Can I disable ABS?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Can I disable ABS?
My early 99 has rear ABS and it activates too often. And when it does it seems like I lose 50% of my braking power. Which results in missing turns, and going for the shoulder when I actually need some flipping brakes....
What makes it decide to activate? It's only got the sensor on the rear differential. And isn't that for the speedometer?
Is there a way to disable it without the light on the dash coming on?
And Before anyone goes off on a " but you actually stop quicker with ABS" rant, no, it doesn't.
What makes it decide to activate? It's only got the sensor on the rear differential. And isn't that for the speedometer?
Is there a way to disable it without the light on the dash coming on?
And Before anyone goes off on a " but you actually stop quicker with ABS" rant, no, it doesn't.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
Two things.
First, the ABS should help, not hurt. Get it inspected and tested to see what the problem is and get it fixed.
If you have no signal from a sensor, the ABS will not function, but your ABS will set the dash light and your regular brakes will still work as they should. You can always pull the bulb from the dash. I know of no other way to disable ABS.
BE CLEAR, though, I WILL NOT recommend running without ABS. Just saying! Get to the root cause and FIX the REAL problem.
First, the ABS should help, not hurt. Get it inspected and tested to see what the problem is and get it fixed.
If you have no signal from a sensor, the ABS will not function, but your ABS will set the dash light and your regular brakes will still work as they should. You can always pull the bulb from the dash. I know of no other way to disable ABS.
BE CLEAR, though, I WILL NOT recommend running without ABS. Just saying! Get to the root cause and FIX the REAL problem.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Well of course nobody is going to recommend disabling ABS... but this F350 is the only vehicle I drive that even has ABS. So I'm pretty well versed in how to control a brake pedal.
I don't know what the problem is, or if there's even actually a problem. The brakes work perfectly, until ABS decides to kick in and take all the pressure off.
Come to think of it, i've never seen the light on the dash come on at all, even during start up. Is it supposed to?
I don't know what the problem is, or if there's even actually a problem. The brakes work perfectly, until ABS decides to kick in and take all the pressure off.
Come to think of it, i've never seen the light on the dash come on at all, even during start up. Is it supposed to?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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With the key on but engine off, your dash should light up every light there, including ABS.
There was a lot of criticism of rear wheel ABS on early DRW trucks.
If you only have rear ABS you should be able to lock up the front wheels even when the braking in the rear is lost.
Can you lock up your front wheels?
If not, I would suggest having the whole system looked at, as you may not have front brakes at all!
I had a work truck with new rotors and calipers up front. Drove it a few days, then one day I had to stop short. Hhhhmmm, not much braking power. Did a little "test" when I got back to the barn. No fronts at all.
They fixed it overnight--what a difference. So it's possible to get used to a brake problem in normal driving.
Anyway.....get it looked at. Swerving suggestion,
There was a lot of criticism of rear wheel ABS on early DRW trucks.
If you only have rear ABS you should be able to lock up the front wheels even when the braking in the rear is lost.
Can you lock up your front wheels?
If not, I would suggest having the whole system looked at, as you may not have front brakes at all!
I had a work truck with new rotors and calipers up front. Drove it a few days, then one day I had to stop short. Hhhhmmm, not much braking power. Did a little "test" when I got back to the barn. No fronts at all.
They fixed it overnight--what a difference. So it's possible to get used to a brake problem in normal driving.
Anyway.....get it looked at. Swerving suggestion,
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
A quick test in the parking lot at low speeds, I can get skid marks off all 4 tires.
And the ABS light does come on very briefly at start up. I guess I just never paid too much attention to it before. I had to turn the key on twice before I even found where it was lol
I do not however, have a parking brake light, at any time. Brake on or off.
And the ABS light does come on very briefly at start up. I guess I just never paid too much attention to it before. I had to turn the key on twice before I even found where it was lol
I do not however, have a parking brake light, at any time. Brake on or off.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,269
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From: Missouri
Sounds like your abs pump has some air in it.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
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From: Southern OH
I know what you mean, mine always did that and it was terrible, I pulled the ABS fuse and it works great now, been like that 3 years and I wish I would have done it sooner. The ABS light is on but it doesn't bother me.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Originally Posted by 00t444e
I know what you mean, mine always did that and it was terrible, I pulled the ABS fuse and it works great now, been like that 3 years and I wish I would have done it sooner. The ABS light is on but it doesn't bother me.
I suppose it would be better if the truck was loaded all the time. But running around empty, it's not accurate at all.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: northwestern Ontario
I'd say you have a bad sensor , I had the same problem but in a 98 Chevy ,thought I was going to end up in a store front one . Pedal would drop to the floor and all you heard was the ABS kicking in. Pulled the fuse and now look at the light on the cluster, however pulling that fuse also lost my cruise control..
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