RABS module -- where is it?
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Junior User
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RABS module -- where is it?
I have an 89 fullsize XLT. My abs light is on all the time. My mechanic is trying to locate the RABS module. It's supposed to have a wire to hook a code reader into which will tell us what is going on. We suspect the wiring as it will sometimes work if the weather is damp.This is exciting at times as I do not know when. Anyone know where this gadget is located???
Thanks
Wayne
Thanks
Wayne
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RABS module -- where is it?
My later model has WABS, and its underhood at left front. But the book shows RABS for F-Series as under the dash on passenger side, just in from the bottom lip of the dash. Looks like a good size flat package, mounted vertically. Don't know if yours would be the same, its worth a look.
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RABS module -- where is it?
Thanks Torky, We'll look around some more. We found a box under the radio in the dash about where you described, but no wire. It may still be there, we didn't tear the dash up too much, but if the wire is there it is well hidden. Thanks again.
tsnake
tsnake
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Richmond, CA
RABS module -- where is it?
I too have an 89 Bronco full size 4x4, that I am having problems with the brakes.
I'm not sure if you found the connector yet. but you might want to try in the engine compartment driver side next to the fuse box. There should be a covered 2 wire connector attatched to the box with RABS markings on the cover. From what I have heard or read in manuals is that the RABS system on the 92 and earlier Bronco's will not retain the error codes in memory when Vehicle is turned off. So when you find the connector, create the problem again then test while it is running.
I'm not sure if you found the connector yet. but you might want to try in the engine compartment driver side next to the fuse box. There should be a covered 2 wire connector attatched to the box with RABS markings on the cover. From what I have heard or read in manuals is that the RABS system on the 92 and earlier Bronco's will not retain the error codes in memory when Vehicle is turned off. So when you find the connector, create the problem again then test while it is running.
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RABS module -- where is it?
We found the problem. It was the connector at the rear end. The rear end was changed some time ago and I guess the connector got damaged in the process. This might be something to pass on as I was told by the mechanic that this quite often is the culprit. I'll check out the connector under the hood as I am curious about it and who knows this problem could show up again.
Thanks guys for all your help, this site is great.
T-snake
Thanks guys for all your help, this site is great.
T-snake
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Medina, Tn.
RABS module -- where is it?
I don't really know how everything works on this site but my 89 has had the rabs light on for almost 11 years now. Dang buld must be good quality huh ? Anyway, I am going to check the rearend area as well. When I bought this 89 in 91, it had larger rear tires and the brake guy that I used then said that the abs system could light up if there were different size tires but I have had same size tires for the past 11 years and it's still on. It seems to work though.
Thanks to you all and the site.
Thanks to you all and the site.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
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From: Loveland, CO.
RABS module -- where is it?
I ignored my RABS light for a year, and even removed the bulb so it would go away. I got new rotors put on, and they warped right away. Turns out the proportioning valve was bad, and the front brakes have been on slightly for the past year. I never really noticed it though. It made the rotors get hot and they warped. I had to replace that dang valve, it was expensive. I put the bulb back in for the RABS, and so far it has stayed off.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
RABS module -- where is it?
Different tire sizes on the rear axle won't trigger the ABS light, but they will cause unpredictable behavior in extreme braking.
The RABS module is mounted near the passenger's kick panel inside the dash. It's really behind the glove box. I have one from an '88 I shredded.
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=13215
The RABS module is mounted near the passenger's kick panel inside the dash. It's really behind the glove box. I have one from an '88 I shredded.
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=13215
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RABS module -- where is it?
Hi JB;
I think you may have something with the apportioning valve. My abs light problem was just a wire but --- I have been having a problem on ice. When I brake the fronts tend to slide unless I put it in neutral or 4wd. Every time I have had a brake job the rear shoes are hardly worn at all. It seems to be a little better since I got the abs working but not all better. I also notice that when I hit a bump the front end seems to dart one way or another a little. I have replaced practically all the front end and steering componants since this started but now I wonder if the pads aren't catching a little. It doesn't take long after a wash when I notice dust on the front wheels.
Thanks
T/snake
I think you may have something with the apportioning valve. My abs light problem was just a wire but --- I have been having a problem on ice. When I brake the fronts tend to slide unless I put it in neutral or 4wd. Every time I have had a brake job the rear shoes are hardly worn at all. It seems to be a little better since I got the abs working but not all better. I also notice that when I hit a bump the front end seems to dart one way or another a little. I have replaced practically all the front end and steering componants since this started but now I wonder if the pads aren't catching a little. It doesn't take long after a wash when I notice dust on the front wheels.
Thanks
T/snake
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
RABS module -- where is it?
Sorta sounds like it, the mechanic said that my rear brakes were hardly being used at all. When it was on a lift, you could press the brake pedal and turn the rear wheels. Also, they take a temperature reading of the drums and rotors after a test drive, my fronts were extra hot and the rears were cool. After the valve was replaced, the temperature stays constant, the rotors don't warp, and it seems to have less of a tendency for the fronts to lock on ice (although they still will, that is just the nature of RABS). So I would check these things out.
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Simpsonville USA
RABS module -- where is it?
I'm not quite sure why some of you even mention that your front brakes may slide on ice with the rabs system. Of course they will rabs is Rear Antilock Brake System, it is only meant to stop the rears from locking up it has no controll over the front brakes.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
RABS module -- where is it?
The RABS system doesn't use a proportioning valve like the older ones - just a pressure regulator on the side of the master cylinder for the fronts. The RABS module is behind the glovebox - 4WABS is under the overflow tank. The 4WABS test connector is near the engine compartment fuse block, but the RABS connector is taped under the glovebox.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
RABS module -- where is it?
That's not a proportioning valve - it's the actual RABS valve. The prop valve regulates the relative pressure between the F&R axles so the rears don't lock up before the fronts on vehicles that don't have 50/50 weight distribution. The RABS valve dumps pressure from the rear brake line when the computer tells it to so the rears don't lock up. It's a big solenoid valve with only 2 fittings & heavy wires, whereas the proportioning valve is a brass block with at least 4 fittings (sometimes 5) and only light-gauge wires for the centering switch. The proportioning valve is mounted above the frame rail in front of the firewall - not inside the rail below.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Loveland, CO.
RABS module -- where is it?
First I was told that it was called an ABS valve, then it was called a proportioning valve - whatever it is, it screwed up the brakes pretty good when it was malfunctioning.