With the ABS light glaring in the dash, I combed volumes of repair descriptions in preparation to resolder the two power terminals on the printed circuit board. As components started coming apart, it became obvious my module is somewhat different than any documented previously. Schematics illustrate 2 connectors utilized on the "ABS / TRACTION CONTROL CONTROL MODULE" (yes, they use CONTROL twice) up until the 2002 drawings and only one connector on the "DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL CONTROL MODULE" from 2003 on up.

It seems they learned a lesson from attaching two pins to a separate connector and remedied that by integrating all the wiring into one secure connection. Virtually all replacements are for 2003 and earlier. It is conceivable that the earlier modules lost continuity due to stress and vibration. Honda has a history of a failing solder joint in their power relay due to thermal expansion.

Now the question comes up, is there a history of these later modules failing? Anyone have good insight into the later modules? Problems? Repairs?

 

Well, do you have access to a proper code reader (JLR reader, not just OBDII)? The codes will likely point you in the right direction. The first step is the cleaning of the 4 sensors. I am unconvinced it does anything, but it is a free/easy activity that sometimes resolves issues. Next, and more likely, the wiring to the sensors (especially the 2 front sensors) comes up as a problem, typically intermittent breaks. There are various part numbers over the years, with some no longer available. The later 4.2L ABS module themselves seem to be more reliable, but they are not immune to larger CAN bus issues of course. In addition, the ABS module reputedly hosts the bus termination, so when it becomes disconnected, the entire CAN bus is affected. Of course, the ABS/Traction Control modules seem to be the most sensitive to the low voltage of an aging battery, so check that too.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

I echo what fmertz said above. I assumed my ABS light was due to the solder joints mentioned, but after taking out the ABS module and opening it, I realized that mine did not have the old solder joints - as my 2001 VDP did. Soooo, I put it all back together and found it was a problem (after getting a good code reader) with the front right side wheel speed sensor. I bought a new sensor, and no change. I twisted the sensor cable 360 degrees (as I had seen on a forum post), plugged it back in and the problem went away. I know the problem is with the cable, and I have bought a set of new connectors, but the issue hasn't reappeared - yet. It seems many people have had issues with the front wheel speed sensor cables, especially the right one, but of course you can't rule out the other possibilities. I did clean the wheel speed sensors too - always a good idea, and not difficult.