96 D1; my ABS light popped on and I took it to my indie Rover specialist who scanned it (yes, with a Rover ABS scanner not OBDII). He said he connected with it, couldn't find any codes present or stored, then drove it around the block and tried again. Still nothing.

He said the ABS ECU may be fried or the modulator.

Any thoughts?

I have pulled the fuse for now to keep it from behaving sporadically

 

Sure is a possibility. You could be stepping up into a big expense, do you really want or need the ABS, if not, consider pulling the fuse to shut off your light.

 

well i use the truck in pretty serious snow all winter, i've never driven an SUV without ABS... so i guess i don't really know if i need it... but i would like to be safe.

a friend is building a truggy and offered to give me his ECU and/or modulator, but i don't know how easily i could replace either.

 

It is the modulator, they all go bad on DI's.
Pull the fuse from under the hood NOT under the dash for long term no ABS.
If you want to fix it you are looking at $1500 for a used DI ABS modulator, last time I checked anyway.
I live in West MI and we also get lots of snow and I have pulled my ABS fuse almost 3 yrs ago, but then I drive for a living.

If your brake fluid is not flushed per the owners manual (every 24 months) you will speed up the death of brake parts due to sludge/corrosion/etc.
I am sure you are not the original owner so blame the last guy.

 

www.roverlandparts.com
www.autosportsunlimited.com
www.car-part.com

 

i have a friend building a truggy would said he'd give me his modulator... how difficult is the swap?


/how many hours by a mechanic?