ABS modulator blown at 39k?

[motopilot]

Hello my wife was driving last week and said the ABS light as well as the TCS light (car with curved road) came on during normal dry driving. We brought it to the local Mazda dealer and I am told it is an ABS modulator and bad. Replacement cost $1700?? I have never heard of anything like this going on a car with 39k? We also have had the clunk sound when you first step on the brakes after driving away. Dealer had no answer to that as the service rep had no answers other than its $1700. We are pretty much down with this dealership (Fairbanks Mazda). I anyone else has any ideas and or places to get this serviced I would appreciate it.

 

[BLKCX7]

Ok......Your situation is the best reason why when you buy a new car you negotiate a extended warranty,But since you dont have one,Get a second opinion,And check the fuse for the ABS module,Dealers make mistakes all the time,Ive seen fuses melt and cause a bad conection throwing a code that the module is bad,Start with the basic checks first,Check for the clunk noise you hear too,Might have something to do with it,But definetly get another tech to check it out,If it has a code that the module has thrown then ask them what it is,I might be able to tell you what to check next,but dont spend 1700 till you get a second opinion and check the fuse..

 

[motopilot]

The code thrown was 1954. I talked to the head mechanic and was told is was the rely which is all located in the ABS modulator. He was pretty upfront with everything and explained that the entire box had to be replaced and that it was a plug and play connection. Said it was located behind the battery etc and that you had to pull some items out to get to it.

I have found a couple of mazda shops with the ABS modulator for about 1k. I know its not a cheap item but still they were charging $1200 + another $500 for labor??

Going to talk with another mazda dealer and try to figure it out. ALso I am going to check/replace the fuse as well.

And as far as the thumping sound goes. He said this is common on Miata and CX-7???? Said it was the ABS pump?

If you have any others ideas I am open to it. Thanks for the response!

moto

 

[erhayes]

I get a noticable click when evertime I brake first thing when backing out of the garage. I found it is the brake pads shifting in the caliper. Almost every car I've had (Subaru, Saab Mada3) and now my Mazda CX7 after the pads wear down somewhat. No problem at all.

 

[beardog420]

failures to electronic components can happen at any time as well as mechanical parts regardless of mileage. unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world and this is the end result of it. its always best to get a second opinion when you're about to shell out this kind of money.


ERHAYES - make sure you have shims on your pads and the pad hardware is not bent which will not secure the pad to the caliper.

 

[motopilot]

Wanted to give everyone an update to this matter. I understand that things break but could not believe that something like this would be the problem. The local Longwood FL mazda dealer said it can't be anything else it must be this. Well I found a local guy I cycle with and he runs a small garage and offered to take a look. I took everything apart and went through the entire brake system. Turns out it was the brake switch?? A quick $20 part and now everything is good. He too did not believe that and ABS modulator could go bad so fast. Car has been driving for 2 weeks with about 600 miles and no lights issues etc. In the end it costed me $108 with him vs the $1700 with the Mazda dealer. Sorry but when you refuse to think that there is only one reason for a problem/issue and refuse to check anything out you have lost my business.

We love our CX7 but cannot stand the mazda dealership. BTW for others that get the clicking or thunk noise the first time you hit the brakes I too have been told its the pads in the caliper. Mazda dealership said that mx5 also does FWIW.

 

[beardog420]

good to hear - its always best to get a 2nd opinion like i said when high dollars are at stake.