Many vehicles rely on the electronic brake control module (EBCM) to control their brakes. The EBCM runs the electronic part of the brake system. In older cars and trucks, the control module must be serviced separately from the hydraulic part of the brakes.
Like any other automotive part, the EBCM undergoes wear and can fail prematurely. If the control module develops an issue, the repercussions can spread throughout the electronic brakes. However, if you look out for electronic brake control module failure symptoms, you can quickly repair or replace the faulty part and continue enjoying safe drives.
Common Electronic Brake Control Module Failure Symptoms
It isn’t easy to tell if there’s a problem with the EBCM. Replacing a bad one might also prove challenging. In most modern vehicles, the EBCM must undergo reprogramming after repairing or replacing it.
Listed below are the most common electronic brake control module failure symptoms:
Anti-Lock Braking System Light Illuminates
When something goes wrong with one of your car’s systems, it turns on the associated warning light on the dashboard. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) uses the ABS light.
The electronic brake control module usually connects to the anti-lock brakes’ control unit. In some vehicles, the EBCM directly operates the ABS. Thus, a problem with the EBCM will affect the ABS as well.
If something goes wrong with your car’s EBCM, the computer will alert you by turning on the ABS warning light.
Check Engine Light Illuminates
Usually, the check engine light warns you that one or more engine parts broke down or failed. In some vehicles, it might warn you about issues with the anti-lock braking system, such as a faulty electronic brake control module.
Older vehicles might not have a dedicated ABS warning light, so they will turn on the check engine light to warn the driver about a worn-out or damaged EBCM.
Anti-Lock Braking System Issues
An erratically behaving anti-lock braking system might indicate a problem with the EBCM. The ABS is a safety feature that reduces the risk of skidding by preventing the brakes from locking up.
If the EBCM wears out or fails, the ABS won’t operate properly. In the worst-case scenario, the faulty EBCM might deactivate the feature. Without an operational ABS, your car becomes more vulnerable to skidding during sharp turns, sudden acceleration, hard braking, or when the tires lose their grip on the road.
Traction Control System Issues
The traction control system (TCS) ensures the car’s tires retain their grip on the road surface. When one of the tires starts to lose traction, the TCS will do one of two things. It can engage the wheel’s brake while leaving the others alone or it can reduce the engine power supplied to the slipping wheel.
Like the ABS, the TCS is part of the overall braking system. In a vehicle with an electronic braking system, the EBCM controls the traction control system with the ABS.
If the electronic braking control module wears out or stops working, it can interfere with the traction control system’s operation. The TCS warning light will turn on to signify an issue.
Without a working traction control system, your car will have trouble keeping tire traction on slippery road surfaces. If you drive on a wet road during or after rains and floods, you will likely experience the unpleasant effect of hydroplaning.
What Is an Electronic Brake Control Module?
The EBCM is a microprocessor that controls the electronic braking system. It operates the primary brakes and related systems, such as the anti-lock braking and traction control systems.
Some people also refer to the EBCM as the ABS control module. However, not all ABS control modules count as EBCMs.
Where Is the Electronic Brake Control Module Located?
You can usually find the electronic brake control module in the engine bay. Many vehicles put their EBCM near the brake fluid reservoir, often on the brake pressure modulator valve (BMPV).
You can locate the EBCM by finding the brake master cylinder and following the brake lines to the BMPV. The control module connects to brake lines and an electrical connector that delivers power.
Consult your owner’s manual to know where your vehicle’s EBCM is.
What Does the Electronic Brake Control Module Do?
The EBCM monitors and operates your vehicle’s electronic braking system. It takes the readings provided by the various sensors in the braking system, including the ABS and TCS sensors. After evaluating the data, the EBCM will engage or disengage the brakes as needed.
For example, the EBCM receives readings from the ABS or wheel speed sensors that one or more wheels suddenly spin too fast. High wheel rotation speeds usually indicate skidding. The EBCM will engage the ABS for that wheel, applying brakes to slow its spinning.
Electronic brakes deliver improved braking that keeps you safer on the road. They achieve their superior performance through their greater use of electronic components.
However, electronic brakes are much more complex systems when compared to older purely hydraulic brake systems. They also take over systems like the ABS and TCS that rely on computerization.
The electronic brake control module coordinates and runs the brakes’ various parts and subsystems. It often replaces the ABS and TCS control modules.
How to Get a New EBCM For Your Vehicle
Driving around with a faulty EBCM is a recipe for disaster. Because it monitors and operates your vehicle’s electronic braking system, you’re likely to experience braking issues if it fails. For your own safety, you should avoid driving your car until you replace your EBCM. Luckily, getting a replacement EBCM is fast and easy with CarParts.com.
CarParts.com offers a wide selection of electronic brake control modules sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Easily browse through our catalog with the help of our vehicle selector and search filters. Just enter your vehicle’s correct details and you can view all the available parts that are compatible with your ride. CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping, thanks to our strategically located warehouses around the US. Order by 12 p.m. ET, and you can expect your new EBCM to arrive in as fast as two business days.
Don’t wait until your EBCM completely breaks before replacing it. Check out our selection of high-quality electronic brake control modules at CarParts.com today!
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