Topic: ABS warning light

[razorboy]

Two weeks ago I skidded on an icy patch - as in bumpy-slop-created-by-a-snowplow ice - at 20 MPH, after which my ABS light was on.  Can I turn that light off until I get to the dealership some time?  If so, how?  (I don't like abs!)
Thanks.

[johngenx]

I don't understand what you don't like about ABS.  I'm no fan of electronic nannies, but ABS is amazing.  It's the one option my Miata is missing that I really wish it had.  At Auto-x events the ABS cars have a real advantage, and that advantage extends into every day driving and panic braking situations.  Great technology.

As for turning off the light, you probably have to solve the issue.

[HeliDriver]

^^ Modern ABS is pretty good, but I doubt you’d want ABS on an early Miata.

I had to pull the ABS fuse on my ‘99 Civic when I tracked it, because it scared the everloving out of me on the bumpy track. I’d be braking hard into a corner, hit a bump, and suddenly lose the brakes for a half second or so. Not fun!

I think the system just couldn’t cycle fast enough. Pull the fuse, and all was fine over the same bump.

And it sucked for winter driving as well. Had lots of panicky moments rolling up to a stop sign at like 4 km/h with the ABS chattering away and the car barely slowing down, even on good winter tires.

Modern systems are much better. No major complaints with the GTI.

[blur911]

Skidded?  As in skidded into a curb and broke something?

Please tell us what you don't like about ABS

[KD]

I don't like abs in deep snow.  I had an incident earlier this winter where a deer ran out onto the road in front of me during a snowstorm and i think i could have slowed down better without the abs kicking in.    It's far superior to manual braking in every other situation.

[blur911]

I don't like abs in deep snow.  I had an incident earlier this winter where a deer ran out onto the road in front of me during a snowstorm and i think i could have slowed down better without the abs kicking in.    It's far superior to manual braking in every other situation.

Yeah, deep snow, sand, loose gravel, locking up the wheels usually stops you faster, of course without steering ability because your wheels are locked up.

[razorboy]

^^

I had to pull the ABS fuse on my ‘99 Civic when I tracked it, because it scared the everloving out of me on the bumpy track. I’d be braking hard into a corner, hit a bump, and suddenly lose the brakes for a half second or so. Not fun!

I think the system just couldn’t cycle fast enough. Pull the fuse, and all was fine over the same bump.

I was thinking of pulling the light, which would require ripping most of the front half of the car apart (somewhat sarcastic) to get at it. but I suppose that the fuse would accomplish the same thing....... but maybe not.

[HeliDriver]

^^ I’m pretty sure pulling the fuse turns on the light, not turns it off. Maybe that’s your problem: blown fuse. 

Actually, it’s probably a wheel sensor or broken sensor wire. I’d just get it fixed and live with the light in the meantime. If it really bugs you that much, put a piece of electrical tape over it.

[razorboy]

^^ I’m pretty sure pulling the fuse turns on the light, not turns it off. Maybe that’s your problem: blown fuse. 

Actually, it’s probably a wheel sensor or broken sensor wire. I’d just get it fixed and live with the light in the meantime. If it really bugs you that much, put a piece of electrical tape over it.

The light doesn't bother me, it's paying Toyota to fix it that bothers me, and I have to have the car in for a recall soon and they'll read the Riot Act about ABS and give me 300 lbs. of goat manure about it.  That's the first time I recall the ABS coming on and it broke! (or so it seems.)

 I expect that you are correct about what is wrong with it.

[jamie1]

If you don't like ABS[not sure why] and you say that the light being on doesn't bother you, then just leave it as is. With the lamp on, the system senses a fault and the ABS is disabled. That is just what you want.

[razorboy]

Thanks.

Here's a lively discussion on the topic, from 2011.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/anyone-pulled-their-abs-fuse-out.191461/

[rrocket]

If you don't like ABS[not sure why] and you say that the light being on doesn't bother you, then just leave it as is. With the lamp on, the system senses a fault and the ABS is disabled. That is just what you want.

Cover ABS light with small piece of electrical tape.   

[blur911]

Thanks.

Here's a lively discussion on the topic, from 2011.

How about a lively discussion right now about why you don't like ABS, we're curious. 

You also might have a bad wheel bearing, any symptoms?

[razorboy]

According to my owner's manual, the  ABS fuse and Vehicle Stability Control system are on the same fuses: ABS #1 (50A) and ABS# 3 (30A.)
 Unfortunately, the manual says that the VSC is applicable "when equipped," and I can find no reference in the manual or online to indicate which models of 09 Matrix are so equipped.

Also, I'm curious as to why there are two fuses and which one does what.