C5 Corvette - EBCM Repair

How to remove, repair, and reinstall your Electronic Brake Control Module.
My car is a 2001 C5. My understanding is that the 1997-2000 used a different module that cannot be repaired.
Soldering iron - the soldering iron I bought (and love) isn't available any more. But this soldering iron looks to be very similar. A good soldering iron makes all the difference.
amzn.to/3I6cmkR
Tip cleaner, flux, and solder kit
amzn.to/2QvHWyX
Magnifying light that I used (excellent)
amzn.to/394WHz6
Long reach Torx bit set
amzn.to/3bhN7dA
Tap and Die set
amzn.to/2xRIt7I
Loctite Clear Waterproof Silicone
amzn.to/39bIVuB

[@GregSr]

I have a stock 2003 C5. I did this repair back in June of 2020. The EBCM has performed flawlessly since then. No error codes or messages. Traction control and ABS are working normally.

[@DaneSaysStuff]

I had to fix a 2003 Cadillac Deville EBCM for my father in law. Oddly enough it is the exact same unit that the C5 uses so all this info was relevant. I used an 11/64" Drill bit to drill that hole and tapped it for an M5x0.8 bolt. Got it apart, worked like a charm! Thanks for the in depth video!

[@wassupdoc2780]

I just did this to my 50th anniversary C5 with 12000 miles on it. The service stabiltrak messages are gone. I ended up using my 40W soldering iron because the 25W ones were not getting hot enough for me. The 40W worked great. Zip zip zip zip zip. Just don't keep it there too long on the solder joint. Thanks for the video. You really don't have to disconnect the battery. You're just unplugging the 2 connectors with the car turned off of course. Pretty straightforward fix that saves a lot of money and/or having to send it out for repair. Thanks again for helping some vette owners fix their cars for next to nothing except some time and space and tools. Nothing like driving a vette! I did by the way work from the bottom of the car jacked up pretty high with a heavy duty jack stand in place of course. Much easier to get to the bottom screws. No need to remove radiator hose. I did remove air intake hose from throttle body and air cleaner. Better to just get it out of the way. You can get to the top screws easier that way.

[@beninchesapeake]

Want to thank you for an excellent video. I just finished mine and NO CODES. You pointing out the exact places to solder really helped. I did mine from above. I disconnected the MAF sensor wire and moved it aside. Loosened the air bridge and rotated it upward out of the way. Same with the radiator hose. I put an old radiator hose on the water outlet so it wouldn't drain all the coolant from the top of the engine or reservoir. I placed my fingers on the screw head and the torx bit as I slid the screws out. Installed them the same way. When installing the module I also put the two middle screws in the holes before I put the module in place, and then very carefully put the module on. The put one finger on the screw head while I tightened it. Once again, THANK YOU for this video.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Awesome, glad to hear the video helped! Thanks for watching.

[@caseyberry6959]

Soldered mine myself, worked about 11 minutes, been 25 years since ship class when I last soldered so removing again sending it off haha. Thanks for the video great job . Clear and to the point

[@ScrufsGarage]

Oh no, sorry to hear that. Did you replace the relays or just reflow the solder? Any ways, hope it gets fixed up for you. Summer weather is coming!

[@Atlas.X9X]

Nice job on this video. Plenty of good info, presented well, and it wasn't longer than necessary.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@enchantedape8180]

Thanks for the video! Excellent description. Just removed mine yesterday.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Glad the video helped. Hope the repair goes well for you!

[@harryharry3193]

nice job, clean and very understandable english. no music. perfect. I dont own a vette....but im thinking...looks like 8-11 k can get a decent one. liked!

[@ScrufsGarage]

Thanks for watching. You can find some deals on C5's these days, especially if you are willing to fix a few things. I would highly recommend staying in the 2001-04 range if you can. There are a number of things that changed, including the EBCM, the TPMS system I believe, the steering wheel position sensor, etc... and these commonly fail but are often no longer available for the '97-00 models. So just something to be watchful of. But the good news is that how to fix almost any problem has already been documented. Another issue I fix before starting the channel is fixing the HVAC display (goes dim). Again it's just a matter of reflowing the solder on some resistors. So if you get a C5, I suggest you also get a soldering iron, haha.

[@harryharry3193]

@@ScrufsGarage just picked up a 98...(yeah I know --but it was a VERY good deal)....and this is 1 of its issues. I think its located in a diff location......... just noticed your shirt...you in Mt Holly NJ?

[@ScrufsGarage]

@@harryharry3193 congrats on the new C5! I’m not in Mt Holley but I have a close friend who is, so I’m up there a couple times per year. We did a section of the trans nj trail on dual sport motorcycles this summer up by High Point state park. Beautiful area!

[@harryharry3193]

@@ScrufsGarage all kind of nice areas here in New Jersey I live right around the corner from Atco Raceway I'll be watching some C5 videos soon

[@Car_Mo]

Thanks for a great, detailed video. Of all the videos explaining how to do this, this was the only one with showing a good soldering job. Cold soldering this (google it) runs a large risk of the issue re-appearing and the soldering you described was by the book and should last longer than the rest of that board. Now i just need to muster the courage to do it myself. My 2001 C5 have had this issue intermittently for a few years, but only to the point where it's annoying and never to the point where it feels like a problem. Still, it need to be done and this video was my literal kick in the butt ... no more excuses!

[@ScrufsGarage]

Yea, mine was intermittent for a while too. I know what you mean, it's hard to find the motivation to tackle the job when it's not a daily issue. I put it off for a long time until it finally became a hard code and finally forced my hand. Though when I finally did it, it wasn't as difficult as I had imagined.

[@Dan-LXI]

Thanks for the great video. Helped my buddy fix his on his '03 C5. Much appreciated!!

[@ScrufsGarage]

Awesome, glad the video was helpful. And I'm sure your buddy appreciated your help too!

[@Debkghtulvkfjkjfxjjcj]

Great video. Sent mine out to get fixed a while back. Crazy how common this problem is.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Todd Johnson There certain issues that it feels like pretty much every C5 will eventually need. I’m glad to have checked this one off the list. And honestly it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had envisioned. Thanks for watching.

[@rwampler1]

Where did you send yours to ? I’ve been told 97 thru 2000 is not repairable and there is no replacement unless you find a used one. Mine is a 99.

[@klong9269]

Maybe change the title to indicate which year C5 you have. I don't think this will work on a 2000 (I could be wrong)

[@stevencidlik1628]

Thank you for saving me thousands of dollars. It wasn’t that hard of a job.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Awesome, glad to hear the video was helpful!

[@ericrichardson6899]

Thanks for the video, I'm having the same issues, looks like not to bad of a job.

[@ScrufsGarage]

It was actually easier than I thought it would be. It is a little difficult to get too, but not terrible. Good luck on your project!

[@sonofthunder.]

doing this on a 03 caddy deville,...ive also heard about the steer angle sensor ,my codes seem to indicate,the ebcm

[@brandonp.7514]

Great video and love your channel it’s very helpful and informative.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Thanks for the kind words. Always nice to hear the video was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@billboyle7866]

This is an update to my previous post 10 months ago. The "wire" trick didn't help. After a while the usual messages started to appear on the DIC. Intermittent at first, then continual. So, today, I finally got around to it and removed the EBCM from my C5 and took it apart. Tomorrow, I hope to re-solder the 5 points/joints above the relay. Soldering is not my thing so it may take a while for me to do. Hopefully, my effort will fix this problem. I will follow up on this.

[@ScrufsGarage]

I'm definitely not a pro at soldering either, but I can say that a good soldering iron makes all the difference. I upgraded my soldering iron a while back and it has made the soldering much more enjoyable.

[@user-pf1wj6gg5u]

Beautiful vette

[@ScrufsGarage]

Thanks! I think so too.

[@ss-5553]

Great video thank's ! I havent' had that problem yet but no one knows when :)

[@papagigo1]

Is there a gasket between the ABS pump and the EBCM unit ????

[@firstlast-yn4qg]

put a >6mm shaft in first and you can use a shorter bolt to press the lid out

[@billboyle7866]

The test failed. No change in messaging on the DIC. Clearing the messages fails to remove the icons on the instrument control panel. Not sure what to do now.

[@luismontemayor5713]

Check the wheel bearings the abs sensors.. the ground from the abs module

[@luismontemayor5713]

I have seen a lot of videos for the c5 almost all of them for the module An bad bearing & speed sensor can trigger those light a bad ground from the module to.. First i would check all the other ones then the module at last if all the rest dont work

[@Cruise_Fever]

LOOKING for an actual removal and installation of the ABS on a C5 Corvette.

[@C94J]

Scruf, do you recall what codes you were gettng? Was P1571 one of the codes?? I have P1571 and I'm thinking the ebcm... Thank you sir.

[@thehomer5913]

Thanks for a well done, detailed video. What scares me most is not seeing the 6 screws that actually need to be removed/replaced. The 4 easily seen screws are for the housing. Yikes. I've seen other videos/comments that mention using "hot" glue to hold the screws to the torx bit when replacing the module. I might use a dab of gorilla glue since I have no idea what "hot" glue is. I do like the idea of doing this from underneath vs above. I don't want to have to remove the intake, etc. just to get to the housing.

[@beninchesapeake]

Don't be scared dude, it's not that bad. I've done worse. I just finished mine and NO CODES. See my comments above.

[@thehomer5913]

@@beninchesapeake I also finished mine. No codes. And it was just as bad as I feared! Worst repair job I've ever experienced. But it's done.

[@beninchesapeake]

@@thehomer5913 excellent! Yeah, it does get involved. But I'm sure you feel great now that the dash is clear and no more messages. I know I sure do.

[@Mykytys]

I've always wondered why there is a complaint that the EBCM on C5 Corvettes up to the year 2000 is not repairable. Mine is 1999 and I have repaired the EBCM module myself and it has worked for the last 5 years without any problems. So I did something right.

[@Twistedb12]

what’d you do?

[@shaark92]

Thanks Scruf! 01Z here, gonna attack this weekend ... with vigor!

[@ScrufsGarage]

Awesome, hope the project is going well!

[@danlaskowski]

So many cables and hoses in the way. Got 2 bolts loose so far.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Yea there's just no good place for your hands. Sometimes using an extension helped give me some room to work. Hang in there, you'll get it!

[@invertedpolarity6890]

Another great video.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Thanks for watching!!

[@anthonyvigilotti4336]

Can u please explain how u recast the bottom clip , and also was the any type of sealant in between the valve body and the module it self when working the screw driver

[@RichardSadler-y7w]

If I remove the EBCM and send it off for repair, can I keep driving the car in the meantime?

[@ronryman5843]

Is there any need to remove the old solder from the 5 contacts? I did this when resoldering the HVAC PANEL? GREAT EXPLANATION OF CONTENT.

[@ScrufsGarage]

I don’t think so; typically just reflowing the solder and adding a tiny bit more is sufficient. I had to remove the solder when I replaced the relays in the door control module… and it’s a real pain haha.

[@kbrown4ou]

I wish someone could come up with a similar fix for 2000 C5 module.

[@peterciarroni8920]

Excellent job, thank y6!

[@seannewman2470]

I just finished following tutorial and EBCM is working. One question - is there any need to re silicone between the two units? Or just the EBCM box.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Just silicon on the EBCM case should be sufficient.

[@kennyvanh]

I have a 1999 and I see some differences, I have no 2nd plug on the bottom and it doesn’t appear to have the 2 center screws holding it to the module, would you know if this impacts the repair of the unit. Very good video thank you

[@ScrufsGarage]

Mine was a 2001. I don’t believe the earlier models are repairable.

[@johnnycook2384]

Some of the 2000 models can be repaired. The company who does the repairs gave me the list of Vehicle ID numbers that are repairable. Sadly, mine was not on that list.

[@tomvoss2195]

What is the name of the company thanks

[@jeffhoward7642]

1/4-20 works great

[@billboyle7866]

Today, the EBCM's 5 points received new solder. I can only hope that what wasn't right is now corrected. So, it's now to a temporary test installation. If no messages show on the DIC, that will be a good sign. More follow-up to come.

[@peterpurol7873]

Thanks for the lean, music free video. I've been thinking about getting a C5. This ECBM seems to be the reason folks have been shying away from C5's year 2000 and below. Is there any other "nuances" I should be aware of before taking the plunge?

[@ScrufsGarage]

Yea, there were a variety of changes that came with the 2001+ models. In addition to the EBCM, I also believe the SWPS (steering wheel position sensor) is different (previous version no longer available), and the TPMS system is different. Also starting with 2001, even the base model LS1 got the improved LS6 intake manifold, which is worth a few hp. Also I believe 2001 changed to the 85mm MAF (vs 74mm). And I think there were some improvements to the torque tube and couplers. If you search on the Corvette Forum, there are some documents that list all of the changes by year that you may find helpful. But in short, I would try to find a 2001+ car if you can.

[@MagicMahn]

My ECBM on my c6z06 shorted. No one is safe.

[@pierreyoung2956]

can anyone tell what i should do if i have a model in the 97 to 2000 model?? any information at all would be greatly appreciated

[@ericthornton9707]

You have to find a good used one out of another Vette, but if it's being parted out most likely its been wrecked and the ABS module probably wasn't working to begin with! You cannot purchase a new one, Chevy or ACDelco or whoever isn't making them any longer! So we're screwed buddy! I own a 2000 and wonder what's the difference that makes mine un fixable?

[@terryschaller9408]

Hello I have a 98- did your ac/heater display wink out as the alerts came on for you - mine sometimes clears and the heater ac display comes back on.

[@richardjaramillo5445]

Great video! I have a check engine light on. I cleared the codes and it still came back on. Do you have any videos on what might be the problem

[@ScrufsGarage]

The check engine light could be related to a lot of different things. If it comes back immediately after you clear it, then it sounds like a hard code (ie, something is completely not working - for me, the EBCM was a hard code) vs something that is an intermittent issue (only happens under certain conditions). Have you worked on anything recently? Any chance something didn't get plugged back in? I would pull the code and do a quick google search. Most likely you'll find some discussion threads on the Corvette forum about the issue and it will help point you in the right direction. Good luck!

[@billboyle7866]

Very helpful indeed. I have to do this fix to my C5. Have to ask, it has been over a year since the video, has the repair held up, that is, no additional intermittent codes? We need to close the loop and find out the success of the fix. Thanks.

[@ScrufsGarage]

I had no other issues after the repair. I ended up selling the car a few months back, but I can verify up to that point that everything was working fine.

[@billboyle7866]

@@ScrufsGarage Thanks for the quick reply. My C5's intermittent service ABS /Traction Control has been a problem since 2011. I tracked down all of the ground points thinking that it may have been related because the DIC would show the problem going over a bump then disappear making a turn, just to reappear. The weird thing is that the codes were not related to the car's braking or handling. I am preparing to tackle this repair soon and hopefully rid the car of this problem forever.

[@billboyle7866]

It's 5 months since my original post. I touched the wiring only at the connector and the C1214 codes and messages stopped showing on the DIC. Drove the car for months with nothing until this past Saturday running over rough country roads and the messages popped up on my DIC. Frustrated as hell again and will now proceed with removing the EBCm and doing the soldering fix. Question: Would putting the car on stands provide better access to the EBCM by working from underneath the car? (I see that you had the car on the ground.)

[@DanPattonFotoZ]

I need to check my wires on my 2000 I guess. Could it be a damaged wire?

[@CABNY1]

Was the repair done the same way for the 97-00 thanks

[@ScrufsGarage]

From everything I have read, the 97-00 EBCM is not repairable. This only applies to the 2001+ models.

[@rwampler1]

What year car is he working on, I’ve been told 97 thru 2000 can not be repaired and there is no replacement unless you find a used one

[@ScrufsGarage]

That's correct. My car is a 2001.

[@eddied8989]

Why wasn't the actual soldering shown ?

[@ScrufsGarage]

To be honest, it was difficult to get a good camera angle and have room for me to work. Plus I'm not really a pro at soldering, so if you're interested in tips to improve your soldering skills, there are a number of good videos on YT that can probably teach that better than me. My goal was more to show the steps needed specific to the Corvette and the EBCM. Thanks for watching.

[@Lars4468]

But i have only the c1276 code .. No abs code ?? Whats this

[@link9alink9a71]

l change the relay too the white one cost 3$ only ....

[@TheNutshaq]

I have a 2000. Can I put a 2001+ unit in as a replacement?

[@vettetea4512]

Do you know if 1999 corvette module with a letter M be repair too? Every comments I read said I can only buy a used one. Correct? Thanks

[@ScrufsGarage]

That's my understanding also, that the older ones cannot be repaired. Sorry.

[@DanPattonFotoZ]

I have the M coded on my 2000 also. Everyone says those can't be repaired, I just don't know who "THEY" is!! I wish "THEY" would tell me WHY! I will check the wiring at the bcm and wheel sensors one day when it gets warmer, heard wiring could be broken, who knows.

[@alanpatterson9937]

Thank you for the information. Where did purchase the shop light that fastened to the hood.

[@ScrufsGarage]

I don't recall, I've had it for a while. But they are incredibly useful. A lot of them are rechargeable battery powered. Personally, those never seem to last long enough. I prefer ones that I can use while plugged in. And some of them now have lights that you can rotate to help aim at your work area, which is nice.

[@user-pf1wj6gg5u]

Is the repair still good ?

[@ScrufsGarage]

Yes, no issues. This repair should last you for a long time.

[@Livingwater1994]

Hey, I’m doing this job on my 2003 z06. Did you disconnect the battery when you took your module off? Would disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it clear the code? I disconnected my battery to take my module off to repair it, then I started thinking how that may have cleared the code and I would not have any way of testing if the code came back unless I went out and spun the tires. I’m not sure how to check the ohms of the module. I’ve been trying to find a video. This is my first time doing this. I’m just trying to save a dollar.

[@ScrufsGarage]

I did not disconnect the battery though it’s always a good idea. For me, the EBCM caused a hard code, meaning even if I cleared it, it immediately came back. You can go into the DIC and clear any history codes. If the code doesn’t come back the next time you start the car, then you’ve got it fixed.

[@bman20233]

Can you drive car after you remove ebcm?

[@chrislowry4114]

What year is your corvette because my 1999 looks to have o my 4 screws and the connector is completely different

[@ScrufsGarage]

Correct, my car was a 2001 model. My understanding is that the pre-01 models are different and can't be repaired.

[@melissaescobar298]

Hey there wanted to know what gage or size soder do you use?

[@ScrufsGarage]

The kit I used is in the episode notes. It came with flux, a tip cleaner, and 0.6mm solder 60/40. amzn.to/2QvHWyX And it worked well, no issues.

[@markgrogan4871]

I have this problem with my 2000 C5 will this work for my car???

[@nachosilva3777]

Mark Grogan! Did you ever fix this issue on your 2000 c5?

[@papagigo1]

Great video , did you have to put sealer where the break lines are before you replaced the EBCM

[@timschrader1056]

If I remove the module and send it off for repair, can the car be driven safely without the module? Thanks

[@ScrufsGarage]

I would not recommend it. Obviously the ABS wouldn't function, and you'd have a ton of ABS error codes. Plus you'll want to keep containments from getting into the ABS pump area. So I would do it at a time when you can be without the car until the module comes back from repair.

[@riverj88]

What year is your C5? I heard it’s different for the year 2000.

[@ScrufsGarage]

Correct, my car is a 2001. But the older models use a different EBCM.

[@papagigo1]

Would it have helped to remove the upper radiator hose ?

[@ScrufsGarage]

It might help a little, but then there's the added working of opening the cooling system and trying to get air out of the system. To me I don't think it helps enough to be worth the added work. Hope that helps. Good luck on the repair!

[@retrobear9367]

I fixed mine today. But the active handling button isn't doing anything

[@ScrufsGarage]

Are you still getting an active handling warning on the dash? Or is it just the button not doing anything? You might check and make sure the button is plugged in. The center console has to come out for a lot of projects and that button has to be unplugged, small chance it didn't get plugged back in?

[@retrobear9367]

@@ScrufsGarage the warning is gone. The button is plugged in lights up but doesnt function in another other capacity. I ordered another button on the off chance that the button may be back.

[@loganclaar3584]

If your replace the whole ECBM do u need to take it apart?

[@ScrufsGarage]

No, taking it apart is only needed if you are repairing one. If you are replacing the whole unit, you only need the removal/installation instructions.

[@sloopdawg]

do i need to make a gasket or use rtv when reinstalling? what keeps the water out?

[@ScrufsGarage]

Just a bead of the clear silicone between the two halves before you close them up will do. Wipe off any excess on the outside.

[@sloopdawg]

@@ScrufsGarage Thnx

[@davidgibbons7651]

What year is your Corvette?

[@ScrufsGarage]

My car is a 2001. Keep in mind that the 2001-04 EBCM is different from the previous model. I'm not sure those can be repaired as easily?

[@ericrichardson6899]

@@ScrufsGarage mine is a 2000, what is the difference.

[@maxfly7079]

97 & 98 are located in the rear, by the diff...99 & 00 are under the hood, just not repairable, at least not like the 01 to 04...try Westchester Corvettes in NY and talk to Chuck Cow 1-914-332-0049...good luck...my 99 v5 vert. needs this fix too.

[@leejames8842]

Want work people bullshit 🥺

[@ScrufsGarage]

What problem are you having? Still not working after the repair?