A safety feature called ABS (anti-lock braking system) stops cars from skidding when the brakes are applied quickly or in an emergency. While braking, ABS prevents the wheels from locking up. It helps to maintain driveline contact with the road, allowing the driver to have better control over the vehicle.
If you’re reading this, I am assuming that you drive a Chevy truck. Though a crucial element of your car’s mechanism, there are a few situations where you may feel the need of knowing how to bypass Chevy ABS module. You will get to know that here in this page.
ABS can be dangerous in snow, ice, or mud, where it provides limited traction. ABS is known to increase the stopping distance. In the snow or mud, a locked-up wheel is more secure than an unlocked one.
Let’s dive deeper to understand how to bypass the ABS module in your Chevy.
Contents
How to bypass chevy ABS module (A Step-By-Step Process)
Learning how to bypass Chevy ABS module, though feasible, can be tricky. Before skipping the ABS module, you must consider a few factors.
Tools and materials required
- Fuse puller.
- Socket Wrench.
Steps
Disconnecting the -ve battery cable
The first and foremost thing is to open the hood of your bonnet. If you have a basic understanding, locate the battery. Disconnecting the negative battery cable is the first step.
You can readily identify it, as it has a black cap with a minus (-) sign imprinted over it. Hold the top of the negative cable with the socket wrench and turn it anticlockwise. Remove it and move to the next step.
Locating the main relay box
The next step is to locate the main relay box. The primary relay box in a Chevy is often found on the driver’s side of the instrument panel, probably behind the cover. If you can’t find it, refer to your car’s user manual to find its position.
Disabling ABS
Once you have located the main relay box, carefully study the imprinted diagram on the cover. The drawing helps you understand the location of the ABS relay. Locate the ABS relay and remove the ABS fuse using the fuse puller. After removing the ABS fuse, place the relay cover in its original place.
Safety precautions
A few safety precautions you must follow while removing the ABS fuse are as follows:
- Disconnect all electrical connections.
- Avoid tapping on speed sensor parts.
- Do not apply pressure on rusted bolts while dismantling any component cover. You may end up damaging them.
- Wear protective hand gloves and eye protection, as and when necessary, before touching the vehicle’s internal parts.
- Do not leave tools on the battery. There is a possibility of shorting the terminals and creating a spark.
- Keep small kids and pets away from the car while you are working to remove the fuse.
- Keep ready with a fire extinguisher.
Factors to consider before bypassing the ABS module
A few factors to consider before you decide on bypassing the ABS Module:
Effects on vehicle performance and safety
- A disabled ABS won’t have any effect on the engine’s performance.
- Your wheels may lock and skid when you apply brakes.
- In the case of a disabled ABS, if you apply pressure on the brakes lower than the threshold, the vehicle will stop quicker than a vehicle with ABS.
- On the contrary, if you enforce high pressure on the brakes than the threshold, the wheels will skid. In such a case, you cannot maneuver your car when the ABS is disabled. Because the wheels remain locked and won’t turn as you wish.
- Without ABS, the rear wheels will lock first. You may find it difficult to control the vehicle while turning.
Warranty implications
There are chances of getting your warranty voided in the case of a disabled ABS. As clear as it is, the company may deny any claims, as the insurance is valid only if you drive with the ABS on. So, if you have an unexpected event while driving without ABS, no insurance provider will consider it.
Local laws and regulations
In September 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandated ABS as a standard component for all new automobiles. By keeping the brakes from locking, ABS gives the driver better steering control while braking. It has been observed that cars with active ABS have fewer fatalities. ABS reduces the possibility of colliding on wet and dry roads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you bypass your ABS module?
Yes, bypassing the ABS is simple. Moreover, many vehicle owners indulge in disabling ABS during the snowy season.
What happens if you unplug the ABS module?
The anti-skid feature of your wheels will be disabled after you unplug the ABS module. You must apply the brakes wisely and avoid braking abruptly or in emergencies. Hardly pressing on the brakes may lock the wheels, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Conclusion:
The ABS is a crucial feature of any vehicle. It helps prevent the wheels from skidding and gives you better driving control. You get a fair chance to avoid a collision at the last minute, as the wheels don’t lock, and you can take your vehicle in another direction rather than hitting any object.
However, in an area of snowy, muddy terrain, the ABS feature may be risky. Therefore, many car owners disable the ABS module temporarily and plug it back in when the weather is right. Disabling ABS does not affect the car’s performance except for the anti-skidding feature getting disabled.