Vehicle Damage Warnings

Review this information prior to performing any mechanical work on a vehicle equipped with ABS. This section contains information on precautions pertaining to potential component damage, vehicle damage and personal injury which could result when servicing an ABS equipped vehicle.

CAUTION: Only the recommended jacking or hoisting positions for this vehicle are to be used whenever it is necessary to lift a vehicle. Failure to raise a vehicle from the recommended locations could result in lifting a vehicle by the hydraulic control unit mounting bracket. Lifting a vehicle by the hydraulic control unit mounting bracket will result in damage to the mounting bracket and the hydraulic control unit.

CAUTION: An attempt to remove or disconnect certain system components may result in improper system operation. Only those components with approved removal and installation procedures should be serviced.

CAUTION: Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled on any painted surfaces, wash off with water immediately.

CAUTION: When performing any service procedure on a vehicle equipped with ABS do not apply a 12-volt power source to the ground circuit of the pump motor in the HCU. Doing this will damage the pump motor and will require replacement of the entire HCU.

CAUTION: If welding work is to be performed on the vehicle, using an electric arc welder, the CAB connector should be disconnected during the welding operation.

CAUTION: The CAB 25-way connector should never be connected or disconnected with the ignition switch in the ON position.

Many components of the ABS System are not serviceable and must be replaced as an assembly. Do not disassemble any component which is not designed to be serviced.

The ABS uses an electronic control module, the CAB. This module is designed to withstand normal current draws associated with vehicle operation. Care must be taken to avoid overloading the CAB circuits.

CAUTION: In testing for open or short circuits, do not ground or apply voltage to any of the circuits unless instructed to do so for a diagnostic procedure.

CAUTION: These circuits should only be tested using a high impedance multi-meter or the DRB scan tool as described. Power should never be removed or applied to any control module with the ignition in the ON position. Before removing or connecting battery cables, fuses, or connectors, always turn the ignition to the OFF position.

CAUTION: Use only factory wiring harnesses. Do not cut or splice wiring to the brake circuits. The addition of after-market electrical equipment (car phone, radar detector, citizen band radio, trailer lighting, trailer brakes, etc.) on a vehicle equipped with antilock brakes may affect the function of the antilock brake system.

Before disconnecting any control module, make sure the ignition is "off". Failure to do so could damage the module.

When testing voltage or continuity at any control module, use the terminal side (not the wire end) of the connector. Do not probe a wire through the insulation; this will damage it and eventually cause it to fail because of corrosion.

Be careful when performing electrical tests so as to prevent accidental shorting of terminals. Such mistakes can damage fuses or components. Also, a second code could be set, making diagnosis of the original problem more difficult.