How do I disable the ABS brake system on my '98 Sunfire?
The car goes into ABS mode occasionally under normal braking conditions, and is driving my wife crazy. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Vince
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Jul 01, 2010 in
Cars FAQs
5 comments
blueman2 on July 1, 2010 at 4:57 am
Your first concern should be why is the ABS engaging…if the pump engages and the brake pedal has a slight jump the as far as the car is concerned it’s skidding…is there an ABS light on the dash if so have the ABS scanned and make the required repairs…more that likely it a wheel speed sensor or on that car the speed sensors are built into the hub bearings, if so they will need to be replace as necessary (the scan will tell you that) , if there is no light then you’ll have to get the repairer shop to put thee scanner in th mode to see the wheel speeds while driving and see which one drop’s out…then replace that hub…good luck…i don’t recommend disabling the ABS system…
Zach on July 1, 2010 at 4:57 am
Technically, your car is always in ABS mode. She’s just feeling the system kick in, which is normal.
Now, for that car, if I’m not mistaking, the ABS system is integrated with the OBDII, so people can’t take it out. But, there should be a relay in the fuse box in the engine compartment for the ABS system which should disable it. The only problem with this is that the (ABS) light and/or the BRAKE light will be on because of the sensor not being there.
If the ABS pump is engaging under basic braking (not high speed to immediate low speed) but say from 55 to 40 slowly, then it sounds like the computer may need to be reprogrammed.
Dan M on July 1, 2010 at 4:57 am
If you pull the ABS fuse, it should disable it, the problem being that when she REALLY needs it, it won’t be there.
johnfcitizen on July 1, 2010 at 4:57 am
Why on earth would you want to diable such an important safety device as ABS? If there is a problem with the functioning of ABS, get your garage to look at it, it might be a simple, inexpensive repair, even if it is not, it is worth having ABS working. ABS is a safety feature, designed to give the driver control of the car in emergency braking situations. Remember, functioning ABS might just one day save YOUR life. ( say, if you disable ABS, and your car is involved in an accident in which, say, god forbid, someone is injured etc and investigations reveil that ABS was disabled, someone may chase you with a big lawsuit or you could face jail etc, big decision to disable it. )
bluegti on July 1, 2010 at 4:57 am
sounds like the the sensor tone wheel is cracked causing a error in speed rationality ..take to a mech and have him monitor the wheel speed sensors at all 4 wheels to see if one or more wheels is reading abnormally .. this sounds like your problem because the abs system detects opens and shorts to sensors or faulty components inside abs module . cracked tone wheel will cause irrational abs brake conditions