To many mechanics that work on 1999-2005 GM Trucks regularly it’s a well-known fact that plenty of problems exist with their Brake Control Modules, also known as an EBCM. Most customers complain of an ABS light on, or hear a constant noise from the ABS Pump Motor underneath the truck. Many of those same customers also get the sticker shock of how much a new module will cost.
Fortunately there are other options for those of you that want to keep the $1100 to $1600 a new module would cost. While there is always the option of buying used, it is not a good idea because of the modules failure rate. A used module would likely go bad in a very short period of time or will not work from the moment of installation. The best alternative is to have your module repaired. Most of the time you can get out for less than $100 if you were to have yours rebuild by a qualified rebuilder.
Automobile manufacturer’s thirst for more and more electronics on their vehicles there has spawned specialized companies known as “Remanufacturers” that repair these electronic modules for far less than a replacement part. The Kelsey-Hayes Brake Module found on these GM Trucks is one of those electronic parts that can easily be repaired by a qualified re-manufacturer or rebuilder.
There are common codes that the modules get like a C0265 that are repaired by a faulty relay, but only a qualified rebuilder will take care of all of the issues that these modules posses. One of the better reasons to have them rebuilt is that these trucks can even be driven without the module while it’s being repaired.
Another common issue of these units is a running pump motor. The running pump motor is also caused by a faulty module, but again this issue is also repairable. If your unit is making a grinding noise beneath the vehicle, which is a running ABS pump motor, you can unplug it or pull the 60A ABS Fuse under the hood to make it stop. It is very important that the pump motor be stopped as soon as possible. If the motor continues to run it is very important that it be stopped so the motor is not ruined.
It’s always worth doing some research when you’ve been told your car needs a really expensive electronic part, because there may just be someone who can repair it for a reasonable price.