Midwest ABS

Midwest ABS

Installation Video

Video courtesy of Robert Spinner.  Watch it in it's entirety and read below, it applies to all 96-2000 cars.

Installation Guide

Read this entire page.

Your original module must be sent back to us within 15 days in original undamaged condition.  Click HERE for more information.  If shipping to Canada, check the current shipping prices here and then contact me to order.  

IF you need help determining what type of module your car uses, CLICK HERE   

Take your time

This generally doesn’t take long to do, so there’s no reason to rush it…that’s how mistakes happen.  MAKE SURE your ratchet is set to loosen.  Remember the phrase…”lefty loosey, righty tighty”.   The paperwork in the box has all of my contact info including my phone number.  DO NOT hesitate to call if you run into any issues or have a question.

It’s a good idea to spray down the 4 bolts holding the module on with PB Blaster or penetrating oil an hour before starting.

Installing your new ABS module

Watch the video.  This isn’t something where you’ll have to have the video running while you’re doing it, it’s relatively simple.  DO NOT overtighten the bolts holding the module on, finger tight plus a quarter or half turn is plenty.  When installing the large harness ABSOLUTELY make sure the large harness is 100% bottomed out squarely and firmly locked into place, then push down on it firmly for another 5 seconds to allow it to completely bottom out, that is especially important.  IF your mechanism on your harness is broken, reference the pictures at the bottom of the page.  

AFTER INSTALLING…  Provided you secured the harness correctly and there are no external faults in the ABS system the ABS light should immediately go off after starting the car.  

99 and later, the Check Engine Light and Flashing transmission light will generally not go away on their own.  You will likely need to have your codes reset with a scanner, disconnecting the battery doesn’t  clear the p0500, p1618 or p1633 codes or clear the flashing transmission light.  Realistically, any time your CEL is on, you should have it scanned to see why it is on.

1996-2001 Non-turbo models.

No need to remove the Airbox.  You will need to remove the corrugated metal tube between the exhaust manifold and the airbox.  It slides right off, no special tools needed to remove it. 

96-2000 turbo models

Airbox removal isn’t entirely necessary but I do recommend it to give you more room to work with.  1996 850’s have an extremely brittle wiring harness between the ABS module and the pump motor.  Even if you’re gentle with it there’s a good chance the insulation will fall off as soon as you touch it.  Rewrap the wires with rubber tape.  Clearance between the module and the tube between the airbox and the turbo is a bit tight but workable.

Stripped bolts

IF you run into a stripped/corroded bolt call me immediately and we’ll discuss how to get it out.   DON’T use a sawzall, grinding wheel, hammer, etc.  

Large Harness Issues

The Large Harness Mechanism

The large harness is held in place on the module by a locking mechanism.  Due to the age of these cars the plastic slides become brittle and break making the mechanism inoperable.  In reality this isn’t a major deal as it isn’t needed to hold it into place.  The harness will stay in place on it’s own without issues.  The pictures below will show how to deal with this. 

Remove the black cover

Remove the black cover - ABS module

Break  off the black cover/lever mechanism.  Yes, actually break it off, you won't hurt anything.

Pull out the slides

Pull out the slides- ABS module

Pull out the slides while pulling up on the harness. Slowly and one at a time

Remove the slides

Remove the slides - ABS module

Remove the two plastic slides.

Install the harness

Install the harness - ABS module

Put the head of the harness onto the module and push down until it's completely bottomed out and stays in place.  This takes about 5 seconds, make sure it is COMPLETELY bottomed out.  The internal gasket will firmly hold it into place.