This procedure covers removal and replacement of the ABS modulator assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including brake line disconnection, module replacement, brake system bleeding, and ECU programming.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS modulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda ABS module for 1.5T Accord (requires VIN-specific programming)
• Brake line sealing washers × 4 — Honda part 90441-PC1-000 or equivalent
• ABS module mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Turn ignition off and remove key. Do NOT start vehicle again until repair is complete
3. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir. Check fluid level and note color/condition
4. Remove negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
5. Remove positive battery cable and remove battery from vehicle
6. On 2018-2020 models, remove battery tray for improved access to ABS module
7. Use turkey baster or suction tool to remove brake fluid from reservoir down to MIN line to minimize spillage during line disconnection
8. Prepare clean workspace with brake fluid catch containers and plastic caps/plugs for brake lines
9. Locate ABS modulator assembly on driver side of engine bay mounted to chassis bracket

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the large multi-pin electrical connector on the ABS module. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the module. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage.
2. 2

   Label and disconnect brake lines
   Using a permanent marker or tape, label all four brake lines connected to the ABS module (LF, RF, LR, RR or use the casting marks on the module). Position catch container under module. Using the appropriate size flare nut wrench (typically 12mm), slowly loosen each brake line fitting by turning counterclockwise. Brake fluid will drain from lines. Once loosened, unthread fittings completely by hand and immediately cap open lines and ports with plastic plugs to prevent contamination and fluid loss.
   ⚠Use only flare nut wrenches on brake line fittings. Standard wrenches will round off the soft brass fittings and cause line replacement.
3. 3

   Remove ABS module mounting bolts
   Locate the two ABS module mounting bolts securing the module to its bracket. These are typically 10mm hex head bolts. Remove both bolts completely and set aside. If bolts show corrosion, replace with new fasteners.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ABS module from vehicle
   Carefully lift the ABS module assembly away from the mounting bracket. The module is heavy and contains residual brake fluid. Keep it level and place it in the catch container. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage or corrosion. Clean mounting surfaces with parts cleaner and shop towels.
5. 5

   Prepare new ABS module
   Remove the new ABS module from packaging. Verify part number matches the old unit and is correct for your vehicle VIN. Inspect all brake line ports for shipping plugs or debris and remove. Do NOT remove protective caps until ready to connect brake lines. Compare new module to old unit to ensure all ports and mounting points align correctly.
6. 6

   Install new ABS module
   Position the new ABS module onto the mounting bracket, aligning the mounting bolt holes. Hand-thread both ABS module mounting bolts to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench, tighten both mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern (alternate between bolts).
   ⚠Do not overtighten ABS module bolts. The module housing is aluminum and can crack if bolts exceed specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect brake lines with new sealing washers
   Install new brake line sealing washers on each brake line fitting (discard old washers). Remove protective caps from module ports one at a time. Match each labeled brake line to its corresponding port on the new module using your labels or the casting marks. Hand-thread each brake line fitting clockwise until finger-tight to prevent cross-threading. Using the flare nut wrench and torque wrench, tighten each brake line fitting to specification. Work in a pattern to evenly seat all lines.
   ⚠Cross-threading brake line fittings will destroy the module port threads. Always hand-thread fittings first and ensure they turn smoothly before using tools.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Align the electrical connector with the pins on the ABS module. Press firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
9. 9

   Reinstall battery and tray
   If removed, reinstall the battery tray and secure mounting bolts. Reinstall battery into tray. Connect positive battery cable first, then negative battery cable. Ensure connections are tight.
10. 10

    Refill brake fluid reservoir
    Open brake fluid reservoir cap. Fill reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to the MAX line. Do not overfill. Leave cap loose for bleeding process. Use only new brake fluid from a sealed container.
11. 11

    Perform ABS module programming
    Connect Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) or equivalent professional scan tool to the vehicle OBD-II port. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Follow scan tool prompts to identify the new ABS module and perform VIN-specific programming and configuration. This process typically takes 5-15 minutes. Do not interrupt power during programming or the module may be damaged.
    ⚠️Programming MUST be completed before driving. An unprogrammed ABS module will not function and may cause erratic brake behavior or complete brake failure.
12. 12

    Perform automated ABS brake bleeding
    Using the HDS or professional scan tool, initiate the automated ABS brake bleeding procedure. This cycles the ABS pump and solenoids to purge air from the modulator. Follow all scan tool prompts. Monitor brake fluid reservoir and refill as needed during the bleeding process to prevent reservoir from running dry. The automated procedure typically runs 2-3 cycles.
    ⚠The reservoir can drop quickly during automated bleeding. Have a helper monitor fluid level and refill immediately if it approaches MIN line.
13. 13

    Perform manual brake bleeding at all four wheels
    Following standard brake bleeding procedure, bleed all four wheels in the correct sequence (typically RR, LR, RF, LF for Honda). At each wheel, attach clear hose to bleeder screw, submerge hose end in clean brake fluid, and have helper pump brake pedal 3 times and hold. Open bleeder screw until fluid stops flowing, close bleeder screw, release pedal. Repeat until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Tighten each bleeder screw to specification after bleeding is complete. Maintain reservoir level throughout process.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final fluid level check and cap installation
    With all bleeding complete, fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Wipe any spilled fluid from reservoir and surrounding areas immediately with water and shop towels. Install reservoir cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Verify all brake line fittings are torqued to specification and show no signs of leakage
2. Verify ABS module electrical connector is fully seated and locked
3. Verify battery is securely installed and both cables are tight
4. Remove all tools and materials from engine compartment
5. Clean any brake fluid spills from painted surfaces immediately with water

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should be firm and not sink to floor. If pedal is soft or spongy, repeat bleeding procedure
• Start engine. Brake pedal may drop slightly as ABS system pressurizes - this is normal. Pedal should remain firm with engine running
• Turn ignition to ON and verify ABS warning light follows normal sequence (illuminates briefly then extinguishes). If ABS light remains on, use scan tool to retrieve fault codes
• With scan tool connected, verify no active ABS fault codes are present and module communication is normal
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area (empty parking lot). At 5-10 mph, apply brakes firmly. Vehicle should stop smoothly and straight with no pulsation or noise
• Perform ABS function test in safe area with scan tool monitoring. At 15-20 mph on dry pavement, apply brakes firmly to activate ABS. Module should cycle properly with no warning lights
• After test drive, inspect all brake line fittings at ABS module for signs of leakage. Check brake fluid reservoir level - should still be at MAX line
• If any abnormal brake behavior, warning lights, or leaks are detected, DO NOT DRIVE and seek professional service immediately

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