This is a tutorial on how I uninstalled and re-installed an electronic brake control module [EBCM]. I intend the photo-documentation to be exhaustive so that your silly questions are not. I'm just kidding, you cats are alright. This was done on a 2004 GP, so a 1997-2003 will have a slightly different intake setup than what is pictured, but if you found this tutorial, you're smart enough to figure it out. Rebuilders for your Bosch 5.3 EBCM include ModuleMaster (which I used) and Cheap-ABS (un-verified as of this writing, but looks legit). You can find a couple more with some searching, too - maybe even someone local to you.
While the module is failing or removed, you will lack all fancy braking and steering frills (ABS, Magnasteer, Stabilitrak, wheel speed sensors (tire inflation notice won't show) that make the car easier/safer, but it is perfectly safe to drive with the module removed.
You will need:
- 13mm wrench
- Torx T-20 screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver or 10mm wrench or 10mm socket wrench
- Fingers (opt. Other Fingers)
Optional (necessary if mailing out the EBCM for rebuild):
- Aluminum foil
- Tape
- Maybe some saran wrap
- Packaging material (like bubble wrap)
- A box
- $130-$180
- Ziplock baggie
Instructions:
1. Remove negative battery cable. I forgot this step, but it's just a good idea when dealing with any electronics. Seriously, don't be a screwup like me.
2. Locate your EBCM next to the driver's side strut tower.
3. Unplug the MAF sensor plug. If you haven't already accidentally torn it off and lost it, it will have a tiny gray plastic lock on it to pull before you can pinch the plug and pull it out.
4. To make some room for you to see and work, undo the Intake tube's clamps and pull the PCV tube out of it. Then just pull out all of (or as much as you can) your intake hosing/filter/etc.
5. To make some room to get the EBCM out, pull the little ring that holds some wiring out of the EBCM's bracket.
6. Pull the light-colored lock out of the big plug. It comes out like two inches toward the passenger side.
7. Pull out the big plug.
8. Using a 13mm wrench, loosen the nut on either side of the bracket. Lift the entire assembly up until it resists a lot, maybe half an inch to an inch, and re-tighten the nuts. This will give you the room you need to safely remove the EBCM.
9. Remove all six Torx T-20 bolts. For the bottom ones, the bracket has two conveniently-placed dips to rest the screwdriver on while you blindly poke about.
10. Gently pull the EBCM toward the front of the vehicle.
11. Carefully pull the whole EBCM off and out of the bracket.
12. Turn The module counter-clockwise and pull out the little plug from its bottom.
13. Admire the inside of your EBCM. It's full of things! And stuff!
14. Cover up its tender inside bits for shipping if you like. Swaddle it in aluminum foil.
15. Now, using too much tape, saran wrap, aluminum foil or whatever, cover up the gaping hole you left, as well as the ends of both plugs. Ensure that there is no way that dirt or water could possibly get in, especially if you will continue to drive the vehicle while you wait for your EBCM to ship, get repaired, and ship back.
16. Put your six torx bolts and that plastic wire-holder doohickey in your ziplock bag and place that in a safe place so you don't lose it.
17. To install a fresh EBCM, start with step 12 and work up and in reverse through step 1.
18. Start the car. For me, all my idiot lights and dings came on. Don't panic. Turn the car off and start it again. Everything should be cool and froody now. At worst, I did hear a report about a fella who drove for a half hour before his EBCM was recognized, so try that.
19. You might need to reset the Tire Inflation system. Good time to ensure all the tires are full on air, too.
Originally Posted by dpzelenak
