The ABS braking system is among the latest technologies in the vehicle industry. Its purpose is to prevent the vehicle’s tires from locking when the driver applies emergency braking. At the same time, the system assists you when driving on muddy or slippery roads. However, people have different opinions and tastes, so some prefer ABS while others don’t.
Although working ABS is a great safety measure, it can be uncomfortable on braking when the feature becomes faulty. Hence, some drivers feel safer without it. Perhaps you wonder how to disable ABS brakes on Chevy Silverado? If so, this guide is for you.
Why Should You Disable the ABS Brakes on Chevy Silverado?
If you desire to bear total control of the vehicle at all times, then disable the anti-locking braking system. In short, the ABS module may govern a lot of aspects that you might not find welcomed at certain moments.
In addition, ABS is responsible for simultaneous braking and steering that causes inconsistent braking distance. This is both a pro and a con. Therefore, you should disable the ABS if you desire short, consistent braking when pressing the brake pedal. Also, you would feel the ABS is of no use once you install new brakes that are too sensitive, forcing you to disable them.
Luckily, the process of disabling the ABS is non-technical and straightforward. Primarily, you need a fuse puller to remove the ABS fuses. So, follow the order of the following steps to disable the anti-lock brakes on Chevy Silverado.
Five-Steps Guide on How to Disable ABS Brakes on Chevy Silverado
ABS braking works on the principle of cadence and threshold braking. It mainly consists of valves, pump, brake fluid, Electronic Control Unit, and ABS wheel speed sensors at the wheel’s rotor. When you press the brake pedal, the speed sensor sends signals to the Electronic Control Unit that relays them to the valve. The valve gets closed, reducing the brake pad pressure. As a result, this prevents the locking of the wheels.
The function of these parts is independent but coordinated from the fuse box by the central relay. Therein, you need to access the fuse box and locate a 30 amp ABS fuse which you need to pull off to disable the ABS brakes. However, keep your vehicle’s user manual, screwdriver kit, and fuse puller in place before you get to it.
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
Safety comes first. To ensure your safety, start by opening the bonnet to access the battery and disconnect it. You disconnect the battery by unplugging the negative connector.
Step 2: Remove the Fuse Box Cover
Locate the position of the fuse box and remove its cover using a screwdriver kit. Consult your vehicle user manual to help you quickly identify the location of the fuse box. When it comes to the Chevy Silverado, you should find it next to the steering wheel.
Step 3: Locate the ABS Fuses and Disconnect Them
Step 2 will prompt you inside the fuse box of your Chevy Silverado. Use your vehicle user manual again to locate the ABS fuses in the fuse box. Once you locate all the fuse locations:
- Unplug the fuses one by one using a fuse puller
- Locate the presence of ABS relays and remove them as well
- Double-check that you have removed only the ABS fuses and relays
Step 4: Restore the Fuse Box Cover in Place
After successfully disabling the ABS on Chevy Silverado, it’s time you restore everything in place. First, use the right tools to fix the fuse box cover in place.
Step 5: Connect the Battery and Close the Hood
Lastly, make sure you reconnect the battery to start the engine. To do so, plug the negative connector of the battery in its initial position. Then, remember to close the hood and secure it. With that action, you’ve disabled the ABS brakes and can assume driving without their assistance.
On a similar note, if you’ve experienced issues with the ABS dashboard indicator, give it some attention too. For example, try manually switching them off, if they persist to irritate you.
How Do You Turn Off the ABS Light on a Chevy Silverado?
Upon removing the ABS relays and fuses, the ABS warning lights should no longer be visible. If you wish to have your ABS system working, but this time with the light off, replace the ABS relay and fuses with new ones. Make sure the amperage of the new fuses is the same as the previously used ones to prevent failure of the system.
Another possible reason the ABS lights are on is broken wires in the ABS sensor. Access your Chevy Silverado’s ABS from the wheel hub and check for any possible electric wire breakup. To fix the issue, simply replace the broken circuits with new ones.
Similarly, you can do away with the LED in the dashboards, too. The action prevents the illumination of the dashboard whether the system sends a warning from the ABS system.
Read also: How to Calculate Gear Ratio
Can I Disable My ABS Brake?
In most modern cars, the operators or drivers can disable the ABS and traction control system whenever they want. What you do is remove the ABS fuses, and you’ll disable the whole system for the time being. However, know the end result before attempting to do so.
What Happens if I Remove the ABS Fuses?
There’s no noticeable difference when driving your vehicle. The brakes will typically function as before, but there will be no ABS engagement in situations where you’ve usually got them. As a result, you might have difficulties steering while braking and wheel locking problems.
What Happens if You Disconnect the ABS Sensor?
Usually, disconnecting the ABS sensors shouldn’t result in any hassle. However, in some vehicles such as trucks and pickups, the rear brakes lock up quickly, and that could cause a lack of stability. Therefore, disconnect the ABS sensors only if you know when to devote extra attention when driving. Also, take care when driving slick or wet roads since the wheels are more likely to lock up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the types of anti-lock braking systems?
Generally, the anti-lock braking system comes in three types: one-channel/one-sensor, four-channel/four-sensor, and three-channel/three-sensor. In general, most drivers go for the four-channel system. It can pulse only the affected wheel to control the braking impact when skidding. In that way, it allows for greater directional stability. Hence, most modern vehicles utilize this form of traction control.
2. What are the indicators that a vehicle has been equipped with an anti-locking braking system?
The presence of a yellow malfunction lamp on the panel is the primary indicator that your vehicle is ABS operated. On the other hand, all of the vehicles produced after March of 1998 have a code reader. Hence, most of them should have an ABS system installed. Also, look for an ABS light on the dashboard to confirm this inclusion. On the other hand, you can search for the ABS fuse that is pivotal for any ABS activation.
3. Why do we use speed sensors?
In vehicles, the speed sensors work alongside the wheel speed sensor. So, they gather data from the individual sensors to calculate the overall speed of the moving vehicle. Hence, keep an eye on this tracker and adhere to the traffic signs.
4. Can I reactivate the ABS brake after disabling them?
You can reactivate the ABS even after disabling them. To do so, replace the ABS relays and fuses and restart the system. In that way, you can utilize the system only when you feel unsafe operating a vehicle without it. Granted, the need for that “extra hand” is not always present. That’s why some drivers opt to disable the ABS system.
5. What are the risks of disabling the anti-lock braking system?
In cases of hard braking, the ABS is essential for better control of the vehicle. Without them, you are at risk of losing control over the vehicle when braking in more extreme outside conditions. Braking on slippery roads without the help of ABS may result in stiff steering or locking of the rear and front wheels.
6. Is it safe to disable the ABS brake?
If you are a professional experienced in traditional braking systems, it’s safe to disable the ABS. The abs braking system is just an extra safety measure of increasing the braking power. So, it shouldn’t afflict your driving skills or make you use an alternative approach at all times.
Conclusion
In summary, disabling the ABS brake on Chevy Silverado is straightforward. To achieve that, complete each of the steps of this guide and drive as per your preferences. However, take precautions before deciding which approach is best for you. In harsher outside conditions, the wheel speed might cause some sudden weight shifts in your vehicle. Hence, you might end up struggling with the steering and potentially losing control. So, the ABS brake can assist you in those moments by governing the wheel speed sensor.
On the other hand, you might need to disable the ABS sensors on your Chevy Silverado if you feel uncomfortable with it. Luckily, you can do so by yourself as long as you understand how the system works. By doing so, you won’t have to frequent a mechanic’s shop, thus saving some bucks in the process. Either way, remember to put your safety in the first place whenever contemplating meddling with your ABS brakes.
