Kia ABS Module Pump ESC Control Unit Replacement
One symptom of a defective ABS module is the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) light turning on. The ABS module integrates the 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. However, owners of other Kia models, such as Forte, Forte5, Rio, Sorento, Soul, Sportage, Rondo, Sedona, and Borrego, will find these DIY instructions helpful.
How to Replace Kia ABS Module Pump ESC Control Unit
What you will need
- New Kia ABS Pump
- 3/8 Ratchet
- Metric Socket Set
- Screwdriver
- Syringe
- Container
- Brake Fluid
Procedure
- Disconnect battery. Open the hood of your vehicle and disconnect the battery.
- 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.
- Unplug the connector. Press the red locking tab and release that first. Next, pull up the grey connector to unplug the wire harness.
- Use a syringe to remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder. Don’t let dirt or particles fall inside the brake fluid reservoir.
- Do not allow brake fluid to fall on your car’s exterior paint, as it causes damage to your car.
- 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.
- 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.
- Install the new ABS module in reverse order.
- 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.
- 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
To diagnose Kia ABS pump issues, you will need a scanner to read fault codes from the ABS control unit. The YOUCANIC full system scanner can read and clear codes from all Kia control units, including the ABS.
Professional Diagnostics Made Easy All Systems. All Makes. No Subscription.
- ✓ Complete Access to All Vehicle Systems
- ✓ Free Lifetime Updates – No Hidden Fees
- ✓ Live Data + Advanced Bi-Directional Controls
✓ US-Based Technical Support
✓ Detailed Diagnostic Guides
✓ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Free Express Shipping • Trusted by 3,500+ DIYers & Mechanics
For more help with your vehicle, check out more repair guides and the popular article on reading and diagnosing vehicle problems yourself.
The correct terms is called ‘bleeding’ the air from the ABS Module.
Bleeding or removing this air is very important. This is done by ‘bleeding the brakes’ Hence, simply step on the brake pedal a couple of times. As you keep on pressing on it, the air trapped inside will gradually be removed from the ABS module. Of course, you need to do this before you remove the whole module.
Please, how to remove air trapped in ABS module? Thanks
excellent breakdown in easy steps. very helpful
This article is very helpful. The ABS module in my Kia needs to be replaced but luckily the car is still under warranty. Nevertheless it was helpful to read about this issue. I am sure that other Kia owners will find it helpful as well.