Kia ABS Module Pump ESC Control Unit Replacement

One of the symptoms of a defective ABS module is the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) light turning on. The ABS module integrates ESC, which helps stabilize your car while cornering and avoids skidding during hard braking.

The pictures in this tutorial are from a 2016 Kia Optima. Still, owners of other Kia models such as Forte, Forte5, Rio, Sorento, Soul, Sportage, Rondo, Sedona, and Borrego will find these DIY instructions helpful.

What you will need

• New Kia ABS Pump
• 3/8 Ratchet
• Metric Socket Set
• Screwdriver
• Syringe
• Container
• Brake Fluid

Procedure

1. Disconnect battery. Open the hood of your vehicle and disconnect the battery.
2. Locate the ABS Module / ESC Control Module. On a Kia Optima, it is located in the engine bay, on the passenger side, near the firewall. Regardless of the Kia model, the ABS pump can be found in the engine bay. 
3. Unplug the connector. Press the red locking tab and release that first. Next, pull up the grey connector to unplug the wire harness.
4. Remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder using a syringe. Don’t let dirt or particles fall inside the brake fluid reservoir.
5. Do not allow brake fluid to fall on your car’s exterior paint, as it causes damage to your car.
6. Disconnect the brake lines from the ABS unit using an 11 mm wrench. The four brake lines that supply brake fluid to the brakes are held in place with small nuts. 
7. Remove the ABS module. Remove the bolts that hold the brake module in place. Two 10 mm bolts need to be removed. Now, you should be able to remove the ABS brake module/pump.
8. Install the new ABS module in reverse order.
9. Add brake fluid to the reservoir. The brake fluid level will go down as you bleed the air out of the system. Check the brake fluid level as you bleed the air, and add fluid if needed.
10. Remember to bleed air out of the system at each brake caliper. Start with the wheel farthest from the ABS module.

Torque Specifications

• Brake Line Bolts (M10): 11 lb-ft
• Brake Line to Reservoir (M12): 16 lb-ft
• Bolts – Bracket to Frame: 21 lb-ft

ABS Module Repair

An economical way to fix your ABS module problems is to repair your existing ABS module. Remove the module from the car and ship it to a third-party company that offers ABS Module Repair Services. It is a lot cheaper to fix your existing unit than to replace it.

Diagnose Kia ABS Pump Issues

You will need a scanner to read fault codes from the ABS control unit to diagnose Kia ABS pump issues. The YOUCANIC full system scanner can read and clear codes from all Kia control units, including the ABS.

For more help with your vehicle, check out more repair guides and the popular article on reading and diagnosing vehicle problems yourself.