Possible to disable ABS?

[MarkySparky]

As it looks like I'll be having a snowy drive to work tomorrow I'd quite like disable the ABS on my Vectra to give me some change of stopping at junctions. I've got access to the Vauxhall TIS system, so tried to trace a way of disabling it from there. When I pulled the fuses which seemed to be correct it just stopped the engine from running.

Can anyone give me any pointers on how to disable the ABS if I haven't got a switch, specifically which fuse I could try pulling?

ETA:
Car is a 2003 2.0T SRi..

[Ruperts Trooper]

A front-wheel drive turbo isn't the best car to go out in the snow, not on "summer" tyres anyway.

Don't worry about it - everyone else will have their ABS working - if you do manage to stop quicker than others, you'll just get rear ended !!

[Keithy]

Defo pull the fuse but aint got a clue which one. used to work on the old cavy's, but then again the system probably wasn't as complex as the vectra c

[Deztroyer]

modern cars can disable the vehicle from starting if it detects a serious fault on the abs - which is where your problem lies

[MarkySparky]

Modern? It was one of the first 2.0Ts ever built!

I know of the problems with driving a front wheel drive turbo in winter. I've owned the car since new so this is the 7th winter I've driven it. That's why I'm trying to disable the ABS. I still remember the feeling of helplessness from last winter when I was sailing over junctions with the brake pedal juddering! Wide tyres are not always good!

If the fuse plan isn't going to work I'll have to keep my eyes open for a pothole to hit. That seems to send the ABS into a sulk these days anyway...

Thanks for the help everyone.

[stevedee3]

You'll need the ABS system to have a working speedometer. I wouldn't encourage this, but maybe try disconnecting one of the non-driven wheel speed sensors.

[Ruperts Trooper]

Brake pedal juddering?

The reason ABS is less effective in snow is because all four wheels lock simultaneously which confuses the ABS ECU into thinking that no intervention is necessary - in these circumstances the ABS doesn't cycle the brakes, same as a race driver not using ABS as it doesn't work in a 4-wheel lock up.

If your brake pedal was juddering, ABS was working and NOT being confused by snow - switching it off will make stopping distances longer in the circumstances you describe.

I do know a way of "disabling" the ABS but it would be irresponsible of me to make anyone else aware of it!

[Ste]

I would not recommend disabling your ABS - you would be leaving yourself wide open to insurance issues if you needed to claim.

Without sounding snotty, maybe improving your driving on snow skills would be a better option?

[RobW]

I would not recommend disabling your ABS - you would be leaving yourself wide open to insurance issues if you needed to claim.

Without sounding snotty, maybe improving your driving on snow skills would be a better option?

Agreed. Adjust your driving, do not approach any junctions at the same speed you would in dry conditions.

The ABS also has the EBD function - helps stop you in a straight line!

[benny]

the good news is removeing the fuse will kill / stop the abs working ......the bad news is beeing as it is the canbus bridge you wont be able to start the car so you wont beable todo any driveing .....simples ...lol.. ...just drive slower in the snow / ice ...