Abs module - help!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Abs module - help!
I have a 1990 Chevy Corvette. A few months ago I had a scary situation where my brakes completely failed. Ended up having a bad ABS Brake Module/Motor that wasn't letting brake fluid pass. $1000 and 2 used parts later, got one and it worked. Well, for about 4 months. Now I have an ABS light. Took it to the same shop and i'm getting code 61 for failure of the actual pump motor for the ABS (replaced as same part I already replaced). Would be a complete gamble to try to get another used one (already on the third).
Does anyone know of somewhere I can send mine out to be rebuilt???
Thank you very much
-ChevyGirl0027
Does anyone know of somewhere I can send mine out to be rebuilt???
Thank you very much
-ChevyGirl0027
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 3,021
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Code 61 is an electrical problem associated with the voltage at the pump motor, not necessarily with the motor itself. It is likely a faulty relay or relay connection. I'd try replacing the motor relay before condemning the assembly itself.
IIRC the motor relay can be replaced, but it is kind of "special" and not easily obtainable. Perhaps the shop or yourself has retained one of the take-out ABS assemblies that you can take a relay from?
IIRC the motor relay can be replaced, but it is kind of "special" and not easily obtainable. Perhaps the shop or yourself has retained one of the take-out ABS assemblies that you can take a relay from?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 292
Likes: 91
thought I read here that an electrical failure in the ABS unit wouldn't cause a brake failure, only loss of the ABS function. in other words the unit was designed to be failsafe, with no loss of braking in the event of an electical issue. brake fluid would still pass, only not pulsed. has anyone heard of a similar failure? certainly doesn't give me a sense of safety, for sure.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 485
Likes: 230
thought I read here that an electrical failure in the ABS unit wouldn't cause a brake failure, only loss of the ABS function. in other words the unit was designed to be failsafe, with no loss of braking in the event of an electical issue. brake fluid would still pass, only not pulsed. has anyone heard of a similar failure? certainly doesn't give me a sense of safety, for sure.
Hopefully someone more knowledgable than I can chime in!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 3,021
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
There are ferrous springs and check ***** that rust and break. There are screens that get plugged with goo. These failures can be attributed to moisture in the brake system that causes the ferrous parts to rust and the goo to form. European manufacturers are adamant about biannual brake fluid flushes and change. The only reference to brake fluid I found in Section 0B "Maintainece and Lubrication" is to visually check the fluid level in the reservoirs twice a year. Nothing about changing or checking for moisture. Brake fluid has an affinity to collect moisture from the atmosphere. It must be changed periodically so that the moisture doesn't cause rust and corrosion to internal brake system parts.
The above doesn't help Chevy Girl solve her current problem, but the brake fluid being neglected for decades probably was the root cause of her "hard pedal" because of internal damage from rust and corrosion.
The above doesn't help Chevy Girl solve her current problem, but the brake fluid being neglected for decades probably was the root cause of her "hard pedal" because of internal damage from rust and corrosion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,239
Likes: 161
From: Folsom CA
The ABS relay is quite simply nearly unobtainable.
But there's nothing particularly special about It other than the package it is contained in.
The simple cure is to cut the base of the old relay with the oddball contact pins off of the relay and solder in an off the shelf relay.
You'll then need a Tech 1 to reset the ABS code and you are cured for life.
Somewhere in the depths of the ZR-1 forum is my write up of this exact procedure that cured the exact same problem on my '90 ZR-1.
Ill go dig around but my tablet doesn't do searches very well.
Crabs '90 ZR-1 #792
But there's nothing particularly special about It other than the package it is contained in.
The simple cure is to cut the base of the old relay with the oddball contact pins off of the relay and solder in an off the shelf relay.
You'll then need a Tech 1 to reset the ABS code and you are cured for life.
Somewhere in the depths of the ZR-1 forum is my write up of this exact procedure that cured the exact same problem on my '90 ZR-1.
Ill go dig around but my tablet doesn't do searches very well.
Crabs '90 ZR-1 #792
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,239
Likes: 161
From: Folsom CA
https://www.zr1.net/forum/printthrea...9&pp=10&page=2
There you go.
16 years later, still no problems.
Proof is in the pudding.
Crabs
There you go.
16 years later, still no problems.
Proof is in the pudding.
Crabs
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