What's this gadget and why is it running?

[makenzie71]

Okay I'm sorry that I can't post a picture or it...it's my sister's car (2002 GMC Yukon) and all she sent me was a camera phone pic over my phone...I have no idea how to get those online. I digress...

It's an aluminum body'ed gadget under the car...she says in the vicinity of the driver's seat/center console area. It has five, maybe four, hard lines from it on the same side. It is connected to power by a single dual-wire (I think) mail plug off the wiring harness.

The issue as described to me is it is sounding somewhat like a vacuum cleaner and it is running while the engine/vehicle has been shut down. Fearing a problem they disconnected it from the wiring harness. I have told them to reconnect it as manufacturers usually connect things the wiring harness for a reason...they're supposed to get back with me to see if it still runs.

If anyone familiar with the vehicle would like to see the pic and would like to email me or PM me their image capable phone number I can forward the pic.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[JKmotorsports]

Sounds like the motor for the EBCM (electronic brake control module)running continuously. Unplugging it should cause the abs light to come on the instrument panel. You can safely drive the vehicle with this unplugged, just like driving a vehicle without abs brakes. You can have it sent out to be fixed for a lot cheaper than replacing it with a brand new one, which is around $800 or so if I remember correctly.

 

[Kev'sHoe]

Hello Guys,
I have been reading about the ABS/BRAKE light and want to know when your EBCM doesn't stop running, does that means it needs to replaced. On 11-08-08, JKMotorsports discussed this with someone that had the same problem. I removed the 60 Amp fuse to stop mine. Wow, that thing is annoying! Any help will be appreciated!

 

[Ojustracing]

Yes it does need to be replaced. You can pull the fuse in the engiine compartment to get it to stop running. Like JK said you can send them out to be repaired or get a new one from the dealer. Very common problem.

John

 

[Big Tap]

+1 on the EBCM. Mine did the same thing. Pull the fuse and you'll be good for now.
I found this on Ebay. As JK said, it's much less expensive to have them rebuilt, and usually these rebuilders replace the internals with pieces better than stock.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ABS-...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[JKmotorsports]

Mine did the same thing a while back and I just unplugged it for the meantime until I had it repaired. ABS and traction control systems become inoperable, but nothing that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. There are several vendors on Ebay that can repair and/or upgrade the EBCM for under $150 shipped, which definitely beats $800 for a new one.