Engine Control Module Repair: ABS, TCS & ESP®

Modern vehicles rely on systems like ABS, TCS and ESP to stabilise the car and prevent skidding. These systems depend on sensors and a central control unit.

Why maintenance is essential:

• The electronics intervene before a driver can react
• Faults can disable safety features without notice
• Warning lights often indicate deeper control unit issues
• Repairs often require engine control module repair

Bosch Car Service uses specialist diagnostic tools to detect faults early and ensure your safety systems work exactly as intended.

Modern vehicles use several control modules that work together to keep the car stable and prevent skidding:

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
  Prevents the wheels from locking under heavy braking, so the car remains steerable.
• TCS (Traction Control System)
  Prevents wheel spin when accelerating on slippery surfaces by reducing power to the slipping wheel.
• ESP® / ESC (Electronic Stability Program / Control)
  Combines ABS and TCS with engine management to correct a loss of control before a skid occurs.

All of these rely on the central electronics of the vehicle – and when faults appear, they may require professional diagnostics or engine control module repair to restore full function.

An ECU or safety system control unit should be checked as soon as warning signs appear. The most common indicators include:

• Dashboard warning lights such as ABS, ESP or traction control staying on permanently
• The ABS warning light or ESP light on appearing while driving and not clearing
• Loss of traction or stability during normal driving
• The car pulling to one side under braking
• A brake pedal that feels irregular, slow to respond or unusually hard/soft
• TCS or ESP activating too often or not at all
• Multiple driver assistance systems switching off at the same time

Because these systems are electronically linked, a fault in one module can affect others. In these cases, a professional diagnostic check and, if necessary, engine control module repair is required to restore full system function.

In most cases, diagnosing the fault takes around 30–60 minutes, depending on how many safety systems are affected.

If engine control module repair is required, the repair itself typically takes a few hours up to one day, depending on vehicle type, accessibility and whether coding or calibration is needed.

Because every case is different, it’s best to request an individual assessment and quote from your local Bosch Car Service.

The repair involves identifying which part of the safety system is failing and restoring it to proper function. For someone with no technical background, it can be summarised like this:

What is checked and repaired:

• ABS (anti-lock braking system): sensors and the ABS control module are tested so the wheels don’t lock when braking.
• TCS (traction control system): checked to ensure the car doesn’t lose grip when accelerating.
• ESP / ESC (stability control): tested so the car stays stable in corners and slippery conditions.
• The main ECU / control unit that manages these systems is diagnosed, repaired or re-coded if needed.

What the workshop does:

• Reads fault codes with diagnostic equipment
• Tests sensors, wiring and the hydraulic unit
• Repairs or replaces the defective module
• Resets and calibrates the system so it works like original

In short: the safety systems are checked, repaired and reactivated so the car can stabilise itself properly again.