Spoofing RABS-II??
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Outside Providence, RI
Spoofing RABS-II??
So a couple months back I swapped in a '95 instrument cluster with tach into my 1996 F150 4x2 which lacked one, and immediately got the yellow ABS lite because of slight wiring differences between the two clusters. After collecting various schematics for the two years, I tried a fix suggested by user subford with a diode and resistor which works for 30 minutes, after which the diode blows and I get the light back. We've driven ourselves a bit crazy with a fix that "should work" according to some folks with fair knowledge of electronics, so the other idea I had was to investigate whether it might be possible to have RABS but just without the yellow light. I think the resistor and diode have to do with the position of the parking brake and also low brake fluid. It occurred to me that it might be possible to jumper a wire or wires and tell the RABS module that the brake reservoir was always full and that the parking brake was never set, etc., and then you'd have RABs back. This might be better than no RABs, but then some might disagree ...
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
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From: Aurora,Colorado
Yeah four wheel ABS would be better-and the 93+ Bronco got it. But RABS is better than no ABS at all.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Outside Providence, RI
One of the reasons I'm asking is that I've not had any luck with my internet searches for the right cluster. I've NOT tried looking for the old style '97 you mention -- any idea as to the part number?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
No part number, sorry. Have you tried a junkyard? They are filled with trucks of this vintage now.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
ABS works better on some surfaces than others. On sand, gravel, snow, or ice, I would rather not have ABS at all. That way I have the option of either locking them up or pumping them myself. A vehicle on a gravel road will stop faster without ABS than with it.
The RABS on these trucks works so poorly it's more trouble than it's worth. And I would never, ever use an ABS valve from Kragen or Autozone. They're cheaper for a reason folks!
The RABS on these trucks works so poorly it's more trouble than it's worth. And I would never, ever use an ABS valve from Kragen or Autozone. They're cheaper for a reason folks!
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Senior User
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From: Outside Providence, RI
Here's the tricky bit(s): It has to be a 1996, and a 6-cylinder. I'll tell you what's just absolutely goofy for me: You can't buy a 2010 F150 with a stick, and yet all of them come with a tachometer ...
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Senior User
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From: Outside Providence, RI
Cluster plug C250 pin 10 circuit 398 is "Tachometer Ground* (For 8 CYL)" according to one diagram I have, which I've not known how to interpret. Does it mean that the difference is in the vehicle wiring in terms of providing a signal to the cluster? That would explain being able to swap between six and eight cylinder trucks.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
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From: Central Mississippi
Which brings me to my question, why hasn't someone crafted a way simply to "turn it off" as needed without the associated codes/warning lights, like most other vehicles with traction control?
In other words, spoof as needed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,960
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
But RABS is better than no ABS at all.
The only thing our RABS has in common with real ABS is the concept.