Disabling the ABS module

[Popeye]

folks, I have removed the ABS fuse but as the light is ON on the dash, I would like to unplug the module as mentioned in some posts. The issue is that I do not where this module is? can some one point me in the right direction, pics would be appreciated. thanks.

Quote
"The best way to disable the ABS is just to unplug the module"

 

[drakon543]

The abs light will be on regardless of what method you disable the abs. Without repairing what's causing your abs light to be on the only way to shut the light off is to take the dash out and remove that bulb. If the ecm detects an abs issue the light will be on and if the ecm thinks there is supposed to be an abs module but it cant communicate with it it will think there is a problem with the abs module and pop the light anyway.

 

[1998Suburban]

Why disconnect the ABS?

 

[drakon543]

I'm not sure if the suvs had a similar issue but other various 90s gm vehicles have various odd braking symptoms when abs issues start happening. 96 luminas for example would either act normal, cut the brakes out entirely resulting in the need for down shifting and e brake usage, or could sporadically lock the brakes up during even light braking. Experienced those issues first hand with said lumina and a buick regal. Just a geuss but popeye give us some symptoms your having maybe we can point you in the direction of a proper fix.

 

[Popeye]

Symptoms -> The ABS system (I am assuming) is kicking in even when I am not braking... sometimes when I start to brake softly it kicks in and does not allow me to stop the truck as the pedal starts to kick back, kind of shuddering. I have avoided some near misses because of this. The other day I ended up hitting the garage door as the brakes did just that (shudder and kick back) and even when I applied some 'oh *****' pressure the pedal would not do nothing. So I removed the fuse and all was well but the 'abs' light came on. my investigation on another site said that if I removed the connection to the abs module the light would go away. that is where is am now...

@drakon543 -> thanks ... if this is true (i.e. light will stay on ....) then this whole thread is null and void. I will live with the light on. No need to disable the module.

btw the abs module is $150 even at the wreckers and I need to bleed after install...not what I need right now.

 

[drakon543]

Popeye im not 100% on the abs system in these trucks however those exact symptoms have been common when the abs sensors are going bad not the module. Its kicking back at you because its getting a faulty traction loss signal from the wheel sensor. The sensor usually goes bad and the ecm gets the fault signal but the abs module is too basic to realize the fault. Atleast thats what ive come across with several gm cars and they have the abs sensor integrated into the wheel hub. Cheap wheel hub for gm vehicles tend to not last anywhere near as long as they should with either the sensor or the bearing goijg bad

 

[1998Suburban]

You don't have a lunchbox locker in the rear, by chance, do you? The PO put a Powertrax in my rear end and it drove the ABS nuts. Took me FOREVER to figure that out...had the same symptoms you did. It made for some sporty driving.

 

[Popeye]

@1998Suburban I have replaced the rear diff cover due to leaks and have not seen a locker in there.

@drakon543 I checked the wheel hubs for play, and they seem all good. the sensors I am not sure .. will do some research on ABS wheel sensor verification, unless you know the procedure off hand.

btw appreciate taking the time to help me.

 

[drakon543]

The bad part about the hubs is most of the time the bearing might be getting weak but you wont notice any play for a while. Im not sure off hand but i think there is a way to check the abs sensors.