This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ABS control module on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including brake line disconnection, module replacement, and brake system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS control module assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification for 4WD 3.5L EcoBoost
• Brake line sealing washers × 4 — Use OEM specification
• ABS module mounting gasket (if equipped) × 1 — Verify if your model uses gasket

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Shift transmission to Park and chock rear wheels securely
3. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir. Check fluid level and condition
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
5. Remove battery and battery tray for improved access to ABS module (located on driver side frame rail near master cylinder)
6. Place drain pan under ABS module area to catch brake fluid spillage
7. Use turkey baster or extraction syringe to remove as much brake fluid as possible from reservoir to minimize spillage
8. Photograph all brake line positions and electrical connections for reference during reassembly
9. Have clean shop towels ready to immediately wipe any brake fluid from painted surfaces

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ABS module electrical connectors
   Locate the two large electrical connectors on the ABS module. Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connectors are difficult to remove, spray with electrical contact cleaner and wiggle gently while pulling. Do not force or pull on wires.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake lines from module
   Using a flare nut wrench (NOT a standard wrench), carefully loosen the six brake line fittings connected to the ABS module. There are four wheel circuit lines and two master cylinder lines. Loosen each fitting 1-2 turns in sequence to relieve pressure evenly. Once all are loose, completely remove each fitting while catching dripping brake fluid in the drain pan. Immediately cap or plug each brake line and module port with clean plastic caps to prevent contamination and additional fluid loss.
   ⚠Use only a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding off the brass brake line fittings. Rounded fittings will require brake line replacement.
   ⚠Brake fluid will begin draining immediately. Have drain pan positioned and be prepared to cap lines quickly.
3. 3

   Remove ABS module mounting bolts
   Locate the three ABS module mounting bolts securing the module to the frame rail bracket. Using a 10mm socket, remove all three bolts completely. Support the module with one hand as you remove the final bolt as the module is heavy and may fall.
   Torque spec

   ABS Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove ABS module from vehicle
   Carefully lift the ABS module away from the mounting bracket. The module weighs approximately 8 pounds and will still have residual brake fluid inside. Tilt the module to drain remaining fluid into the drain pan. Inspect the mounting bracket for corrosion or damage. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush if necessary.
5. 5

   Prepare new ABS module for installation
   Remove the new ABS module from packaging and verify all ports are clean and free of debris or protective caps. Compare the new module to the old module to confirm correct part number and port configuration. If your vehicle uses a mounting gasket, install the new gasket onto the module or bracket per manufacturer instructions. Do not remove port plugs from the new module until ready to connect brake lines.
6. 6

   Install new ABS module
   Position the new ABS module onto the mounting bracket, aligning all three mounting bolt holes. Thread all three mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, torque the mounting bolts in a crossing pattern to specification. First torque all bolts to 5 Nm, then to final specification to ensure even seating.
   ⚠These bolts secure directly to aluminum components. Over-torquing will strip threads and require bracket replacement. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   ABS Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Connect brake lines to new module
   Remove caps from brake lines and new module ports one at a time. Install new sealing washers on each brake line fitting. Carefully thread each brake line fitting by hand into the corresponding port on the module, referring to your reference photos. Thread at least 3-4 turns by hand before using a wrench to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all lines are hand-started, use a flare nut wrench and torque wrench to tighten each fitting to specification in sequence. Do not over-torque.
   ⚠️Cross-threaded or improperly torqued brake line fittings will cause brake fluid leaks and brake failure. If a fitting does not thread smoothly by hand, remove and inspect for damage or debris.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connectors
   Connect both electrical connectors to the ABS module, ensuring they click firmly into place. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is fully locked. Inspect the connector seals to ensure they are properly seated and will keep moisture out.
9. 9

   Reinstall battery and reconnect power
   Reinstall the battery tray and battery in reverse order of removal. Reconnect the positive battery terminal first, then the negative terminal. Torque battery terminal bolts per battery manufacturer specifications (typically hand-tight plus 1/8 turn).
10. 10

    Refill brake fluid reservoir
    Open the brake fluid reservoir cap and fill with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to the MAX line. Do not overfill. Use only fluid from a sealed container. Leave the reservoir cap off for the bleeding process.
11. 11

    Perform manual brake bleeding sequence
    Bleed the brake system in the following sequence: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. At each wheel, attach bleeder hose to bleeder screw and submerge the other end in clean brake fluid in a clear container. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/2 turn until fluid flows, then close before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the discharged fluid. Check and refill reservoir frequently to prevent running dry. Torque each bleeder screw after completing that corner.
    ⚠️Never allow the brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding. This introduces air into the ABS module and master cylinder, requiring complete system re-bleeding.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Program ABS module to vehicle
    Connect an OBD-II scan tool with Ford ABS programming capability (such as IDS, FDRS, or equivalent professional tool). Follow the scan tool's prompts to program the new ABS module with the vehicle's VIN and configuration data. This process typically takes 10-20 minutes and requires a stable battery voltage (use a battery maintainer if available). Do not interrupt power during programming or the module may be rendered inoperable.
    ⚠️The ABS module MUST be programmed before the vehicle is driven. An unprogrammed module will not function and may cause brake system failure.
    ⚠Ensure battery voltage remains above 12.5V during programming. Low voltage can corrupt module software.
13. 13

    Perform ABS automated bleeding procedure
    Using the scan tool, access the ABS automated bleeding function. This opens the ABS solenoid valves electronically to purge trapped air. Follow the scan tool prompts, which typically involve cycling the ABS valves while monitoring the brake pedal. You may need to repeat the manual bleeding procedure at each wheel after automated bleeding. Continue until the brake pedal feels firm and no air is present in the system.
14. 14

    Check for leaks and final inspection
    With the engine running and brake pedal depressed firmly, inspect all six brake line connections at the ABS module for any signs of leakage. Check the area under the module and along brake lines. Wipe all connections clean and observe for 2-3 minutes with pedal pressure applied. Any fluid seepage indicates improper torque or damaged fittings that must be corrected immediately. Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line and install cap securely.
    ⚠️Even a small brake fluid leak will cause eventual brake failure. All connections must be completely dry under pressure before the vehicle is driven.

Reassembly

1. Verify all brake line fittings are torqued to specification and show no signs of leakage
2. Ensure both ABS module electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Confirm brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with fresh DOT 4 LV fluid
4. Verify ABS module programming was successful and no diagnostic codes are present
5. Double-check that all tools and materials are removed from engine compartment

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the ABS warning light illuminates briefly during startup, then extinguishes within 3-5 seconds
• Use the scan tool to verify no ABS diagnostic trouble codes are present
• With the engine running, firmly depress the brake pedal and verify it feels solid with no sponginess or excessive travel
• Perform a low-speed ABS function test in a safe area: On dry pavement at 10-15 mph, firmly apply the brakes to verify the ABS cycles properly (you should feel pulsation in the pedal)
• Re-inspect all brake line connections at the ABS module for any signs of leakage after the test drive
• Verify brake pedal height and feel are normal compared to before the repair
• Check brake fluid level one final time and top off if needed - level may drop slightly after bleeding
• Clear any stored diagnostic codes and verify no new codes appear after test drive
• Document the repair with date and mileage for future reference

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