ABS fuse out = unbelivably better braking, better throttle responce ?

[quattrorally]

I have pulled my ABS fuse and on snow or icy conditions etc the braking is sooooo much better that it should be criminal that AUDI is not providing an OEM switch for it. Yes the ESP is off too.

It might be placebo effect but I feel like throttle response is better than just with the ESP switch off ???

ONE BAD thing is that my brake lights are permanently ON !!!
IS there a way to somehow disable the ABS and have normal functionality if rear brake lights ?


thanks

[kwimberly]

I'm going to have nightmares about negligence now.

[B6480Avant]

are your brakes locking? this just sounds like a bad idea . . no esp and no abs

[SleeperAvant]

lol ABS & ESP is there for a reason, the Audi engineers just didn't think it might be "cool" to have those features.

" I removed my seatbelt now it feels so much more lightweight!!!"

[tdmopar59]

yeah i would have to agree on this one.... should leave that stuff alone... i mean i turn esp off everyonce in a while... but i dont rip fuses out or anything...

[audikid66]

dumb..if you don't like those features then go buy a honda!

[quattrorally]

OK <flame suit on> I got the idea as my old 90 had an ABS off switch. on dry/wet ABS great but on ice, snow, gravel and any loose surface, ABS actually hinders your braking.

Do some research. When your wheels lock they sink in to reach payment and also create a wedge in front of your wheel. Both of these help drastically in stopping.

PS: I am not a new driver (over 20 years of driving), participated in rallies and a bit of ice racing too...

[jon102034050]

if you think it helps, go for it. I am going to leave my fuse it though.

[quattrorally]

dumb..if you don't like those features then go buy a honda!

As for snark responses I was already driving when you were still in diapers.

And why did you do all this:

h&r coils, s4 mirrors,s4 brakes,d&s rotors,SS lines,19x9 Iforged wheels, apr TIP&TB hose, boosted tech CAI,Forge Spltr ,strat ShortShift, giacfxk04,custom k04,atp exhuast mani, 380cc injectors, neuspeed exhaust/snub,034 TestPipe/track motor mounts, spec stage 2 clutch, racetec front mount,tinted tails,awe pedals, abt grill, pioneer dvd,custom sub enclosure

You don't like the OEM car go buy a honda, blah blah

I thought we are all here to share ideas an not be jack asses !

[audikid66]

cause those are helping my car man.... i honestly don't think ur car is any better with no abs or esp... its easier to jus turn the esp off when u don't want it... abs will save ur ass sometimes.. if u installed a switch to maybe turn off the abs when u want it off..then i could understand that somewhat..just don't think its good or save to pull the abs fuse... sorry for my ignorant 1st response... but just didn't seem like a good idea man

[quattrorally]

The fuse is just a test, to see side effects, ex: rear brake lights. Switch is going to go in later.

and as for making the car better post #7 explains my reasoning, which does make the car perform (STOP) better in certain conditions.

[Papachristou]

i smell a lawsuit when you rear end someone... they will find this post online and throw it in your face in court... they did with me a couple years ago.

attorney:
So i see here online under SN quattrorally, is that you? yes or no answer the question. so it is you, ok you deliberately disabled a safety braking feature on a car?

[haus4]

OK <flame suit on> I got the idea as my old 90 had an ABS off switch. on dry/wet ABS great but on ice, snow, gravel and any loose surface, ABS actually hinders your braking.

Do some research. When your wheels lock they sink in to reach payment and also create a wedge in front of your wheel. Both of these help drastically in stopping.

PS: I am not a new driver (over 20 years of driving), participated in rallies and a bit of ice racing too...

I have to semi-agree with you here. My s4 didnt have esp so I cant comment on that, but it never seemed like my abs worked anyway. In certain situations, I would say its better to drive with out abs. Guess Im just used to not having it, my previous car, a maxima had an electrical problem with the abs module, so no abs again for the 1.5 I owned it

Also, quattrorally Im almost positive you have way more driving experience than many other few AZer's. Especially with rallies and ice racing, so I wouldnt expect any positive info from here. I've never participated in a rally, but have heard many stories from my grandfather who worked for Audi sport in the late 80's driving up Pikes peak.

It comes down to personal preference and the situation your in. It also deals with what car your drive. My friend with a b6 a4 agrees that the abs is way to sensitive when having fun in the snow.

[quattrorally]

wow, finally some one that did not flame me, lol, thanks !


FWIW, you guys should try this when you go into empty parking lots to practice your doughnuts in snow. However from the response I got here I have to say IT: DO IT at your own risk, and if you are afraid that the sky is going to fall down DO NOT ATTEMPT this !!!

[SleeperAvant]

Yeah, I'll give it a whirl and see how it goes :)

[pizdetsauduxa]

interesting stuff, have u figured out the brake light problem?

[quattrorally]

interesting stuff, have u figured out the brake light problem?

Nope, I just tried this out and wanted to see if anyone might have suggestion regarding the lights.

I am wondering also if the ABS could be controlled somehow through VAG ? Will have to so some testing.

[fitch303]

I hate my abs, it's WAY to sensitive.

[velocipedio]

OK <flame suit on> I got the idea as my old 90 had an ABS off switch. on dry/wet ABS great but on ice, snow, gravel and any loose surface, ABS actually hinders your braking.

Do some research. When your wheels lock they sink in to reach payment and also create a wedge in front of your wheel. Both of these help drastically in stopping.

PS: I am not a new driver (over 20 years of driving), participated in rallies and a bit of ice racing too...

Yes, I'm sure your research is top notch. There was surely no research done by professional automotive engineers on the ABS system in your car. And I'm sure it was never extensively tested on ice in a variety of situations. Nope, not at all.

Those engineers have no idea what they are doing.

[chris23]

I think its preference. I also started driving before electronic aids were around...I don't like abs and my right foot is fine traction control for me. I do better w/o electronics in the snow and it doesnt seem to matter in the wet. It's a skill no longer developed...all you young guys seem to just mash on the brakes then jam on the gas. Back in the day smoothness was/is the key to going quick safely. To each his own. It may interest you to know some racers find they are faster w/o the electrics.

Yes, I'm sure your research is top notch. There was surely no research done by professional automotive engineers on the ABS system in your car. And I'm sure it was never extensively tested on ice in a variety of situations. Nope, not at all.

Those engineers have no idea what they are doing.

[absolutegtr]

Honestly I am with the OP. It does make sense.

They didnt have all this fancy gadgetry back in the good ol' big block days. I do knowe that ABS has saved my ass MANY times in some other cars I have been in. It was in the rain though......

[gdawg'05a4]

I found out once that putting the car into system test mode via the ABS module in vag-com will disable ABS and ESP until you complete the test and reset the system.

[quattrorally]

I found out once that putting the car into system test mode via the ABS module in vag-com will disable ABS and ESP until you complete the test and reset the system.

I wonder if it would be possible to "ADD" this functionality to the ESP button in a similar fashion as you can "add" functionality to the key to close windows etc

[quattrorally]

I think its preference. I also started driving before electronic aids were around...I don't like abs and my right foot is fine traction control for me. I do better w/o electronics in the snow and it doesnt seem to matter in the wet. It's a skill no longer developed...all you young guys seem to just mash on the brakes then jam on the gas. Back in the day smoothness was/is the key to going quick safely. To each his own. It may interest you to know some racers find they are faster w/o the electrics.

Finally some one who knows what I am talking about, for a while I thought I stepped into kindergarten.

Thanks !

[pizdetsauduxa]

I remember I had the brake light problem in my b5 and i resolved it somehow if i remember ill chime in again, it was a long time ago lol

[JMRQuattro]

i would see the no ABS making sense in ice drifting and regular snow driving because you can use your gas and brake together to prevent accidents. But when it comes to snow or ice and you're just driving in a straight line or down a hill and you have to stop... you're screwed, ABS or not.

[Dylan]

for someone like OP, who learned to drive before ABS was standard across the board, running sans-ABS isn't as bad as people make it out to be.

ABS definitely can help in emergency braking situations, but it's not necessary (just ask the millions of people who still drive cars w/o ABS).

experienced drivers use threshold braking to maximize stopping distances while still keeping ABS active - i, personally, prefer this method, as my wife drives my car and she definitely would lock 'em up in an emergency.

[Dylan]

I wonder if it would be possible to "ADD" this functionality to the ESP button in a similar fashion as you can "add" functionality to the key to close windows etc

i don't see why not, but like the key fob/windows thing.

i imagine it would require bridging the fuse wire for ABS through the ESP switch.

definitely can't do it with VAGCOM like the windows.

[quattrorally]

i would see the no ABS making sense in ice drifting and regular snow driving because you can use your gas and brake together to prevent accidents. But when it comes to snow or ice and you're just driving in a straight line or down a hill and you have to stop... you're screwed, ABS or not.

This is pretty much what made me try it, it was slight down hill slightly icy and snow on top ( I was going ~ 10 mph ), with ABS I felt like I had no brakes.

Tried the same with the fuse out and had no problem stopping. Yes of course longer stop than on dry but about 3x shorter than with ABS. I am however running on Hakka 5's studded :-)

[JMRQuattro]

^^ I need to get me some studded tires. Cause here in seattle we tend to develop ice on our mountain passes a lot. Because it doesn't consistently snow, it varies in temperature a lot, and because of this it will snow one day, warm up slightly and become wet and then get cold and freeze into ice. This is a very regular thing, so studded tires would be a huge benefit to me.

But as far as no ABS, i feel like if you are good with getting to that threshold of just enough braking to where you don't lock up it would be beneficial because ABS causes that stupid pulse which can create a slide on it's own, and not only that but it temporarily feels as though you're not in control of your own braking.

[T0M3K]

I must try, I get the feeling that ABS extends my braking distance, so I need to try both with ABS and without. It all goes down to driving experience, ABS was designed to help vast majority of drivers. Most of us don't have ANY rally, offroad or any extreme experience. If you feel that you can do better without ABS, then you're probably right.

[B8Buckeye]

Yes, I'm sure your research is top notch. There was surely no research done by professional automotive engineers on the ABS system in your car. And I'm sure it was never extensively tested on ice in a variety of situations. Nope, not at all.

Those engineers have no idea what they are doing.

those engineers develop a car for the masses. you know, the same masses we all complain about on the roads because they can't drive?!

i am sure that quattrorally is not one of "the masses". he seems to have been around the block before. most of us here tune our cars for performance. this is something that adds performance for this guy in a particular situation. also, chris23 is spot on - some of us were driving high hp rear wheel drive cars in snow & other crappy conditions well before ABS or traction control. there is skill involved. audi engineers the A4 to the lowest common denominator, those without that skill . . . the masses.

get off your high-horse and relax...

[JMRQuattro]

those engineers develop a car for the masses. you know, the same masses we all complain about on the roads because they can't drive?!

i am sure that quattrorally is not one of "the masses". he seems to have been around the block before. most of us here tune our cars for performance. this is something that adds performance for this guy in a particular situation. also, chris23 is spot on - some of us were driving high hp rear wheel drive cars in snow & other crappy conditions well before ABS or traction control. there is skill involved. audi engineers the A4 to the lowest common denominator, those without that skill . . . the masses.

get off your high-horse and relax...

Exactly. It's designed for those morons who's every reaction in literally every situation is to slam on the brakes regardless of whether or not that's the right thing to do. A lot of poeple don't think under high stress situations. And i know that a lot of retarded drivers are startled by everything, which makes them react out of fear instead of in a calm corrective manner. Thus the need for the ABS for the masses because we'd have a lot of idiots sliding into people.

I personally let my instincts take over. Because 90% of the time you don't have time to think of how you will maneuver in a situation like that. And so far my instincts have avoided me quite a few accidents, that would have otherwise been created due to the moron who got me in the situation. And they've avoided me killing a small child who ran in front of my car on a 40 mph road at the last second. Especially in that last situation, if i would have relied on slamming on my brakes, and letting my ABS take over, instead of maneuvering away from the situation calmly, i'm positive i would have killed or seriously injured that kid. I've thought of it over and over, i still don't quite know how i reacted in the way i did in the amount of time i had, but my instincts took over and they helped me drastically. ABS was designed to cater to idiots and bad drivers. Ones who, like i said, slam on the brakes in every situation.

[vdubstreets]

i smell a lawsuit when you rear end someone... they will find this post online and throw it in your face in court... they did with me a couple years ago.

attorney:
So i see here online under SN quattrorally, is that you? yes or no answer the question. so it is you, ok you deliberately disabled a safety braking feature on a car?

If you rear end someone it doesn't really matter, you're at fault anyways.


Secondly, i believe it is a driving preference. my jeep has no abs i seem to get by without smashing into telephones poles every time it rains. Lots of features on cars are there to assist drivers who are un-experiences, auto sensing windshield wipers, power steering, heated steering wheels, back up sensors, etc. So if he feels like more in-control with the abs off then that could well be, i know that most race cars don't have abs either.

[Maverick]

lol, bunch of sheeps changed their attitudes when OP is proving a case.
in my own experience, ABS just let my car slide in the snow when I lost the drift motion in a downhill parking lot. the pedal kept poping and it was making noises, I used gas to turn the car around. without ABS control, the brake pedal would just work and the brakes would work instead of the ABS keep on poping the brakes.
last year or this summer I read that ABS is dangerous in some situations where a car is going to hit a person on the road. ABS doesnt let the tires lock up and make a sound so the person is not warned, so they want to make an ABS system that will make the tires "scream" so the person can hear and possibly run away.

[JMRQuattro]

who changed their attitude? All the people who posted it was a bad idea didn't post again. It's been all new people agreeing with him.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

not a great idea but i'm sure since all the sensors aren't working it just gives the car all its got.

[Maverick]

who changed their attitude? All the people who posted it was a bad idea didn't post again. It's been all new people agreeing with him.

I dont want to turn this into an argument because staying on topic is more important. some of the posts that agreed with the OP must have read OP's later responses and then think it might work instead of automatically saying no.

[B8Buckeye]

lol, bunch of sheeps changed their attitudes when OP is proving a case.

some of the posts that agreed with the OP must have read OP's later responses and then think it might work instead of automatically saying no.

that seems to speak more to your typical reaction and state of mind than mine... i read the posts, formed my opinion based on my experience & posted.

[Killerteve]

^ LOL ninja edit. Good call though, better to keep that to PM's.