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94 850 ABS computer failure 850 1994

Re price, you won't find much variation since there are basically three kinds of replacement controllers: (1) New, (2) rebuilt, (3) or used. There is no replacement/aftermarket controller, so you are stuck with a Teves unit. Now, when I started driving my 1994 850, I erroneously believed that, as often happens in dry, salty-road-free Texas, some parts would last longer. Perhaps my 40-year zinc-coated body parts have done so, but my electronics have not. The heat has taken a serious toll on the vehicle's electronics/electrics. To wit, the only electronic/electric parts on the car not to fail are the windows, sunroof, and radio. My point is that any used, non-rebuilt parts should be viewed with suspicion, even if they come from relatively car-friendly states.

Contrary to a suggestion below, my 1994 ABS/TRACS module was specifically diagnosed as having failed. Accordingly to my mechanic, when the ABS and TRACS "idiot" lights come on, the module is in a "diagnostic" mode. After two years of intermittent outages, I can honestly say that there is no pattern to its failing. Some days the lights come on after just a few presses of the brake pedal. Other days, I can drive an hour or more without losing ABS. I just assume that I won't have ABS and life goes on. But if you're looking at a used part, it could be failing even if the seller claims that it was a working unit when salvaged!!! Caveat emptor!

The good news Re cost is that it's a simple job -- the ABS controller is located on the top, rear driver-side of the engine bay. Unlike many car repairs, the labor should be a small fraction of the price. I've been quoted 1 hr by 3 separate shops. All this means that you *could* theoretically fix it for under $200, depending on Ebay price and local shop rates. Still, you won't be able to rely on a used part operating for very long.

If wet weather traction is not very important where you live, I recommend leaving it as-is and buying weather-ready tires.






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New 94 850 ABS computer failure [850][1994]
posted by  someone claiming to be EndlssSea  on Tue Mar 23 13:42 CST 2004 >


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