How to Replace the ABS Control Module on a 2003 Mustang V6

The 2003 Ford Mustang was equipped with a 3.8-liter V-6 in the base model. The 2003 Cobra, GT, and Mach 1 Mustangs were equipped with a 4.6-liter V-8. The brakes on the base 2003 Mustang were anti-lock brakes. The ABS control module on the 2003 Mustang is attached to the brake hydraulic control unit. Both parts work in synchronicity to ensure even braking throughout the entire vehicle. Changing the ABS module should be performed by someone with prior mechanical knowledge.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the Mustang. Loosen the air filter lid clamp by hand. Push the air filter lid back toward the rear of the vehicle to remove it from the filter housing. Remove the large air filter housing drum by pulling it free of the front air dam tube, exposing the hydraulic control unit (HCU), and ABS control module. Set the air filter housing unit out of your work area.

2

Place a drain pan beneath the car, directly under the hydraulic control module. Remove the four brake lines from the top of the module, with an open-end wrench. Remove the HCU mounting bolts from the bracket, with a ratchet and socket. Remove the hydraulic control unit from the engine compartment completely.

3

Remove the six mounting screws from the ABS control module to the HCU, using a Torx T-20 screwdriver. Use pliers on the Torx driver if the screws are oxidized or hard to turn. Remove the electrical connector from the ABS control module by hand. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to pry the connector tabs free, if needed.

4

Remove the ABS control module from the HCU by gently pulling it straight upward. Install the new ABS control module onto the HCU. Tighten all six screws until they are snug, with the T-20 screwdriver. Do not torque the screws or you may crack or break the ABS module.

5

Install the HCU on the mounting bracket. Insert and tighten the mounting bolts until they are snug. Turn the bolts 1/2-turn farther to equal the 13 foot-pounds of torque required for the control unit.

6

Install the brake lines back onto the HCU and tighten them snug, with an open-end wrench. Turn the line fittings 1/2-turn more to gain the 14 foot-pounds of torque needed for the brake lines.

7

Loosen the front wheel lug nuts with a tire iron. Raise the front of the Mustang with a jack, and place jack stands beneath the left and right sub-frames. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Remove the front lug nuts, then remove the front wheels completely.

8

Open and fill the brake fluid reservoir to the "Full" mark, with D.O.T. 3 or higher grade fluid. Raise the rear of the Mustang with a jack, and place jack stands at both ends of the axle housing. The farther apart you place the stands, the greater the car's stability. Lower the Mustang onto the jack stands.

9

Ask your assistant to get into the Mustang. Open the bleeder screw on the backing plate of the passenger-side rear brake assembly. Turn the screw counterclockwise with an open-end wrench. Ask your assistant to gently push down on the brake pedal and hold it down. Close the bleeder screw when the pedal is down, and instruct your assistant to release the brake pedal. Repeat this step three times to bleed the rear brake assembly.

10

Move to the driver's front brake caliper. Loosen the bleeder screw on the upper caliper area, with an open-end wrench. Ask your assistant to gently push the brake pedal to the floor and hold it. Tighten the bleeder screw when the pedal is down. Repeat this steps three times to bleed the front brake caliper. Check and fill your brake fluid reservoir to the "Full" mark.

11

Repeat Step 9 to bleed the driver's rear brake assembly. Repeat Step 10 to bleed the passenger front caliper. This method is called cross bleeding, and will remove all of the air from the entire system. The system was completely opened when you removed all four brake lines from the HCU.

12

Check your brake fluid level and top the reservoir off if necessary. Ask your assistant to gently pump the brake pedal 10 to 15 times. If the brake pedal does not become stiff after five pumps, tell your assistant to stop. Repeat the entire brake cross bleeding again.