid could cause that problem. Get the brake fluid replaced. If that doesn't fix things try new pads/shoes.
Check your master break cylinder first because it's the first I would probably go out.
- Will my abs light come on if my brake pump is going out? My 1995 ford ranger's abs light is off once I start my truck and the turns on after I roll about 20ft. And in the time before that 20ft when the light is off, if I press the brake too hard the brakes lock up. Once the light comes on braking for is basically normal
- Ford Windstar 2002 Brake and ABS lights on? I changed my front brakes recently and the two lights turned off. Now they came back on and I assume that I have to change my rear brakes. Could you please tell me what they mean?
- Where should I go to have have my headlights on my 2004 Ford focus replaced.would a auto parts store change it for me? Where should I go to have have my headlights on my 2004 Ford focus replaced. Would a auto parts store change it for me? - 1
- What is the difference between a Electronic control module and Engine control module? I recently bought a cheap Ford Focus which was affected in floods… I got the water of the engine and pretty much all the places, all my lights and few other electronic functions work… But my engine doesn't turn on and my HUD is dead, but works on another car… What should i do?