Ford Transit ABS Pump Repair: Warning Lights, Fault Codes & Professional Fix

4 days ago
3 min read

Symptoms of a Failing ABS Pump on Ford Transit

ABS warning light illuminated — stays on permanently after starting
Traction control light on — often alongside ABS light as systems share the same hydraulic unit
Brake pedal pulsating at low speed — pump activating when it shouldn't, with grinding or buzzing noise
ESP/stability control fault — "Service ESC" message on dashboard
Complete ABS failure — no anti-lock function at all. On a loaded Transit in wet conditions, genuinely dangerous.
Intermittent faults — warning lights that come and go, often temperature-related, worsening over time

Common Ford Transit ABS Fault Codes

C1095 — ABS hydraulic pump motor circuit failure. Most common code on MK7 Transits.
C1288 — Pressure switch input circuit. Pressure sensor inside pump body has failed.
C1185 — ABS pump motor circuit open. Burnt-out motor winding or failed internal connection.
U0121 — Lost communication with ABS module. Electronic control unit has failed. Nine times out of ten it's the module, not wiring.

These codes appear across the Transit range — particularly on vehicles fitted with Bosch 8.0, 8.1, and 9.0 ABS units. Common Ford part numbers include 6C11-2M110 and variants by model year.

What Fails Inside the ABS Module

Pump Motor Failure

The electric motor driving the hydraulic pump wears out. Brushes degrade, commutator corrodes, motor runs intermittently or stops. Single most common failure — directly causes C1095 and C1185.

Internal Relay Failure

The relay supplying power to the pump motor is soldered onto the circuit board. Thermal cycling causes dry joints. Motor may be fine but never receives power. Common on higher-mileage MK7 Transits.

Pressure Sensor Faults

Pressure sensor monitors hydraulic accumulator pressure. When it fails, you get C1288 — pump runs continuously or not at all.

Solenoid Valve Wear

Individual solenoid valves for each brake circuit can stick, wear, or lose their seal after years of commercial use. Causes uneven braking and pedal pulsation.

Corroded Connectors

Water ingress from road spray attacks the connector, PCB tracks, and bond wires. Transits that spend their lives on motorways in all weather are worst affected.

Why Repair Makes Sense — Especially for Fleet Operators

A new ABS pump module from Ford costs £1,200 to £1,800 — before fitting. A professional bench repair costs £150 to £250, fully tested with warranty. Second-hand units are a gamble.

For fleet operators running five, ten, or twenty Transits, the maths is simple: repair at a fraction of the cost, get the vehicle back on the road fast. Every day a Transit is off the road is a day your driver isn't earning.

We prioritise Transit ABS repairs because we understand that commercial vehicles need fast turnaround.

How Our Postal Repair Service Works

1. Remove the ABS pump module from your Transit. Not sure how? We'll walk you through it — or your mechanic can handle it.

2. Send the unit by Royal Mail or courier. Pack it well — heavy hydraulic block, fragile electronics.

3. We repair and bench test under load — pump operation, pressure regulation, solenoid function, communication. We check everything.

4. Return within 2-3 working days, fully repaired and ready to refit.

5. Refit, clear codes, drive. ABS light goes off once the module is communicating properly.

Every repair comes with a warranty and direct engineer support for refitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still drive my Transit with the ABS light on?

The vehicle will still brake but with no anti-lock function. On a loaded van in rain, that's a real safety risk. You also risk failing an MOT, and for fleet operators, it's a compliance issue.

How do I know if the ABS pump needs repairing?

We have a success rate above 95% on Ford Transit ABS modules. The only time repair isn't viable is if the hydraulic block is physically cracked, which is rare. If we can't repair it, you don't pay.

Will I need to reprogram the module after refitting?

No. Your original unit retains all programming and calibration data. Refit, bleed brakes if needed, clear fault codes. No dealer visit required.

Do you repair ABS units for other Ford vehicles?

Full Ford range — Focus, Fiesta, Mondeo, Ranger. The Bosch units share common architecture. Transit repairs are a large portion of our work due to the mileage these vans do.

What information do you need before I send the unit?

Part number from the ABS unit label (usually 6C11-2M110-XX format), vehicle model, year, and your symptoms or fault codes. Send it all over WhatsApp for an instant quote.