[jinu_joseph]

Hi Folks

The ABS module in my Skoda superb has conked off. As per the authorized workshop JMD, the electronic component is spoilt, but since the company does not replace that alone the entire ABS unit (electronic + hydraulic) will have to be replaced. That cost is approximately Rs. 1,40,000.

In UK and US there are a lot of companies that repair ABS modules for a fee. Are there any such companies in Mumbai, India. I found one on the web. This is a UK based company that has a presence in a lot of countries including India who claim to repair ABS modules for a fee. The company is called BBA REMAN.

Has anyone used the service of this company or any other similar company in Mumbai, India.

Thanks

[theMAG]

Considering that ABS units are non user-servicable (integrated solenoids + electric motor etc.) and the company you've highlighted - BBA Reman being amongst the few reconditioning specialists of ABS pumps out there, this seems to be a marriage made in heaven, assuming their India operations also have similar capabilities as their UK operations; something worth checking out.

But the repair costs - assuming their India operations does it, would be high - and may not be a signficant saving over the costs Skoda have quoted.

You seem to have some hard/dicey choices to make, to be able to determine whether you want to persist with exploring a repair vs authorized Skoda route :

1. Are you sure your ABS error is not due to a perished ABS sensor instead? This would be relatively cheaper to replace, assuming only the sensors can be sourced independently from the market.

2. You might want to check if some talented Indian performance garages (I am rusty with these now), such as Red Rooster/Raj Hingorani or perhaps even a competent 3rd party Skoda garage can handle the fix.

3. Shop around on eBay etc. to see if the refurbished part is available/can be shipped and have a 3rd party Skoda garage fit it, since authorized Skoda most likely will not.

[Viju]

Originally Posted by jinu_joseph

Hi Folks

The ABS module in my Skoda superb has conked off. As per the authorized workshop JMD, the electronic component is spoilt, but since the company does not replace that alone the entire ABS unit (electronic + hydraulic) will have to be replaced. That cost is approximately Rs. 1,40,000.

jinu_joseph

I agree with what theMAG has said.

I would suggest buying a second hand / refurbished unit from EBay. You have not mentioned the model year or variant of your vehicle, but if you check the part number of the ABS unit in your car and buy from a reputed seller abroad, I don't think it should set you back by more than INR 20K at the max.

One such example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SKODA-SUPERB...4AAOSwHnFVjSnh

Best of luck and keep us updated.

Before buying another ABS unit, please have the dealer / an independent workshop list out the error codes in your vehicle using an OBD tool. Please post it here so that it is clear whether the ABS unit actually needs replacement or not.

Cheers

[jinu_joseph]

Folks

I believe the ABS failed because of negligence on the part of Skoda. As per maintenance manual the brake fluid was to be replaced after 3 years and then every 2 years. My car is 5 years old and the brake fluid was never replaced.

When i took it to WagenWorkz after the ABS failed and JMD skoda told me it has to be replaced, Jatin saw the brake fluid and the first thing he asked was has the brake fluid been changed and when i checked my service bills i realized it was not.

I highlighted this to Skoda and they took the car back in the workshop did all kinds of analysis and finally rejected the claim saying aging of the unit does not permit a free replacement. I am still following up but dont see that going that anywhere.

Now what the authorized service centre has confirmed is that there are 2 parts to the ABS unit, the hydraulic part and the Electronic control module. As per their checkup, the Hydraulic part is fine and its the Electronic control module that spoilt, but since skoda does not repair or replace just that part, the entire unit has to be changed. The part number is 3T0614517D BEF.

They have changed the ABS sensor also but to no avail. The error that comes in VCDS is

01130 - ABS Operation: Implausible Signal

Even Jatin from Wagenworkz checked it and confirmed that unit is spoilt.

Now my options are
- Repair the ABS electronic control module
- Use a second hand ABS unit
- Get it replaced by Skoda

Option 3 is out as i am not spending that kind of money for a company like Skoda.

OPtion 1 I have heard/read stories that these repair centres are scams, basically when you send your part in, they will tell you it cant be repaired and then ask you to buy a refurbished unit at a inflated price or if you dont then pay shipping charges + stocking fee for return of the spoilt unit.

Option 2 involves tinkering with the hydraulic pipelines which i am not sure how effectively a road side garage might be able to replace compared to a service centre. Further this also involves some amount of recoding in VCDS.

I am totally confused on this any help would be appreciated.

[honeybee]

I am facing a similar issue with my Accord. Only saving grace ia Honda quoted a paltry 50k to change the ABS modulator. I am almost sure the issue is due to a faulty sensor.

I am thinking of disconnecting the ABS system from the master cylinder, effectively making the car a non-ABS one. Has anyone done so?

[GTO]

Your best options are:

1. Get an ABS unit from a salvaged car. My Civic's ABS module went kaput and Honda wanted 40+k for a new unit. Got one for 10k (or was it 12k) from a salvage Civic. Tested on the car, worked perfectly, then made the payment.

2. Import the module from abroad.

3. Explore the repair option. See what BBA Reman have to offer, they are based in Calcutta:
Infinity Buliding,Tower-two
11th Floor,Block-GP
Sector-V, Salt Lake
Kolkata-91.
913340060089

You could also try asking chaps like this expert. If he can fix ECUs, he might be able to fix ABS modules too.

Originally Posted by honeybee

I am thinking of disconnecting the ABS system from the master cylinder, effectively making the car a non-ABS one.

Please don't do that - ABS could save your life. Repair or replace.

[honeybee]

True, it could, but so far I have avoided the need to have one. I am actually having braking problems which could be due to a faulty ABS sensor or module, so I am going to try and disconnect the module for a few days to see if the problem is indeed because of the ABS fault.

[Viju]

Originally Posted by honeybee

True, it could, but so far I have avoided the need to have one. I am actually having braking problems which could be due to a faulty ABS sensor or module, so I am going to try and disconnect the module for a few days to see if the problem is indeed because of the ABS fault.

Again, you have not mentioned the model or variant of your Accord, but I really don't think this is a clever idea to test it out yourself, especially on a public road whether you will be endangering the safety of other road users also.

Please understand that it is not only the ABS function that you will be disconnecting.

(1) If the car is equipped with EBD (which I am 100% sure an Accord will be), disconnecting the ABS unit will disable EBD function. This means there will be equal amount of brake fluid going to all 4 of your wheels, leading to rear wheel lock, spinning of the vehicle and you ending up in a place you didn't want to be. This is not a joke. Whether you think you have used the EBD function of it or not, fact is, it is working very very often in the background. Just that you will never know, as there is no indication on the panel, vibration of the pedal or audible noise from the ABS unit.

(2) If the car is equipped with a mechanical brake assist function in the booster, a fast application of the brake pedal will see the brake pressure rising high and without ABS, this will definitely lead to wheel lock.

There are better ways of diagnosing faults. As I mentioned earlier, make some effort to list out the error codes which are showing up on an OBD tool and post them here. We can diagnose the issue.

Just noted your comment that you are having braking problems because of the ABS unit / sensor.
Could you please elaborate?

Originally Posted by jinu_joseph

I believe the ABS failed because of negligence on the part of Skoda. As per maintenance manual the brake fluid was to be replaced after 3 years and then every 2 years. My car is 5 years old and the brake fluid was never replaced.

Now what the authorized service centre has confirmed is that there are 2 parts to the ABS unit, the hydraulic part and the Electronic control module. As per their checkup, the Hydraulic part is fine and its the Electronic control module that spoilt, but since skoda does not repair or replace just that part, the entire unit has to be changed. The part number is 3T0614517D BEF.

They have changed the ABS sensor also but to no avail. The error that comes in VCDS is

01130 - ABS Operation: Implausible Signal

I am totally confused on this any help would be appreciated.

jinu_joseph

Thank you for mentioning the error code.

01130 - ABS Operation: Implausible Signal indeed says that the ECU has gone kaput. It is not only Skoda, but no car manufacturer anywhere in the world will replace just the hydraulic unit or electronic unit separately. They are not serviceable parts by the vehicle manufacturer. Whether shops outside do it or not is a different matter altogether, but no manufacturer can do a repair job on a sealed unit and guarantee safety of their customer.

There is no point in blaming Skoda for not changing your brake fluid for 5 years. It is entirely your responsibility to make sure your car is maintained correctly. That is why car makers give Owner's Manuals with every vehicle.

Again, disconnecting the ABS is not a smart thing to do. Buying a working unit from a reputed international seller on EBay or other similar sites is your best option.

Cheers

[jinu_joseph]

Originally Posted by GTO

Your best options are:

1. Get an ABS unit from a salvaged car. My Civic's ABS module went kaput and Honda wanted 40+k for a new unit. Got one for 10k (or was it 12k) from a salvage Civic. Tested on the car, worked perfectly, then made the payment.

Hi GTO

Any idea where i can find such cars, or do i go thru a garage. Any references.

Originally Posted by Viju

...
There is no point in blaming Skoda for not changing your brake fluid for 5 years. It is entirely your responsibility to make sure your car is maintained correctly. That is why car makers give Owner's Manuals with every vehicle.

...

Sorry i disagree with you there. It is not the customers job to ensure and validate that everything that is there in the service manual is done and done correctly. My responsibility is to ensure that i take it to the Authorized service centre at the time and frequency mentioned in the manual. I expect the service centre to ensure that all the services/changes that are due depending on the time and kms covered by the vehicle.

But yes prudence dictates that the customer should check that all the jobs are done, but that does not take away the responsibility the service centre has towards ensuring the service is thoroughly done and any liability/damage that arises out not doing so is deficiency of service.

[Viju]

Originally Posted by jinu_joseph

Sorry i disagree with you there. It is not the customers job to ensure and validate that everything that is there in the service manual is done and done correctly. My responsibility is to ensure that i take it to the Authorized service centre at the time and frequency mentioned in the manual. I expect the service centre to ensure that all the services/changes that are due depending on the time and kms covered by the vehicle.

Yes, that sounds perfect in an ideal world. Sadly, the fact is it is your car, your hard-earned money, your time and the service center really has nothing to lose once your car is out of the warranty period. Period.

Anyway, since this is going off-topic, I rest my case. All the best with resolving your issue.

[jinu_joseph]

How does one go about sourcing parts from chop shops. In mumbai i have heard Kurla is the best place to go. But since i have never done this before i am sure i will get fleeced before i even enter the place. Does anyone have any contacts or references there ?

Also how does it work? can i test the part and pay only if it works, given that i am looking for an ABS control unit, its not going to be easy to test it?

Finally any idea how much it will cost in a place like this. I thought of importing from abroad, but the cheapest i could find for this part was Rs.50K without shipping and customs. The link is here.

[sumeethaldankar]

Originally Posted by jinu_joseph

How does one go about sourcing parts from chop shops. In mumbai i have heard Kurla is the best place to go. But since i have never done this before i am sure i will get fleeced before i even enter the place. Does anyone have any contacts or references there ?

Also how does it work? can i test the part and pay only if it works, given that i am looking for an ABS control unit, its not going to be easy to test it?

Finally any idea how much it will cost in a place like this. I thought of importing from abroad, but the cheapest i could find for this part was Rs.50K without shipping and customs. The link is here.

Hi,

See if this gentleman can help you. Its better you do not go directly to a chop shop but vist someone like below. He will have better knowledge/ contacts on whom to approach.


Good luck buddy.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/mumbai...ur-mumbai.html

[groom]

There is a reason no manufacturer services it and replace it.
This is a safety critical system and advise not to take risks.

Sourcing it from abroad could save you more than 50%.
Sourcing from salvage car is another good option.

But don't toy with primary safety system such as brakes. Your and your family lives worth more than saving few bucks.

[parth.jain]

I think sourcing from a salvaged car is a pretty economically viable option and also you will be getting a genuine unit which will be cheap too. For my Octavia I had bought once a vacuum pump of the braking system and it worked perfectly and saved a lot of money. I have bought multiple parts for my Opel Astra! A known person even got an old ECU for Octavia.

If you can find a working condition ABS unit from a salvaged superb, it will be the best bet. I would suggest you not to go to the scrapyard by yourself, you will be fleeced for sure. Approach a good FNG, they usually have contacts in the scrapyards and also they will hand over the car to you after fitting in a working ABS unit!

[jinu_joseph]

The model that is present in my car has part number 1K0614517DEBEF. Finding this on ebay at a reasonable price seems difficult. I was wondering if i can replace this module with any of the following part numbers
1K0614517EGBEF
1K0614517DNBEF