2008 Ford Explorer Wowes

[wildbill23c]

Well unfortunately at 132k miles on my 08 Eddie Bauer 4.6L V8 4x4 Explorer the ABS control module failed, no replacements out there, can't order one, I guess there's a place or 2 if you go through Rock Auto you can send them to be rebuilt, but what good is that if you can't install it yourself? They have to be bled and programmed from my understanding. The shop I took it to was able to get a used one from a junk yard, but at this point, and $1000 into this, I'm really considering selling it when I get it back. If I can't get parts like this, and it can't handle some snowy/icy weather I don't want it around.

How common is this ABS control module failure, and without replacements available and without it being a user replaceable part, is it worth it to risk this failure again and hang onto the vehicle? If I sell it I'm getting an F150...and won't be anything new or newer, going back to the 90's or late 80's stuff. This is the 2nd newer vehicle I've owned for a short period of time that's had major problems, and yes I consider an ABS module to be a major problem when they're no longer available LOL.

When that module fails you end up with a very annoying Service RSC system NOW message and a constant dinging making the vehicle quite annoying to drive.

What do the fellow TRS members think on this one? Worth it to keep it and hope it never happens again, or should I really sell it before something else goes wrong? Other than that issue it runs and drives great, its in great cosmetic condition inside and out, no engine or transmission issues with it and 132k seems like relatively low mileage. But, I guess maybe not with these types of problems LOL.

 

[bobbywalter]

Does the module still communicate?

If it does...

They don't have a tool with PMI capacity?

Me....I would just go in with forscan and turn that shit off and drive it.


If you really want abs . Adapt a 150 system. They should be valid for a spell.


Provided there just not simply a corroded bus line causing it

 

[wildbill23c]

I have no idea on the communication. They aren't sure yet if they can program it, they said they can do pretty much anything a dealer can do, so I guess we shall see.

What's the cost of Forscan? How can someone get that software? If its something I could download onto a laptop relatively cheap, and it would disable all the ABS, traction control, etc. permanently, its certainly something I'm open to if this doesn't work out...overall I like the Explorer, but this electronic module mess is not very comforting. My Bronco 2 and Ranger don't have ABS at all, let alone traction control, etc....so its nothing I particularly need, just the fact a vehicle this new with these things failing isn't exactly something I care to have around because if that module has failed, what's next type thing.

 

[bobbywalter]

depends on level....20 to 40 bux.....best money you can spend if you drive a ford.

 

[Roert42]

Forescan is a free software you can download on a laptop, but there is a crossover cable you need to buy. Best is to buy it directly from forescan. You can enable or disable any feature in the software, but it is not super straight forward .

 

[bobbywalter]

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[bobbywalter]

It's not free if you want full capacity ..but it's cheap

There are a ton of deep back door things if you have the keys. But that's not for sale.

 

[wildbill23c]

depends on level....20 to 40 bux.....best money you can spend if you drive a ford.

Is that a monthly/annual subscription cost or a 1 time fee? Definitely worth it if it works.

 

[bobbywalter]

look up forscan

 

[wildbill23c]

look up forscan

Done and downloading, thanks everyone. If this mess surfaces itself again I'll definitely put the Forscan to use. Looks like a ton of other features the software can do anyways which I guess might be of use anyways so I'll get a cable ordered as well and See what all I can do without the extended license fees. Looks like I'll need it nevermind. It says for any programming I have to have the extended license so...I'd assume disabling and enabling the electronic safety nannies would be considered programming? We shall see I guess.

 

[wildbill23c]

So from January till current almost the middle of Sept 2022, no issues since the shop was able to acquire and install a used ABS control module. It had to be programmed with a dealer level scan tool, but its been working fine. The module electronics had failed in it, I guess that's one of the ways it can fail, the other is hydraulically the whole thing can fail leaving you with no brakes...however, I did find that there's a rebuild service through Rock Auto where you can send the module, have it repaired, and programmed, and then reinstall it...so I guess that's an option if this ever happens again, and hoping it don't, it was a $1500+ fix...mostly labor charges. The shop did give a 6 month warranty though even on the used part.

I've only put about 2500 miles on it since the repair, but no issues since then. About due for new tires though, and an alignment it feels like, so gotta get that done before winter, hoping to find a car here soon though.