ABS Module / indicator light; FML ..

Long story:

1. Light came on – 2/2/20 (see b. below)? Took to local repair shop 3/10/20; diagnosed as needing a new front left ABS sensor cable, which was obviously worn. Ordered front left ABS sensor cable.

2. Front left ABS sensor cable installed. Technician drove the car. Five seconds later, ABS indicator light is back on. Code is for now the front right ABS sensor cable. Ordered front right ABS sensor cable.

3. Front right ABS sensor cable installed. Technician drove the car. Five seconds later, ABS indicator light is back on. Code is STILL for the front right ABS sensor cable??

4. Left car for a day for shop to diagnose. Said all four ABS sensor cables are okay, as is the harness. So – it must be the ABS module. I went onto eBay and purchased a used ABS module from a 2003 SVT Cobra with 30K miles. Seller maintains it was in working order when removed.

5. Used ABS module installed. Mechanic said that his code reader does not even identify that the ABS module is “there?!”

Other info:

a. The front right ABS sensor cable had no discernible wear.

b. The ABS light came on over the winter. I was moving my cars around, and had the Cobra idling with the e-brake on. My mind was elsewhere .. and I drove it ~ 5 car lengths STILL with the e-brake on. THEN the ABS indicator light came on, as I was turning the car off..

Update:
I purchased a different, second used ABS Module from eBay. I took it to a Ford dealer, and it was unable to be read. I returned it to the seller, a large vendor in Georgia, and exchanged it for a different one it had for sale on eBay. I took the third one to the Ford dealer, and it WAS able to be read.

I had the previous used one removed and the new / used (third) one installed. He used Ford’s software to reset the VIN number / clear that code. He bled the brakes, and when he test drove it – the ABS light returned. The mechanic checked the module’s pins and the connector cable, and all was fine. He checked the OBD II port, and it read the module. He demonstrated this by striking something on the laptop, and the ABS Module pump activated. You then start the car, and the ABS light comes on, and the OBD II port doesn’t even read that the ABS module is there?

I brought my OEM ABS Module out, and the mechanic attached the harness. The OBD II port continues to report a code that the front right ABS sensor has an error.

What could be causing the OBD II port to fail to connect to the (third used) ABS Module that occurs when the car is started? Or, is there a missing step?

It has been many years since I replaced my abs module with a used one off eBay due to the original leaking brake fluid. I don’t remember doing anything special besides plugging it in, reconnecting the plumbing, and bleeding the brakes. No abs light and I just drove it after that. Not sure what you have going on, hopefully not an ecu issue.

Chances are the Ebay one has the same issue as your original. There's a guy on Ebay that rebuilds them for relatively cheap. I want to say about $100. It might have gone up since then. But I would look him up and have your original rebuilt. This is a known issue with these cars.

Also, no need to remove the brake lines. The electronic part can be removed separately. No need for bleeding that way.

Have you checked your rear abs sensors? I know he said they were fine. Just wondering if you did a visual.

shiftin: *if* this third, used one failed - that is what I was going to do. Have my OEM one rebuilt. With this third one also not communicating, I *will* have my OEM one rebuilt / remanufactured. Just wish I didn't spend an AM's worth of labor first.. :-(

I've had two ABS modules for two different cobras rebuilt by cheapabs.com, they do good work. I would just send in the OEM module.

Shiftin' and JetMech: I *might* have the Ford dealer check to see if the ABS module is getting power.. *Maybe* under #4, when the Midas guy was ripping through the electronics, the power (cable) wasn't re-established?