Has anyone just removed their EBCM?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
Has anyone just removed their EBCM?
Is complete removal of a bad EBCM an option? I think I’m correct in saying my ‘99 has a separate brake bias (front/rear pressure) valve just below the brake fluid reservoir.
I’m almost sure my unit is starting to go bad and am just considering options. Removing the whole unit and the dash warning bulbs (but of course unfortunately still having the DIC display) might be a way for my car to still pass our yearly test. It would theoretically fail with warning lights and the unit fitted.
TIA
I’m almost sure my unit is starting to go bad and am just considering options. Removing the whole unit and the dash warning bulbs (but of course unfortunately still having the DIC display) might be a way for my car to still pass our yearly test. It would theoretically fail with warning lights and the unit fitted.
TIA
Racer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 314
Likes: 61
Is complete removal of a bad EBCM an option? I think I’m correct in saying my ‘99 has a separate brake bias (front/rear pressure) valve just below the brake fluid reservoir.
I’m almost sure my unit is starting to go bad and am just considering options. Removing the whole unit and the dash warning bulbs (but of course unfortunately still having the DIC display) might be a way for my car to still pass our yearly test. It would theoretically fail with warning lights and the unit fitted.
TIA
I’m almost sure my unit is starting to go bad and am just considering options. Removing the whole unit and the dash warning bulbs (but of course unfortunately still having the DIC display) might be a way for my car to still pass our yearly test. It would theoretically fail with warning lights and the unit fitted.
TIA
Racer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 314
Likes: 61
Last edited by Chogan835; Jan 30, 2021 at 04:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
Remove the ebcm, cover up the circuitry underneath and tune out the codes. The car can be driven without the ebcm. But you’ll get codes. And you’ll have open circuitry. It’s recommended you put a bag over it temporarily so water doesn’t get in. You’ll have to find a more permanent solution. You’re telling me the dmv can tell the ebcm isn’t function if it’s still installed but it’s tuned out? I find that hard to believe.
The car is going to display the dash lights (and “service abs/service traction”) messages no matter what.
It would be a fail on our DMV (MoT in UK) test to have any warning lights if the unit was still fitted. If you take away the unit you could take away the bulbs in the cluster. This would make the car pass the test. A side issue may be the DIC warnings remaining.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 314
Likes: 61
Everything I’ve read on this issue seems to say you can’t just program out EBCM/codes.
The car is going to display the dash lights (and “service abs/service traction”) messages no matter what.
It would be a fail on our DMV (MoT in UK) test to have any warning lights if the unit was still fitted. If you take away the unit you could take away the bulbs in the cluster. This would make the car pass the test. A side issue may be the DIC warnings remaining.
The car is going to display the dash lights (and “service abs/service traction”) messages no matter what.
It would be a fail on our DMV (MoT in UK) test to have any warning lights if the unit was still fitted. If you take away the unit you could take away the bulbs in the cluster. This would make the car pass the test. A side issue may be the DIC warnings remaining.
Last edited by Chogan835; Jan 30, 2021 at 04:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
I’m definitely considering just sourcing a used unit. Less easy here in the UK.
The cost and reliability of a used unit is making me look at any alternatives.
I’d happily drive without ABS but you’d want to be legal- Hence my question about removing the unit then legally removing the dash bulbs. As I say, the DIC still displaying warning messages maybe somewhat spoils the plan..
The cost and reliability of a used unit is making me look at any alternatives.
I’d happily drive without ABS but you’d want to be legal- Hence my question about removing the unit then legally removing the dash bulbs. As I say, the DIC still displaying warning messages maybe somewhat spoils the plan..
Racer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 314
Likes: 61
I’m definitely considering just sourcing a used unit. Less easy here in the UK.
The cost and reliability of a used unit is making me look at any alternatives.
I’d happily drive without ABS but you’d want to be legal- Hence my question about removing the unit then legally removing the dash bulbs. As I say, the DIC still displaying warning messages maybe somewhat spoils the plan..
The cost and reliability of a used unit is making me look at any alternatives.
I’d happily drive without ABS but you’d want to be legal- Hence my question about removing the unit then legally removing the dash bulbs. As I say, the DIC still displaying warning messages maybe somewhat spoils the plan..
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
Having looked briefly at our legislation via Mr Google it seems the “malfunction indicator lamp” is what applies during the test and any warning messages are supplementary, so it might be ok just to remove the cluster bulbs (they are just removable bulbs) and still have the message.
Again, just wondering if anyone on the forum has removed the EBCM completely, and indeed if my ‘99 has got front/rear brake proportioning not controlled by the EBCM.
Again, just wondering if anyone on the forum has removed the EBCM completely, and indeed if my ‘99 has got front/rear brake proportioning not controlled by the EBCM.
Last edited by silver50; Jan 30, 2021 at 05:14 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 314
Likes: 61
Having looked briefly at our legislation via Mr Google it seems the “malfunction indicator lamp” is what applies during the test and any warning messages are supplementary, so it might be ok just to remove the cluster bulbs (they are just removable bulbs) and still have the message.
Again, just wondering if anyone on the forum has removed the EBCM completely, and indeed if my ‘99 has got front/rear brake proportioning not controlled by the EBCM.
Again, just wondering if anyone on the forum has removed the EBCM completely, and indeed if my ‘99 has got front/rear brake proportioning not controlled by the EBCM.
Last edited by Chogan835; Jan 30, 2021 at 06:12 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 143
Likes: 31
From: Indiana
If the EBCM has failed, then it doesn't matter if it's there or not. Either way you will get codes, chimes, and DIC messages. It cannot be tuned out. Except for possible rare exceptions that I have read about in this forum, the 97-2000 EBCM cannot be repaired. Your only choice is to buy a used one, pay big bucks, and hope for the best.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
If the EBCM has failed, then it doesn't matter if it's there or not. Either way you will get codes, chimes, and DIC messages. It cannot be tuned out. Except for possible rare exceptions that I have read about in this forum, the 97-2000 EBCM cannot be repaired. Your only choice is to buy a used one, pay big bucks, and hope for the best.
As mentioned to Chogan835 I know you can’t program out the codes.
Chogan, I don’t think you mentioned removing your unit so what you did with the brake lines is of interest.
As 01pewtervert says, used units are expensive and carry risk so considering removal seems possibly worth giving attention to.
Getting rid of the chime while in the cluster (removing the speaker) would be no bad thing! Until recently this wasn’t a thing here. I presume it must’ve been a US law?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 143
Likes: 31
From: Indiana
The EBCM is only an electronic control. It has no hydraulic connection to the brake lines. It's held in place by screws. The hydraulic brake lines are connected to the brake pressure modulator valve.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,014
Likes: 726
Don't understand why your taking it out?? You pull the 2 fuse does the same, it diactives. This is what i did because i was almost kill me when it went bad. Like you said cant tune out and again the only way to get rid of light is remove. If they check computer it doesn't not show a code because codes are for emissions. Will here in illinois. Just did my inspection with all light on except check engine. Passed. Just my experience.
Last edited by helga203; Jan 31, 2021 at 10:02 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
Essentially (for the annual test) if ABS/T is fitted to the vehicle, it has to work.
The brake pump side is obviously very much part of the EBCM so if (for the sake of argument) I’m removing the ABS/Traction unit, I’m removing the brake pump too. So presumably need to deal with brake lines. I presume connecting some back lines together beside where the module would sit.
The brake pump side is obviously very much part of the EBCM so if (for the sake of argument) I’m removing the ABS/Traction unit, I’m removing the brake pump too. So presumably need to deal with brake lines. I presume connecting some back lines together beside where the module would sit.
Last edited by silver50; Jan 31, 2021 at 11:40 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,014
Likes: 726
Essentially (for the annual test) if ABS/T is fitted to the vehicle, it has to work.
The brake pump side is obviously very much part of the EBCM so if (for the sake of argument) I’m removing the ABS/Traction unit, I’m removing the brake pump too. So presumably need to deal with brake lines. I presume connecting some back lines together beside where the module would sit.
The brake pump side is obviously very much part of the EBCM so if (for the sake of argument) I’m removing the ABS/Traction unit, I’m removing the brake pump too. So presumably need to deal with brake lines. I presume connecting some back lines together beside where the module would sit.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 31,161
Likes: 406
From: Raleigh NC
There are 2 EBCM systems for C5's. Early and late. You have early and it is said they are not repairable.
However - if you remove it you may affect brake bias negatively. That is the case on the later model C5's. The EBCM faults and the system defaults to a very rear biased balance which is not good.
Do some more research. The EBCM's are a sore point for keeping C5's.
Ken
However - if you remove it you may affect brake bias negatively. That is the case on the later model C5's. The EBCM faults and the system defaults to a very rear biased balance which is not good.
Do some more research. The EBCM's are a sore point for keeping C5's.
Ken
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
I’m just seeing if there are any options instead of sourcing a used EBCM that might fail again. My vette is just a fun car that I’ll only use on occasion, and probably mostly on dry days. Not having working ABS and traction is no biggie.
Simple enough question I pose which is doing away with ABS and doing away with the ABS unit.
I’m already making inroads into obtaining a type M EBCM but they are expensive and they are not readily available in my country.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 289
Likes: 64
From: Edinburgh, Scotland
There are 2 EBCM systems for C5's. Early and late. You have early and it is said they are not repairable.
However - if you remove it you may affect brake bias negatively. That is the case on the later model C5's. The EBCM faults and the system defaults to a very rear biased balance which is not good.
Do some more research. The EBCM's are a sore point for keeping C5's.
Ken
However - if you remove it you may affect brake bias negatively. That is the case on the later model C5's. The EBCM faults and the system defaults to a very rear biased balance which is not good.
Do some more research. The EBCM's are a sore point for keeping C5's.
Ken
The EBCM’s being a sore point is why I’m looking at the idea. Get rid of it and it can’t haunt you!
Last edited by silver50; Jan 31, 2021 at 02:27 PM.