I just bought a 2009 Fit Sport M/T and I am very pleased with it. However, I live in Alaska, and ABS on ice is quite possibly one of the worst things I have ever experienced. I have been up here for a little over two years and have not had ABS at all. Even at a small stop light by my house the ABS kicks in violently only an inch down the pedal. This drastically increases my stopping distances, almost dragging me in to traffic at speeds as low as 5mph.

I have been told I can disable the ABS by simply removing the fuse. Looking at the owner's manual I notice there are 3 fuses for the ABS. Two of which are located in the interior fuse box. One is simply labeled "ABS/VSA" the other is "ABS/VSA FSR" what is FSR? And finally, the third is in the under-hood box containing the fuse for the motor.

Do I need to remove all of these in order to disable the ABS safely? I do not want to remove the motor, as I would probably like to have it back in the dry season. Will this cause any damage to the vehicle? Can it be recognized once I put the fuses back in (warranty voided)?


Modified by packet at 10:49 PM 11/7/2008

 

Hmm, I actually thought that the ABS wasn't that sensitive and didn't kick in all that early.

I know what you're talking about with the slowly crawling to a stop with the ABS, my family's 98 Mazda MPV is just like that, damn near impossible to stop with that ABS, I resort to pulling the handbrake when I'm almost stopped but it's still going.

Are you using snow tires? That may be a factor. On my 07, the pedal can be modulated so it's right on the edge of ABS engagement, and it is very effective at bringing the car to a standstill even in very slippery conditions. Maybe Honda reprogrammed the ABS for the 09s, Car and Driver complained that their 09 test car had an unusually long braking distance.

 

Don't f@#k with your ABS man! It will save your *** one day!

 

Yourself moron.

On ice and snow, ABS results in LONGER braking distances. For an inexperienced driver (yourself maybe?) the ABS helps keep the car stable and helps prevent a spin out, but strictly in terms of braking distances on surfaces like snow and ice, a car without ABS and proper brake modulation will stop sooner.

 

you idiot! Hope you're ready for your wheels to lock up on the ice, crash, total your fit then have the insurance agent look at your **** only to discover you removed your abs! Wow! Yea tune your brakes if that helps you sleep wtf?!

 

uhh.. i do just fine with my EF that doesn't have ABS.. or my miata for that matter in snow and ice..

 

If you car didn't come with it that is understandable. Nevertheless it is a safety feature, and going out of your way to remove it isn't the best idea imo

 

While 99% of the drivers out there are safer with ABS (much safer), an experienced driver on snow and ice can stop significantly sooner without ABS. This is because deliberately locking up the tires will allow the snow to "pile up" in front of the tires (instead of the tire rolling over it), creating additional braking force.

Outside of such a condition, such as when its only wet or icy, ABS is a life saver.

However, that said, another good point has been brought up here.
I don't think an insurance can deny coverage on a car, even if the ABS was deliberately disabled, but this probably varies from insurance company to company.

Only reason I don't think they can deny coverage, is because there have been plenty of examples where a car modified to be less safe has been covered. Heck, legally, allowing a company to do such a thing opens the flood gate for abuse. What if my insurance decided that the tires I purchased didn't provide adequate grip, preventing me from braking in time to avoid a collision (I do use summer tires, and have little to no traction in mud and snow)? What if they decided my aftermarket brake pads weren't providing as much fade resistance as stock (ceramic "dustless" pads, and they do fade easier), and thus were the cause of an accident?

But still, something to consider checking with the insurance company before attempting the modification.

 

eh, just like removing air bags.. i don't like 'em and i am too close to the wheel for them to not hurt me a lot..

 

We are on the same page

 

ABS does make braking take longer, a professional driver will be able to slow down faster WITH OUT abs. I hate and S2000 I HATE abs.

 

I think it depends on the ABS system. In the ITR, the ABS was very aggresive and worked very well. In the other cars I've had, the ABS was too sensitive and was a hinderance most times.

I believe the concept of ABS is a great technological improvement, but the implimentation could use a bit of polishing.

 

yea I could see that