I took my 2009 F150 XLT 4.6 into the dealership to have front and rear brakes replaced at 77,000 miles. Brakes were down to 3mm. They also did a complete brake flush. They called after the brake job was done and said the ABS system failed and needed $1200 (parts+labor) to replace ABS module. Given I didn't have any problems with ABS before bringing it into the dealership, what is the chance the brake repair screwed up something with the ABS that they caused?

Is this something I can do myself as a non-professional mechanic? If not, is the $1200 price fair?

Thanks for everyone's advice.

Mike

 

How about just "delete" the ABS? Fuggedaboutit. It's certainly nice to have, but then so is $1200. Jus' sayin'.

 

not sure on the 150, but on the superduty the ABS module is a separate part of the ABS pump. unfortunately you can not buy it separate, you need to buy the complete pump module unit.
but it can be replaced if you have the module.
as for the reason what went wrong, that is anyone's guess.
me personally, i would see if it can be changed without the pump, and if it can i would do it myself.
the last one i did was close to $500 from dealer for the part, and i paid $500 for the complete parts truck.

 

Update: I told the dealership not to fix the ABS issue as I didn't really believe one existed since no dash warning lights lit up prior to me dropping it off at the dealership for brake service. I picked up the truck today from the dealership service dept. and there were no dash lights indicating issue with brakes or ABS. They told me they "cleared the codes" and the vehicle would need to go through a "drive cycle of about 50 miles" before the ABS warning light comes back on. I've driven about 40 miles so far and still no light. I'm beginning to think this was just a scam to try to get $1200 out of me.

Mike

 

Hey, boats cost money they don't pay for themselves ya know?

Seriously if there turns out to be an issue with the ABS module I'd still be inclined to live with it so long as normal brake action is OK. Since it's mandated by the feds, maybe they want to pay for it?

 

if there was an issue with the abs, the light would come on the first time the brakes were applied, not "after a 50 mile drive cycle"
the 50 mile drive cycle they are referring to is to erase the cleared codes thing so it will pass inspection.
this is a feature built into the computer so if there is a check engine light that will make it fail emissions testing, you can not clear the code and drive through emissions testing.
you need to drive at least 50 miles and 2-3 start cycles to pass emissions readiness testing.