ok so im trying to help out a buddy of mine who took his car in for repair of the infamous abs light and they told him it was the abs module, now i have a extra abs unit but my ? is the abs module on the abs unit or is it in the dash area we are both stuck bumping heads please help because ive looked all thru the forum and no luck as to where the abs module is located so if anyone can help we would appreciate it alot

 

I would first question whether or not it is really the ABS module. There are some threads in the FAQs about troubleshooting the ABS problems.

The actual ABS module is located in the engine bay directly in front of the wheel well and behind the headlight. It has 6 or 8 hard metal tubes going into it. It's kinda hard to miss.

 

I think there are 5 different ABS modules that will fit early XK cars. You need to make sure you have the correct module or it won't operate properly if at all. They are listed as with or without traction control (6 pipe or 5 pipe) (9 valve or 6 valve) and there is a VIN split as well.

JLM20129
JLM20130
JLM20555
JLM20556
JLM21323

The ABS can be repaired easily if the DTC is C1095

You really need to tell us the MAKE,MODEL,YEAR if you want a correct response.

bob gauff

 

^ so much wisdom in one reply...

 

Anyone have a good lead on refurbished ABS modules? As mine is a daily driver, I hate to take it part and wait a couple of weeks for mine to be rebuilt shipped. 02 XK8 N/A w TC

 

If you have a VIN between A00083 and A30644 and have a 6 pipe (9 valve) hydraulic control unit you need a JLM21323 ABS module if the module has failed.

I used to toss the old modules in the trash when I worked at the dealer. Around 2001 or 2002 I finally got curious and cut one open to see what failed. I soldered it up and it operated normally. I gathered all the dead modules from the shop and started selling them online and posted pictures and decription on how to repair the modules. Pretty soon everyone on the internet was repairing them so I just put them all in a box and forgot about them. I use one every once in a while for a customer so I won't throw them away.

The problem with selling them is that most people don't know what they have and buy the wrong one. That is why the repair companies will repair YOUR module but not sell an exchange unit. They sell a JLM20555 and get back a JLM20129???? The customer is angry that the replacement won't work!!!!!!!

bob gauff

 

joyroadboy, you can do the repair yourself in a day. There's a thread up in the FAQ section with pictures and everything. That's assuming that it is really the ABS module. There are a couple of other problems that are much more common that cause the same symptoms. I don't want to bash your dealer, but I think some dealers would rather throw in an expensive ABS module than spend 15 minutes cleaning your wheel speed sensors. And while they are bleeding the brakes after changing the module, they will go ahead and clean the sensors, just in case. The problem is now fixed and you assume that the ABS module fixed the problem.

 

well we tried a couple of things, 1st we tried cleaning all the sensors with a toothbrush and some brake cleaner, worked for about 15 mins or so then the trac control light stability control light, and abs light comes on, 2nd we tried changing the actuall wire going to the front wheels because the shop said that 3 of the sensors were bad and in cleaning them the wire felt a lil brittle, like maybe it was broke from inside, but same thing happens. i was reading a post last night were a member said the dealer found a piece of bad harness behind the dash so thats our next job to see if that is the captain of the ghostly ship but thanks everybody for your input it has really helped with my car and his car

 

If you don't get a print-out of the DTCs you will spend alot of time and money chasing your tail. The module is telling you it has a problem and a code will be logged in the memory. Ask the module 'where it hurts'. The C code(s) can be read with dealer type computer or AutoEnginuity etc.

The only easy module repair is C1095 for the faulty solder joints inside on the circuit board.

Speed sensors can be read with a DATALOGGER type scan of the module in 'REAL TIME'
or continuity test at the ABS module connector plug for harness integrity.

bob gauff

 

Hey Bob,

I have a 2001 XK8 convertible. I just had it inspected and the dealer said my ABS module was shot (around $2500). My vin is SAJDA42C21NA19445. I didn't get any code from the dealer when they tested it but I can tell you my lights were periodically going on and off with the ABS traction control error message. My car was sitting in my garage for a couple of months (winter and cold here in NY) and I had to jump the battery to start the car. So the battery was low (it's a fairly new battery, replaced around 18 months back). (I know it triggered the windows to drop and not return when closing the door).
Have any idea what module to get repaired?

Thanks,

Barry

 

A bad battery can produce spurious ABS codes.
If there was a real ABS problem I'd expect your dealer scan to produce a Cxxxx code.

 

I wouldn't be in a hurry to do something about it. Especially if your not sure about the battery. Have you given it a good, slow charge or diven a couple of hundred miles at highway speed?

 

+1 on all the advice above.

Nevertheless, if you do end up wanting to repair the existing module (assuming it is the correct one for your VIN, of course) you might look into Module Masters > Home

They did the work on mine - fast and efficient - for $150. More than just resoldering, they send a diagnosis of the things they found and repaired.

A lot of litle electrical gremlins cleared up after that repair...

 

The dropped windows need to be reset. The procedure is in the owners manual.
Anytime the battery is disconnected or voltage drops, the windows need to be reset.

bob gauff

 

Thanks Bob,

Taken care of