This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ABS module (hydraulic control unit) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including brake fluid bleeding and system reinitialization.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS hydraulic control unit (module) × 1 — Use OEM Ford part for proper calibration
• Brake line crush washers (if applicable) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Verify you have a scan tool capable of ABS bleeding functions (Ford IDS, or compatible aftermarket tool with Ford ABS module bleeding capability)
4. Ensure replacement ABS module is correct part number for your specific F-150 configuration
5. Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment
6. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
7. Remove engine cover (pull upward firmly on all four corners)
8. Locate ABS module on driver side frame rail near master cylinder and brake booster
9. Have brake fluid catch container and clean rags ready - fluid will drain when lines are disconnected

Procedure

1. 1

   Access ABS module area
   Remove any components blocking access to the ABS module. On some configurations, you may need to remove the air intake duct or battery tray for better access. The ABS module is mounted on the driver side frame rail between the master cylinder and inner fender. Clear the work area of any loose components.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the large electrical connector on the ABS module. Press the locking tab (usually red or gray) and pull connector straight out from module. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. If connector is corroded, clean with electrical contact cleaner before proceeding.
   ⚠Battery must be disconnected before removing electrical connectors to prevent fault codes or module damage.
3. 3

   Label and disconnect brake lines
   There are typically 4-6 brake hard lines connected to the ABS module. Use a marker or tape to label each line with its position (front left, front right, rear left, rear right, inlet from master cylinder, etc.). Position catch pan below module. Using the appropriate flare nut wrench, carefully loosen each brake line fitting. Expect significant brake fluid drainage. Remove fittings completely and immediately cap or plug open lines to prevent contamination and further fluid loss.
   ⚠️Brake fluid will drain when lines are disconnected. Keep fluid away from painted surfaces, plastics, and skin. Have adequate containment ready.
   ⚠Use only flare nut wrenches on brake line fittings. Standard wrenches will round off the soft brass fittings.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove ABS module mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the ABS module to the bracket on the frame rail. There are typically 2-3 bolts. Using a 10mm socket, remove all mounting bolts. Support the module with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Carefully lift the ABS module away from the mounting bracket, being mindful of any remaining fluid drainage.
   Torque spec

   ABS Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Inspect mounting area and prepare new module
   Clean the mounting bracket surface with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or debris. Inspect brake line fittings for damage or corrosion. Compare old and new ABS modules to verify they are identical, with matching part numbers and connector configurations. Remove any shipping plugs or caps from the new module's brake line ports. If the module came with new crush washers or seals, prepare to install them on the brake line fittings.
6. 6

   Install new ABS module
   Position the new ABS module onto the mounting bracket, aligning all bolt holes. Start all mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once all bolts are started, torque them to specification in a crisscross pattern using a torque wrench. Ensure module is seated flush against bracket.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect brake lines
   Remove caps or plugs from brake lines and module ports. Install new crush washers if applicable. Thread each brake line fitting into the correct port on the ABS module by hand first, referencing your labels from disassembly. Start all fittings before tightening any. Once all fittings are hand-tight, use the flare nut wrench and torque wrench to tighten each fitting to specification. Double-check that each line is connected to the correct port.
   ⚠Cross-threading brake line fittings will ruin the module. Thread each fitting carefully by hand for several turns before using a wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the ABS module connector port, ensuring proper pin alignment. Push connector firmly into place until the locking tab clicks. Tug gently on connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
9. 9

   Fill brake fluid reservoir
   Locate the brake fluid reservoir on top of the master cylinder. Remove the cap and fill the reservoir to the MAX line with fresh, sealed Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid. Keep the reservoir topped off throughout the bleeding process to prevent air from entering the system. Never let the reservoir drop below the MIN line during bleeding.
   ⚠️Use only fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid from a sealed container. Contaminated or incorrect brake fluid can cause brake system failure.
10. 10

    Perform manual brake bleeding - initial
    Starting with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (typically right rear), attach bleeder hose to bleeder screw and submerge other end in clean brake fluid in a clear container. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/2 turn and allow fluid to flow until stream stops, then close bleeder screw before assistant releases pedal. Repeat until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Repeat process for left rear, right front, then left front. Check and refill reservoir frequently.
    ⚠️Never allow the brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter the system and you must start over.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and perform ABS module scan tool bleeding
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Connect scan tool to OBD-II port under driver side dash. Navigate to ABS system functions and select 'ABS Bleed' or 'HCU Bleed' function. The scan tool will cycle the ABS pump and solenoids. You will hear clicking and motor noise from the ABS module - this is normal. Follow scan tool prompts, which will typically instruct you to bleed specific wheels in a specific sequence while the module cycles valves. This step is critical to remove air from the ABS hydraulic unit itself.
    ⚠️This step requires a scan tool with active ABS bleeding capability. Without proper scan tool bleeding, air will remain trapped in the ABS hydraulic unit causing soft brake pedal and reduced braking performance.
12. 12

    Perform final manual brake bleeding
    After scan tool bleeding is complete, repeat the manual bleeding process from step 10 for all four wheels in the same sequence (RR, LR, RF, LF). This ensures any air dislodged by the ABS cycling is removed. Continue bleeding each wheel until fluid runs completely clear with absolutely no air bubbles. The brake pedal should feel firm when pumped. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line and install cap securely.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Clear fault codes and verify system operation
    Using the scan tool, clear any ABS fault codes that were stored during the repair. Turn ignition off, then start the engine. Verify that the ABS warning light illuminates during bulb check and then goes out after 2-3 seconds. If ABS light remains on, retrieve fault codes and address before proceeding. With engine running, pump brake pedal several times - it should feel firm and maintain pressure. If pedal feels soft or sinks, repeat bleeding procedures.
    ⚠️Do not attempt to drive vehicle if ABS light remains illuminated or if brake pedal feels soft or spongy. Repeat bleeding procedures or seek professional service.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by pressing firmly on all four corners until clips engage
2. Reinstall any air intake ducts or components removed for access
3. Double-check all brake line connections for tightness and proper torque
4. Verify brake fluid reservoir is at MAX line with cap properly secured
5. Wipe down any spilled brake fluid immediately with clean water and dry rags

Verification

• With engine running, pump brake pedal firmly 5-6 times. Pedal must feel firm and hold pressure without sinking
• Verify ABS warning light is OFF with engine running
• Inspect all brake line connections at ABS module for any signs of fluid leakage
• In a safe, traffic-free area at low speed (under 10 mph), perform several moderate brake applications to verify normal braking feel and response
• Perform harder brake application at low speed to verify ABS module does not activate unexpectedly (no pulsing pedal under normal braking)
• If available, perform scan tool active test of ABS system to verify all wheel speed sensors and module functions are operating correctly
• Road test vehicle in safe conditions, performing multiple stops from various speeds. Brake pedal must remain firm with no pulling to one side
• If equipped, verify traction control and stability control systems function properly by checking for warning lights and testing activation in safe conditions
• After first test drive, recheck brake fluid level and inspect all connections for leaks
• Monitor ABS warning light for several days of driving to ensure no delayed fault codes appear

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