Thread: EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module) Replacement, ABS Light/TCS Off Solution

So after struggling with the ABS Light/TCS Off Light, I have learned some things and I feel that I should share it with anyone who has similar problems as I had to learn a lot of this on my own and the information was not readily available to me.

So, if you have a 97-03 Grand Prix, this information will be useful.
For 1997 Grand Prixs, the EBCM is totally different, so this information MAY not apply to you guys. Check this link: http://www.grandprixforums.net/abs.php
Suppose you have the warning lights, you have checked wheel hub bearings, wiring, etc. and still cannot figure out what the problem is, it could be the EBCM, or the electronic brake control module located on the face of your ABS pump/modulator located under the hood on the driver side.

Common symptoms of EBCM failure include but are not limited to: ABS warning light, TCS Off light, stiffening of power steering due to the loss of Magnasteer's Variable Effort Steering (because it works off of wheel speed information), etc.

You should know that EBCMs for the Grand Prixs are NOT all the same. First, you should get your ABS system scanned. Most shops can scan the system for anywhere from $40-90 bucks. However, I had one of these scans and they said the scanner wouldn't connect and shrugged their shoulders at me. So I took it to the dealer. Most GM dealerships will charge $100 for the scan and diagnosis, trust me, it's worth it. They have the tools to scan the system, and test various components of the system to rule out other culprits.

Well, turns out I had "EBCM internal malfunction." The dealer charges $999.02 for this part. Part number for the 99 (some 98s will be the same) - 03 GTPs only will be 88894774. Here are some known places to find this part new: Summit Racing ? High Performance Car and Truck Parts l Edelbrock, ACCEL, Moroso, K&N, MSD, Holley & More! , GM Parts Direct: Your direct source for Genuine GM Parts , or RockAuto Auto Parts slightly cheaper than the dealer's price. You have some other options:

You can buy used, but be careful!! *If your Bosch part number ends in 135, 285, 358, 573, or 451, your replacement module will need to be recoded by your dealer or DIY using VagCom. This procedure is performed after your replacement module is installed in order to configure it to your vehicle. This service typically takes an hour or less, so plan on paying your dealer's hourly labor rate for the procedure.

If all that checks out, great, get you a used one and good luck to you!

IF NOT, you have yet another option. You can get it rebuilt. The rebuild price for the Grand Prix's EBCM runs around the same price as used EBCMs at local scrap yards, at least that I have found. The price for it is $160. You can check it all out at ModuleMaster They basically replace and upgrade the known to fail components and make it a higher quality and longer-lasting product than a brand new one.

Additional Notes:

For 1999 and up GPs a common failure item is the EBCM module which is located at the front of the ABS motor pack/modulator assembly below the master cylinder where you see that big electrical connector going to it. Expensive part but there are companies on the NET that repair them at a much lower cost.

The EBCM is the same for all GTP's from 1999-2003. The part number is 88894774 and runs $789.37 dealer wholesale. Actual dealer retail is over $1,000. The part is GTP specific, so one for a like year GT or SE will not work for your car. I would say $199 is an awesome price.

However, some 98 models will have the 99-03 design, it depends.

Installation Procedure can be found here: http://sm.gpona.com:9001/si/showDoc....de=&cellId=954

Good luck and I hope this information will be useful! I will be posting pictures and adding a write-up on how to replace the EBCM.

Information combined from ModuleMaster as well as my various internet resources.


Also, if anyone has any questions or anything, you can PM me and I will do my best to help. I am currently awaiting my rebuilt ebcm, so I will keep this thread updated.

UPDATE: I got my EBCM back rebuilt from ModuleMaster and installed it today (sorry, no write up, was in a hurry but i'll be glad to type up instructions if anyone needs) and all the lights were out instantly. Hoorayy!

I should have taken pictures when I did this last night. I'll just do pictures when I install the refurb and put them in reverse order... no one will ever know.

1. Remove your intake from the throttlebody to clear some room. Not necessary, but helps and only takes a minute.

2. Unplug the giant plug on the top/middle of the EBCM. Pull the plastic straight toward the passenger side about two inches to unlock it, then pull the plug straight up.

3. There is another plug underneath the module. To make it easier to get out, remove the plastic wire-holder from the bracket - just yank it out. There is a clip on the bottom passenger side kind of under the module -undo it with a flat head screwdriver. There is a hole underneath it in the bracket you can get a finger into to try to pull it out. If it can;t come out now, it will be easier when you get the screws out of the EBCM.

4. Using a T-20 Torx screwdriver (yes, screwdriver - it needs to be loooong and skinny - a set of 5 is $10 at Sears), undo the six torx screws. Try not to drop them, since they're kind of tiny. If you can't see the bottom two screws, just rest the screwdriver on the divot in the mounting bracket and poke until you strike gold.

5. Pull the module straight towards the bumper and wiggle the bottom plug out if you haven't already.

6. Wrap the module in tin foil.

7. Put tin foil or saran wrap or, I don't care, a shower cap or something over the nice clean manifold surface to keep it that way. Tape the %$#@ out of it. You want it dirt and waterproof.

Depending on how much tape you use, this whole process takes like 4 minutes and is super easy.

Well, it looked like SlowNA06 answered your question then.

The only thing he didn't mention was loosening the two nuts on the side of the abs motor, this will allow you some slack to wiggle the ebcm off of the motor. Furthermore, it may help to take those two little weird nuts off of the bracket holding the cruise control module on as it may get in the way. When I done it, I loosened those two nuts on the side (NOT referring to the cruise control nuts) and pulled up on the whole motor itself so that it allowed room to pull the ebcm straight off and then up. Don't pull it at an angle because those solenoid valves are rather fragile and you will see it when you get it off; it looks like little squid suction cups or something.
And when you send it to module masters, make sure to wrap it in aluminum foil, I'm sure you'll read the instructions on their site.

And also, a tip from me to you. Spend the extra couple bucks and take out insurance both ways. Here's the story. Say it gets there and they cannot fix it, who are you to know whether or not USPS/UPS or other choice of shipment broke it or not? soooo you use that insurance policy in the event that this happens and then you have enough money to get you a used one and get it rebuilt for your car. I took out a $500 policy Either way, you won't lose any money .

Originally Posted by brandonl2000

Furthermore, it may help to take those two little weird nuts off of the bracket holding the cruise control module on as it may get in the way. When I done it, I loosened those two nuts on the side and pulled up on the whole motor itself so that it allowed room to pull the ebcm straight off and then up. Don't pull it at an angle because those solenoid valves are rather fragile

I will make sure to do this when I re-install the sucker.

Originally Posted by SlowNA06

I will make sure to do this when I re-install the sucker.

yeah, the one by the strut tower is rather difficult to get to but i did it anyway. just gotta tighten/loosen it little by little. PROBABLY not recommended, but i just grabbed the brake lines and lifted the abs motor enough to where i could easily slide the ebcm on the motor without straining those little valves.

Yeah, I'll make special note of how much give I can get out of it. Don't want to advise someone to crack a line or something.

Lol just do like the rest of the U.S. and give a disclaimer.

But yeah that would be helpful. Thanks for improving my thread i guess lol

FYI - The link to the installation procedure in post #1 is not working. I might be doing this myself(send in for rebuilt or buy used) depending on what my other two wheel sensors show for resistance.

Also, ModuleMaster(as #1 posts states as well) says certain model numbers will require reprogramming. Is there a any certain years that wouls be etc? Where do you find the part number. Just looking at my wife's 2002 GTP with everything in place there is a bar code with a GM number on it, but I am not sure that is actually the part number. It reads 92 4817 B. In big writing above it says "Label For Assembly Only".

TIA.

Originally Posted by load97

FYI - The link to the installation procedure in post #1 is not working. I might be doing this myself(send in for rebuilt or buy used) depending on what my other two wheel sensors show for resistance.

Also, ModuleMaster(as #1 posts states as well) says certain model numbers will require reprogramming. Is there a any certain years that wouls be etc? Where do you find the part number. Just looking at my wife's 2002 GTP with everything in place there is a bar code with a GM number on it, but I am not sure that is actually the part number. It reads 92 4817 B. In big writing above it says "Label For Assembly Only".

TIA.

Hmm, link works fine for me. idk?

But IF you get a used EBCM, yes it will need to be re-programmed IF your part # has the 5 in it. There has been responses from one seller (of ebcms) who claims this isn't true, but ModuleMaster rebuilds the things...I would take their word for it seeing as it didn't work for me.
But the part number is actually located on the bottom side of the EBCM, which you will find only by taking the ebcm off of the ABS Pump.
IF you send in YOUR ebcm, no programming is required AT ALL regardless of numbers because it's already programmed to your car.
As for the years...well 97 is its own thing, 98 is unique to itself as well, but 99+ seems to be the same. GTP must go with GTP. GT must stay with GT.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by load97

FYI - The link to the installation procedure in post #1 is not working.

Think the manual's down right now.

Originally Posted by load97

Just looking at my wife's 2002 GTP with everything in place there is a bar code with a GM number on it, but I am not sure that is actually the part number..

Pretty Pictures! ModuleMaster | All Modules
Check the Bosch's first. You probably have a 5.3 or a 5.4. Regardless, they're both the same price and nobody's gonna yell at you if you pre-purchase the wrong service. Heck, you can just send it in with your phone number on it and they'll call you and bill you over the phone.

Originally Posted by SlowNA06

Think the manual's down right now.

Pretty Pictures! ModuleMaster | All Modules
Check the Bosch's first. You probably have a 5.3 or a 5.4. Regardless, they're both the same price and nobody's gonna yell at you if you pre-purchase the wrong service. Heck, you can just send it in with your phone number on it and they'll call you and bill you over the phone.

Well we have the 5.3 I believe. If your wife's GTP's ebcm is acting up, just remove yours and send it in that way you don't have to worry with matching and programming if the need be.

Okay, yeah, it's rather difficult to link to that. Go to http://sm.gpona.com:9001/si/home.do

Type in your vehicle's information. Click on the Service Manual link. Click Brakes. Click Antilock Braking System. Click Repair Instructions. And then lastly, click Electronic Brake Control Module Replacement and viola.

not a problem, sir

The wave springs are only for the GTs. The GTP's ebcms did not have them.