2005 LeSabre ABS computer

[TwoGun]

Hello, all. I was told by the dealer that the ABS controller in my Buick is bad and he want's over $900 to replace it. I believe I can find the part but I don't know how big a job it is to replace it.

Any insight to what that job entails would be much appreciated. Since I live in a small town the sometimes have you and I don't know if this is one of those times or not but I'd like to find out.

Thanks for any help.

[Bassasasin]

Welcome to the forum.. We can help but, we need the info on why he said this.. not just the comment.. Did he pull a diagnostic test yet?
Whats happening with the car's brakes? ABS light?

We see a ABS light alot for just a wheel sensor out.. A $100 item however a shop likes to use the diagnostic addiitonal $80 to discover the issue.

I frequent the forums often.. (daily) havent seen any total replacements like your experiencing. Like I said .. usually just a wheel.
Diagnosis machines are in many shops not dealers.. $80 normal diagnosis hookup test..
You may want a second opinion..

To drive without ABS is a safety issue you loose when your in a serious braking condition or on ice and snow. The best advance since seat belts.


Good Luck..

[TwoGun]

Yes the dealer did a diagnostics. I had it a Goodyear service center before and they had it for three days and couldn't find the problem. They thought that a wire had pulled lose. The couldn't find it and thier diagnostic machine was as capable as the one the dealer had.

Not only do the ABS brakes not work but the traction control also does not work. And the brake light stays on all the time. I had assumed that I'd burned up some type of chip but they say the entire ABS controller is shot. This goes beyond a brake sensor.

Thanks for the reply. While I used to regularly work on my old cars back in the mid 70s to the mid 80's, I've not done much in the way of auto mechinics in the last ten years or so.

[Bassasasin]

I understand your position on experience.
My experience was my ABS light first and after a wheel bearing/sensor replacement the Traction control was lighting. I bought a service manual and found the connection points to the connector on the braking controller..

The Traction control is a higher level of function of the ABS brake computer system.. When the ABS is fixed your Traction has a good chance to go away. It works when rotation is so different across between two front wheels it will pulse braking to the faster wheel helping control during acceleration.

Often a low tire can cause indicators to alert to rotation deviance.

I know this system is somewhat complex and requires a point to point checking of all the wires which must work.

If you want to take a small dive into the system you might want to bug the wheel sensors either at the connection at the computer or at the wheel connections. I did mine and found a open sensor luckily a usual failure.

Yours may not be so easy since diagnostic equipment does this easily and proubbly already done.

I would expect complex replacement considering the brake fluid bleeding and cost of the unit.

Of course dealer prices are higher but are suppose to be considering their warranty and level of expertise and resources.

Lets hope for a expert to post better insight.

I suspect your out of warrenty period with a 2005?

Check for national problems and possible recalls that may cover your expenses.

With the info you posted, Im pessimistic to your problem as being anything easy, except for a wiring problem that cloaked the diagnostics from reporting easily.

Perhaps you can get another shop to provide a better price. Perhaps a used part and a good alternate shop could save you some $$$

Im a believer in ABS as a great safety enhancement.

Theres my $00.02. Im just a forum regular.. Lets hope for a expert post.


Good Luck