DT43-2C219-EB | Genuine Ford® ABS Anti-Lock Brake Control Module

1. Monitors Wheel Speed Sensors

Each wheel has a wheel speed sensor.
The module constantly reads these signals to detect if any wheel is slowing down too fast (approaching lock-up).

2. Controls Hydraulic Brake Pressure

If the module detects wheel lock-up, it rapidly pulses brake pressure to that wheel by controlling:
ABS hydraulic pump
Valves within the ABS hydraulic unit
This pulsing happens many times per second, allowing the driver to maintain steering control while braking.

3. Communicates With Other Vehicle Systems

The ABS control unit often interacts with:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP)
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Brake light and dashboard systems

In many modern cars, ABS, traction control, and stability control are all combined into one module.

1. ABS Warning Light Turns On

The ABS light on the dashboard is the most common symptom.
It can mean the module isn’t communicating, isn’t receiving sensor signals, or has internal faults.

2. Brake Warning Light May Also Turn On

Sometimes the BRAKE light or Traction Control (TCS/ESC) light will turn on along with the ABS light, indicating a broader system failure.

3. ABS System Stops Working

When the module fails, ABS won’t activate, and you may notice:

• Wheels lock up under heavy braking

• No pulsing in the pedal during hard stops

• Reduced control on slippery roads

4. Unresponsive or Hard Brake Pedal

A bad module can cause inconsistencies in brake pressure control, leading to:

• A firm or stiff brake pedal

• Delayed braking response
  (Regular braking usually still works, just without ABS.)

5. ABS Pump Motor Runs Constantly

If the module gets stuck commanding the pump to run, you'll hear:

• A constant buzzing or humming sound

• Pump running even when the car isn’t moving
  This can drain the battery or burn out the pump.

6. Intermittent ABS Activation

ABS may kick on when it shouldn't, such as:

• Low-speed stops

• Normal braking
  This usually points to incorrect wheel-speed readings or faulty module logic.

7. Speedometer Problems (In Some Vehicles)

In a few models, the ABS module shares sensor data with the speedometer. A failing module can cause:

• Fluctuating speedometer

• Speedometer dropping to zero while driving

8. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

A scan tool may show ABS-related codes such as:

• C0265 – ABS relay fault

• C1214/C1215 – Pump motor failure

• U0121 – Lost communication with ABS module

• Wheel speed sensor communication errors