Advice greatly appreciated on what I should do. It takes extra time to brake, making it kind of dangerous because I cant stop right away.
Engine does not shut off abnormally, just the braking is delayed U0418
C1478
U2023
dash view 2 messages:

 

This is a 2008 FEH

 

Looks like you need the infamous ABS module. Salvage yard.

 

Ford has a Technical Service Bulletin (#SSM-45870) about this issue, but no recall. In order for a recall to be generated for the FEH, we MUST file complaints with Ford Corporate 1-800-392-3673, NHTSA 1-888-327-4236 and the Federal Trade Commission 1-877-382-4357 to get ANY action. So, it's great to communicate here, but useless if this is where you stop. Ford is ignoring the issue, until NHTSA forces a recall, but that won't happen without the complaints. And I filed my complaint, so please don't wait, you could be the one that tips the recall. Hopefully, you will keep this forum informed of your journey and we can continue to share information that will be helpful to all of us.

 

findings:
I built an expanded heat shield on the HCU- seems to work to a certain degree (no pun intended)
external temps above 85 will aggravate the HCU and will prevent it from cooling down at the speed it wants.

went to the dealer - was diagnosed with bad HCU, costing something like 5k ???


Conclusion:
Buying one off ebay and installing myself, having the dealer program it
or, buying one from my local pick a part if they have the appropriate vehicle parts

note: Ebay prices will range 350-700$ while salvage yard will charge me 60$ for the whole unit

 

does anyone know if its okay to take a 2009 or 10 HCU for my 2008 FEH????

 

I can't answer that question, except to suggest you compare the numbers on each.
Find a salvage yard and ask them. They have that information.

Here's a thought from another forum: "The control module can be separated from the HCU so it may be possible to reuse the original control module on a used HCU. "

Apparently the control module is the part that is VIN-specific.

 

Wondering if you tried cleaning and reconnecting the grounds to the ABS sensors as suggested by two members on the "brakes broke the bank" thread? Both of them believed this was more often than not the problem. Ford dealership re secured my grounds, it's been one month tomorrow, not a glimpse of any problem. Huge thank you to both of them. May want to give it a try before proceeding.

 

The '08 has a different hybrid drivetrain and braking system than the 09-12. For example, later models had an anti-rollover system built in to the brakes that I believe Ford called Electronic Stability Control.

 

which parts should i clean in the diagram