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I attempted to repair my abs module. Here is what I found:
Opening the case was a real pain. First, I removed the 4 clinch rings from the posts. Then I worked an exacto knife and dental tool around the sealant for quite a while. Cover and base are joined by a tongue and groove configuration. This, combined with the sealant, makes it very difficult to remove the cover. I was not able to open it without buggering up the joints. If you could find a chemical to soften the mastic, it would be a tremendous help. Finding a tool to get past the "tongue" would be great too. The repair centers might use a dremel tool, but i was afraid to without knowing what I was cutting into.
After finally getting inside the module, I found the PCB coated with a thick, clear, viscous gel. I used a microscope to thoroughly inspect solder joints and appearance of components. No visual defects were noted, so I proceeded to reflow all the connector pins and anything resembling a cold solder joint. I resealed and installed the module and had no problems for about a month. Then, the same problems resurfaced. At this time, I decided to send the unit to www.autoecu.com. I chose them simply because we were on the same coast and thought it would be faster. It took longer than I expected to get it back due to shipping and timing, but the unit has been working fine for several months.
If the defect was related to a cold solder joint or broken PCB run, I couldn't find it, and I was using a very nice lab grade microscope designed specifically for PCB inspection. The PCB runs looked new, as did the solder joints. Maybe I should have added solder to the pins, but I know what a good solder fillet looks like, and these looked fine. I suspect the guys that repair these successfully know exactly what is wrong prior to opening the unit, and of course, have experience with the unit. I'd love to know exactly what was wrong with mine and maybe it was just an oversight on my part. I'm not trying to discourage anyone from working on the unit but want you to know it's a real pain, and you could easily ruin the unit. Sometimes you just have to pay for knowledge and experience.
Good luck and thanks to those who have helped me with my '98 V70 problems in the past. It can be a real challenge at times - a very love / hate relationship.
kcarl
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