NHTSA finally opens ABS/HCU investigation

ryams27 · Mar 21, 2023

Thanks. Unfortunately I'm useless when it comes to working on vehicles. I would like to buy the parts myself and have a shop install them but I'm not sure they're capable of doing the coding or whatever. Interestingly, some people I've encountered online said they were able to replace theirs without having to code anything.

Sherman Bird · Mar 21, 2023

ryams27 said:
Thanks. Unfortunately I'm useless when it comes to working on vehicles. I would like to buy the parts myself and have a shop install them but I'm not sure they're capable of doing the coding or whatever. Interestingly, some people I've encountered online said they were able to replace theirs without having to code anything.

I'd be rather dubious about a claim to not coding. With modern CAN/BUS, coding is required AT MINIMUM to insure proper, safe operation. Either way, most decent shops can replace/code the module.

LeeD · Mar 21, 2023

Sherman Bird said:
I'm telling you this story only anecdotally. I make no claim to "advise" anyone to do this, BUT, it worked for me. In early August, 2019, a buddy of mine called me to inform me that a vehicle fitting the type I was looking for came up on the salvage call system. Inasmuch as this vehicle was being offered by a woman who literally lived around the corner from me, my buddy suggested I go look at it. It Was/is a 2007 Kia Sorento. The vehicle is an EX (has all the bells and whistles). Upon test driving this SUV, it became very obvious that the brakes has a VERY serious problem which on it's own merit, made the vehicle unsafe to drive. I bought the car and drove it home (around the corner). It turned out to have a bad ABS hydraulic unit. Kia wanted almost 2 grand for the part in total. Being as I'd paid 300 dollars for the car, I wasn't about to pay that absurd amount, SO, I bought a salvage part which, in total with shipping and tax set me back 69 dollars. It is still on the car today, and it is my wife's car.
This was nearly 4 years ago. Among many other repairs, this one was the most necessary to make the car safe to drive. Several of my peers who own shops tell me that they've used salvage ABS units over the years with great results. I won't install a used one on a customer's car due to liability issues.
The whole concept of jumping over a dollar to save a dime worked out well for me, but I believe it was pure luck, no more. I did have to code the module portion of the unit into the CAN/BUS system... but that took only a few seconds because I have a scanner capable of module coding.

We had a 04 Sorento and it as a great car. One thing is when you replace the timing belt replace the crank sensor while you’re in there. Cheap part and if it fails you have to tear it all apart again to get to it. Ask me how I know.

Sherman Bird · Mar 21, 2023

LeeD said:
We had a 04 Sorento and it as a great car. One thing is when you replace the timing belt replace the crank sensor while you’re in there. Cheap part and if it fails you have to tear it all apart again to get to it. Ask me how I know.

Our engine is 3.8 liter with chains, not a belt.

Choupique · Mar 21, 2023

If you replace just the HCU, you don't have to program anything. You just install it, bleed everything, and go. The ABS module requires a recalibration if that is changed.

The repair proceedure is to replace the HCU, bleed, test drive, and only change the ABS module if the problem persists.

dhay13 · Mar 21, 2023

Choupique said:
If you replace just the HCU, you don't have to program anything. You just install it, bleed everything, and go. The ABS module requires a recalibration if that is changed.

The repair proceedure is to replace the HCU, bleed, test drive, and only change the ABS module if the problem persists.

That make sense to me but the garage told me they had to re-program. Maybe he ended up not having to but either way it works now with just the HCU replaced

Party340 · Apr 14, 2023

I ordered the module last July. I be just been informed that it will be pushed again until August! This is the 3rd time that Chrysler has pushed my back order! I don’t buy all of this talk that it only affects a smart percentage of vehicles. Why else would the parts be on back order so long unless the dealer demand is so high that they can’t supply the general public. Then the dealer can gouge you on the install. Fing unreal! It should not take over a year to get parts related to safety. I’m not sure why but we don’t even have an aftermarket option. Probably IP related. It’s pretty sad when you can’t buy a part for a vehicle that is only 8 years old. I hope that the class action suit grows to cover more models than 2017 -2018 or Chrysler does the right thing and issues a recall!

Sherman Bird · Apr 14, 2023

Party340 said:
or Chrysler does the right thing and issues a recall!

They NEVER issue a recall to "do the right thing". It's to protect their collective buttocks from legal liability. I researched this very problem on an older Blazer recently. There WAS a TSB where replacement was declared to be THE repair for lights (ABS/Brake system red light) beings illuminated and a DTC for the motor relay circuit. I removed the module (Kelsey Hayes), used terminal cleaner and treated the connectors with Motorcraft XG-12 dielectric ... problem went away. Go figure.

Red Rex · Apr 17, 2023

My 2018 has this problem for the second time. 18 months and 11900 miles since the first time. Going to the dealer Thursday

wallacemf · Apr 19, 2023

If you google the new HCU part number 68143491AB, it is now appearing on some of the online Mopar parts dealer websites. I’m wondering if it is now finally becoming available…

Sherman Bird · Apr 19, 2023

wallacemf said:
If you google the new HCU part number 68143491AB, it is now appearing on some of the online Mopar parts dealer websites. I’m wondering if it is now finally becoming available…

I'll clue you to this, FWIW.... GM issued a TSB on 4-19-2019 "TSB#" PIT5669-A, about the problems which mirror these problems now being experienced, but back-dated in coverage to 2004 or 5. In this TSB, cracked solder joints were cited likely due to Federal/ EPA mandates to use lead-free solder in electronic manufacture. The list of their models was vast... not a particular chassis. Kelsey-Hayes were/are the manufacturer of these units.

wallacemf · Apr 28, 2023

Just wanted to provide an update on this. I’ve had a case open for a while, opened by RamCares last year. FCA and my dealer both called today, and they have the new HCU at the dealer ready to be installed. It’s the revised part number with the “AB” suffix. So the new part appears to be in the wild now, although sparse maybe. It‘s being covered by my lifetime maxcare warranty. Someday I suppose it will become a recall and maybe I’ll recover my $100 deductible.

Choupique · Apr 29, 2023

wallacemf said:
If you google the new HCU part number 68143491AB, it is now appearing on some of the online Mopar parts dealer websites. I’m wondering if it is now finally becoming available…

Go figure, I just put an -AA in my truck

18CrewDually · Apr 29, 2023

Choupique said:
Go figure, I just put an -AA in my truck

That's OK. You'll know exactly how to do it again next time. Or if you're lucky, it will be fine. My & my fathers 2018s have been trouble free so it doesn't happen to all of them.

CajunTrucker379 · Sep 27, 2023

Like others before me, I made an account because I'm having the same issue for the second time. Bought my truck new in 18, had the hcu changed under warranty and now with right at 60k I'm getting the same lights and messages with no cruise control.

Haven't even tried to go to my dealer yet after reading how people are having issues finding parts.

Hopefully it gets a recall status soon.

deputy25 · Oct 1, 2023

My HCU just crapped out at 48K miles. Dealer searched tri-state area for replacement with AB suffix, no joy. They are telling me the possible March/April 2024 availability date will be revised due to current UAW strike.

Freeland Mark · Oct 7, 2023

Mine failed today. is this going to be a recall? I hope. Anyone try killing the abs option with Alfa obd to stop the dinging till parts are available?

Phylodog · Oct 7, 2023

Freeland Mark said:
Mine failed today. is this going to be a recall? I hope. Anyone try killing the abs option with Alfa obd to stop the dinging till parts are available?

After 10 months of listening to that annoying dinging I finally pulled the fuse and shut it up before a 2k mile fishing trip to Canada last month. The red brake light, ABS and TC lights are on all the time but the noise and disruption to the EVIC display are gone. I'm basically giving up on it until Chrysler decides to do the right thing. If they don't I'll drive it till one of us dies before I'll pay to fix it.

Blindsquirrel · Nov 10, 2023

Mine just started dinging about this too. 2018 ctd with 60k miles. It appears this site, which I think is a dealer, has a bunch of the new part number.

2012-2018 Ram Anti-Lock Brake System Hydraulic Control Unit 68143491AB | Clearlake MOPAR Parts

2012-2018 Ram Anti-Lock Brake System Hydraulic Control Unit 68143491AB

www.clearlakemoparparts.com

Guess I'll buy one and save my receipt if they ever do a recall.

However I called my local dealer and they say they don't have any and wont till maybe February of 2024. Wasn't sure if they are going to have a recall or not. Said maybe.

NHTSA finally opens ABS/HCU investigation

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