20905424 | Genuine GM® ABS Pressure Modulator Valve

1. Prevent Wheel Lock-Up

The valve adjusts brake pressure instantly so the wheels keep turning instead of sliding.
This helps maintain traction and control during braking.

2. Maintain Steering Control While Braking

If the wheels lock up, you cannot steer.
The modulator valve ensures the wheels keep rotating, so the driver can still avoid obstacles while braking.

3. Improve Stopping Distance

By preventing skids and maximizing traction, the ABS modulator valve helps the vehicle stop faster, especially on:

• Wet roads

• Ice or snow

• Gravel

• Dirt or uneven surfaces

4. Regulate Brake Pressure Rapidly

The valve can:

• Increase

• Decrease

• Hold
  brake pressure several times per second, based on wheel speed sensor data.

This rapid modulation is what creates the “pulsing” feeling in the brake pedal during ABS activation.

5. Work With the ABS Control Unit

It is the action component of ABS.
The controller decides what needs to happen, and the modulator valve carries out those instructions by changing hydraulic pressure.

1. ABS Warning Light On

The ABS light will turn on if the modulator valve isn’t responding or communicating properly.
You may also see:

• Brake warning light

• Traction control light

2. Wheels Lock Up During Hard Braking

If the modulator valve cannot adjust brake pressure:

• Wheels may lock

• Tires may skid

• Steering control is reduced

This is one of the most serious symptoms.

3. Pulsation Missing or Excessive in the Brake Pedal

Normal ABS gives a light pulsation during activation. If the modulator valve is bad:

• No pulsation (ABS not engaging)

• Or excessive/rapid pulsation meaning valves are sticking or cycling incorrectly

4. Uneven or Unstable Braking

The vehicle may:

• Pull left or right during braking

• Feel unstable

• Brake harder at one wheel than another

This happens when one valve is sticking or not modulating properly.

5. Increased Stopping Distance

Because the valve can’t control pressure properly:

• The vehicle takes longer to stop

• Especially on wet, snowy, or slippery roads

6. Clicking or Buzzing Noises from ABS Unit

A malfunctioning valve can cause:

• Constant clicking

• Buzzing

• Rapid cycling

• Grinding sounds

These often come from the ABS hydraulic control unit.

7. Brake Pressure Issues

• Soft or spongy brake pedal

• Pedal sinks too easily

• Inconsistent brake feel

This may indicate internal leaks or stuck solenoids inside the modulator valve.

8. Fault Codes Stored in the ABS Module

A scan tool may show:

• Valve stuck open/closed

• Valve control malfunction

• Hydraulic pressure fault

• Wheel pressure imbalance

• ABS modulator failure

These codes confirm a modulator valve issue.