2000 Regal ABS Connector

[irbf]

My 2000 Buick Regal has been giving ABS problems.

At first, the motor on the brake unit would run intermittently as the computer thought the car was in a skid. After a couple weeks of ignoring this problem the warning light remained on all the time.

The diagnostic computer at the local garage indicated a bad front left sensor. It also indicated that there was no ground to the ABS motor (open motor or ground).

I replaced the hub assembly with a new unit. The warning light remained on.

I removed the ground wire from the ABS unit, cleaned and replaced. This extinguished the warning light and so I thought problem solved.

Since this work I have driven approximately 300 miles and the ABS warning light now comes on intermittently. Once illuminated it of course remains on.

Without hooking back up to the diagnostic computer again, I suspect that there is an intermittent connection somewhere. My thought is that the connector at the ABS unit should be disconnected, cleaned and reseated.

Any suggestions? Also, this connector looks a bit complex with a red tab. How is this connector removed?

[BNaylor]

What ABS scan tool did the garage use? Unless it is a GM Tech 2 scan tool you will get erroneous readings on a GM/Bosch 5.3 ABS system. Your issue sounds like a bad Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module (EBTCM) which is a common problem if none of the hubs, electrical connectors or wiring is found at fault. The EBTCM is the module you see right below the master cylinder attached to the ABS motor pack/pump assembly. The big electrical connector plugs directly into the module. The part is very expensive but there are shops that rebuild/refurb them.

[irbf]

The scanner was a handheld SnapOn model. The mechanic rode with me in the car for a test run and mentioned it cost approximately $8000. I paid them for the diagnostic information.

I need to try reseating the connector to the module.

Any special trick to removing the connector? Thanks for the help.

[BNaylor]

Are you referring to removing the red colored tamper proof clip on the electrical connector to the module?

[irbf]

Yes! Before I attempt to remove and potentially screw up I thought I would inquire. Thanks!

[BNaylor]

Just get a good grip on it with needle nose pliers, pull out or just cut it off. After it is removed it is no longer needed and will not affect the operation or retention of the electrical connector. These are the same ones used on the 02 sensor connectors and some other connectors.

[irbf]

Okay...

I slid back the red tab but still cannot figure out how the connector comes off. There are two gray tabs. I suspect these move somehow to release the connector. The connector is a Delphi PA66-GF14.

I want to remove this connector, clean with contact cleaner and reseat to see if this will eliminate the intermittent faults.

Any help with the connector is appreciated.

[BNaylor]

If the red locking retainer is out of the way or removed all you have to do now is push down on the lock tab and move the sliding connector cover to the open position. And then pull on connector out to remove. The lock tab is where the red locking retainer was located towards the cable harness side.

[irbf]

BNaylor,

Once again, thank-you. As soon as I found the part that I needed to push in on it was simple. I have cleaned the connectors with contact cleaner and reseated. Now wait and see as I drive to determine if the intermittent problem disappears.

Thanks again!