Yes, it would be nice. But, I can live with no ABS if it is going to be a pain to get it working.

 

I’m not sure how that ABS module works but I believe you have separate valves to control the front ABS vs the back ABS. So if one of the valves is down the other may still be working unless the module wont allow it. Not sure. Someone else may know. Have you “tested” it in an empty parking lot? The sound and feel of ABS engaged is rather unmistakable.

Speaking for myself, if my RWAL went out I doubt I would fix it. For two reasons. One, not sure I’d want the expense…it can be pricey. Two, My ABS hasn’t come on in decades. In fact, I can remember it coming on maybe twice and that was during its first 5 years when I was driving on icy Chicago streets throughout the winter. Since moving to NC in 1998 where icy streets are extremely rare, My ABS has never heen heard from. And after all, we did go 3/4 of a century with no ABS.

 

Thanks Bronze. I know the ABS doesn’t work because I came up over a hill a few weeks agp. The traffic was at a dead stop and I had to break hard. My left rear wheel locked up. Now that could have been because I replaced the right rear wheel cylinder about a year ago and it didn’t match the left. I have since replaced the left wheel cylinder to match to right. You are right though, I don’t drive the truck much and it is really rare that the ABS kicks in. Like you, Now I’m thinking it might not be worth the expense and effort to get it working.

 

I don’t blame you for trying. It would be nice to know exactly what the problem is so you have the option to fix or ignore. Don’t give up too quick. Getting the codes is close to free if you can find the link. It’s gotta be somewhere.

 

On the 4wal systems, you REALLY need the appropriate scanner to read the codes, and see what the system is whining about.

 

That means the dealer would most likely have that scanner. I've lost so much faith in dealer service these days for older vehicles. I'm not a mechanic but I can just tell these dealers are mostly clueless about old vehicles just by talking to them about my 28 year old truck.

Flounder, HY is probably right. But try to find a dealer with an older guy or two. These kids are computer readers these days. I had a timing chain gasket changed out several years ago and the dealer had one old timer who did the job. No one else had a clue. But then, all you're asking for is a computer read so maybe these kids can do that.

 

In my view, they are pretty much clueless about the new vehicles as well. Things have gotten a LOT more complicated since I was doin' the wrench turnin' thing for a living. I thought dealing with ONE computer was a pain, now there are dozens in any given vehicle, and they all wanna chat together. You basically need a computer engineering degree to reasonably troubleshoot their issues. The young guys mostly don't have any idea what they are doing, and are just parts replacers, hoping that this time, it will work..... Training on these systems is woefully inadequate, and by the time they have the experience to recognize problems, the manufacturers change everything once again, and they are back to square one.

 

There was a time you knew if you had a strange problem you could take it to the dealer and they'd find it. It's the opposite these days. You're better off finding a local garage with mechanics in their 50's or beyond who have been turning wrenches their entire careers. These older guys were forced to diagnose problems without the aid of a computer and they got real good at it. Solid, experienced, common sense, practical ability to sniff out problems using cause and effect analysis. And they show up for work every day too...a bonus!

 

Just in case this helps. On my 94 RWAL there is a blue connector on the driver side under dash next to column.
I bought the "special" connector for it but I have never got my MT 2500 to see or connect to anything related to the RWAL box. It doesn't see anything related to brakes from the diagnostic connector in the engine compartment either. .