Brake Module Failure - C0044 - Check Brake System - needing insight

[HeyBales]

Ok I’ll admit it.
One of the reasons I keep my 2004 escape in top shape approaching 230,000 miles is because I still feel more comfortable owning a back up vehicle.

I trust my Maverick 98.9899%
But I like to cover my ass 100%
If ya get my drift….

Shoot - sometimes having that 2nd vehicle for parts run is mighty useful.

Nothing like a bit of routine maintenance, like say rotating tires.
And you forgot you had a tire flat taken care of.
And they way over-torqued the lug nut.
And you break off a stud, or ruin the lug nut. Or both!
And the auto place is still open.
And you don't have to call in backup for the run.

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[Vitamin G]

If the dealership has followed the proper procedures, replaced the parts that the test led to, and installed the parts and performed everything correctly, but there's still a problem, they have an additional resource: the technical hotline. Some Techs don't like to deal with them because it requires writing a detailed description of the problem, the tests performed and the results, what we've done so far, etc. And the 1st time, they will give us an almost useless answer. But if we have our stuff together and let them know we didn't just contact them just to tell us what's wrong without doing what the repair manual says, then the subsequent responses will usually lead to a credible solution. After 2 or 3 written exchanges I try to get him to call me and talk directly. And in severe cases, they will send a field service engineer to the dealership to assist (often a young kid with a tablet who's never been under a hood). But he has a database, and direct connection with someone who knows what they're doing. Some Techs don't like to write. Others don't want to take the time because we often don't get paid to type and go back and forth. My logic is that there's a guy or gal sitting in an office or working from home that's getting paid more than I am. I'm not ashamed to make him earn his money. Anyway, if they can't figure it out mention that you heard that they have a hotline they can contact. If it's a bad module, hotline will often give us the confirmation based on the information given and us following instructions sometimes not detailed in our repair manual

This is good to have some insight into what happens on the backend. I appreciate the info!

I just hope whatever happens they figure it out shortly. It's just frustrating for all including the techs I imagine trying to figure out what is plaguing the car. Here's to hoping they figure it out.

 

[Vitamin G]

It’s possible the replacement brake module wasn’t faulty but instead they ordered the wrong one and are covering their error by claiming it was faulty and had to re-order it.
I worked in dealership parts dept for a few years back in the 90’s and I can confirm that scenario does occur.

Good point. That could totally be a possibility. I am expecting to find out today if they new module they ordered worked. *Fingers crossed*

 

[Vitamin G]

“It really comes down to the individual mechanic's or tech's training”

BINGO!

You need to prepare yourself for the future.
Secure any technical data, repair manuals you can.

In about ten years all us Boomers will have either died off or be busy trying to find our teeth in the nursing home.

That will leave very few of the older Gen X’ers left to fix things.
As they thin out and retire no one will be able to find any competent mechanics to work on vehicles, or air craft, or infrastructure.

Because everyone was brainwashed into useless college degrees in things like,
HR,
Art, Advertising,
Beauticians,
All those easy look at me jobs.

The get down and get it done wrench turners, welders, plumbers, the tradesmen will be few and far between.
Just wait and see.

Yes I think they do have a shortage of mechanics right now. The ones at the dealership I think are probably overworked. I'm really not frustrated at the individuals involved just the situation as a whole.
It took months to get into the dealership for an appointment initially due to how booked up they were. And I'm sure my Maverick is not the only vehicle that is not having smooth sailing. Very much a snowball effect going on here.
The end of the day it just makes the experience for all not pleasant. Hopefully today the car is fixed and they call me shortly saying it is running and I can drive it home.

 

[Vitamin G]

That is a bit extreme. Bad replacement parts happen....if you feel that way, maybe you should start considering getting rid of the vehicle.

Yes things do happen for sure. As someone mentioned their can be misordering of parts. And of course their can be faulty parts.
I just am hoping it's not something else that will add more weeks onto the Maverick being stuck in the shop.

 

[Vitamin G]

Shoot - sometimes having that 2nd vehicle for parts run is mighty useful.

Nothing like a bit of routine maintenance, like say rotating tires.
And you forgot you had a tire flat taken care of.
And they way over-torqued the lug nut.
And you break off a stud, or ruin the lug nut. Or both!
And the auto place is still open.
And you don't have to call in backup for the run.

Yes the other vehicle for the parts run is amazing... We've all been there where your car is torn apart and you realize you have the wrong part or you need that one thing to finish it up.

 

[Quest]

I was told they basically did everything they possibly could do at dealership before they diagnosed a bad brake module. Having air in the system could be it contributing factor. I initially thought this as well. Between the original shop and the dealership, I would think they would easily catch that. It really comes down to the individual mechanic's or tech's training I suppose. As one does... you doom scroll on possible reasons for why this may have happened. I read some theorizing about dirty brake fluid making its way back up to module unit and causing issues, but this is of course hard to verify.

I am better suited with manual operations of a car than the computer side. I did inspect everything the best I could for the brake job. Everything seemed fine and I didn't see anything off with what they performed. The dealership is unaffiliated with the other shop and they indicated everything was done correctly by them.

I also think some of this will remain a mystery. It could have just been a perfect storm and the module just gave out due to them working in there. There could have been some corrosion happening internal to module. They do put salt brine on the roads here, so I am wondering if there is a possibility that some of these modules aren't sealed against salt as well as we would like. Salt is electronics worst enemy.

I should find out Monday if my Maverick is up and running. I am running 2+ weeks without it at this point. I also am not okay with taking the car back due to safety concerns with faulty module. I am at mercy of the dealership ability to diagnose and/or the quality of Ford parts.

Just saying , air in the system will give the same code

 

[Vitamin G]

Just saying , air in the system will give the same code

I'll bring that up when I go into dealership... I've been waiting for a call today.

 

[Vitamin G]

The dealership called and said the new module has been installed and it is still throwing a code... Back to the drawing board I suppose.

They said it may be an issue with their computers...

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