I think also some of these ABS repair specialists have been having some issues with reliability. According to one I spoke to (absfixer), they had to stop repairing '97-00 units because so many customers demanded their money back. He went on to say that the tiny SMT components (surface mount) were very difficult to reliably solder by hand.

 

Yes, solderng those small leads can be a real PIA. The small flat pack type components require a lead forming tool to shape the leads so they don't spring back up after the solder is flowed and the ones that have contacts on the bottom of the component are very difficult to handle outside of a regular manufacturing line that is built to handle them. Then throw in the conformal coating and the fact the best methods of removing it are no longer legal due to environmental regulations and you have a real challenge.

Most cars built from the late 90s on will be lucky if they go past their 10 year life cycle with every feature operating properly.

Bill

 

I think this is why Brandon is not returning my calls and emails (reliability issues). I'm following the warranty claim procedure with ASE/ASI. What's odd is the code I'm getting now, TCS 1214, I wasn't getting before I sent the unit in.

 

Brandon is/has always been hard to get on the phone.

 

Didn't think about that great point Bill

 

*** Update - I contacted ASI again before leaving ebay feedback. They did give me a good deal on a rebuilt EBCM and I bought it as a backup. I tested it and it works plus it has the latest firmware. The manager I talked to was nice and friendly. If you have time then they could work out for you but it might take more than one try to get a unit repaired or a replacement. They seem to try to do their best to do the right thing. ***

I used ASI and did not have much luck. I sent in my 2002 Z06 EBCM and it came back with the same error code as it had when I sent it. I used a Tech 2 to clear the codes to be safe but the unit was still not functional. It does not seem like they tested the repairs since the EBCM throws the code when it powers up.

I called ASI when it did not work and they had me send it back under their lifetime warranty with shipping and insurance my responsibility. After about a week of waiting I received a phone call and was told that the EBCM could not be fixed. They offered to seem me a repaired unit for somewhere between $400-$500. Apparently their warranty does not apply if they can't fix the original unit. I asked to have my unit returned and was asked to again pay for shipping.

I think that they tried to fix the unit and just could not. The bad part for me was it wasted a lot of time and I am out the shipping costs. I would feel much better about the experience if they would have just told me they could not fix on their first attempt.

I also should point out the their warranty is not truly a lifetime warranty. If you look at the details about their warranty they do say the have to be able repair a failed EBCM for it to be under warranty. So if they do fix your EBCM and it fails in a year or so the lifetime warranty might not apply. The reality is that they can get out of the warranty by making the call they can not repair your EBCM.

One other note: ABSFixer might be a better choice. I did contact them about fixing my EBCM and told them about the problem I was having, code C1271. They told me they were not able to fix the unit. I like that they know what they can and can not do.

I ended up buying a new EBCM for $717 from a GM dealer. The good news is that it works and has a manufacture date of late last year.

Roger