Program ABS control module?
 

Hi everyone, first post here but have gotten lots of help from you already (thanks).

I am trying to get a definitive answer on whether or not the remanufactured ABS control module I just got (BWD, from Oreilly's) absolutely needs to be reprogrammed for my truck (the old one is toast). I really want to have my ABS back before the weather turns as am commuting 800mi/wk into Tulsa. I understand the VIN and tire size must be coded in and why, but is it crucial (will the ABS work). Also, how much is reasonable to pay for a stealership to do it? What about DIY, with the right cable/adapter and software, could I do it myself?

Thanks ahead of time :biggrin:

Not sure on 96 but ABS may or may not work it uses a calculation and monitors several sensors to determine when ABS is needed so if it has incorrect data from the sensors it may activate at incorrect times or not at all. To program you need access to fords proprietary software which requires a subscription and you would have to have a link between the computer and the car which we used a snapon unit that retails about $600. Basic links can only read data they cannot write so you have to have the specialty tools such as you find at a dyno shop or similar. Price wise your best bet is to have someone who already has this stuff do it. The dealer will charge a fortune id suggest calling some local shops a lot of the mom and pops can do this stuff now its become so common and their prices per hour are way better. Your probably looking at 1/2 hour to an hour labor to program shouldn't require any parts as they will already have the software.

Wow, great answer, thank you! I read somewhere that a dealership charged a guy $100 to reprogram a junkyard module for his ranger, not terrible as far as repair costs go but just wanted to know if it could be done cheaper. I'll call around a few shops and a dealership as well and see how I get on.