ABS override switch

[srlbotanical]

In the new issue of fourwheeler mag, they have a brief tech article about an ABS override switch install. I think this is a great idea and would like to do it in my 97 k1500. I find myself wishing I could shut the ABS off fairly often when I am off road. I could just pull the fuse, but I never think of it until I am trying to lock up the wheels going down a sand dune or in deep gravel and at that point its too late.

 

The idea is simple. You pull the ABS fuse, use fuse taps and an in-line fuse holder to extend the wires to a toggle switch in a user friendly location on the dash. You can then just flip the switch to turn ABS on and off.

 

Here's my problem. I have a 10A fuse in the cab (#18) that is labeled "Brake" and the owners manual description is "4WAL/VCM, ABS, cruise control". I also have a BIG-ASS 60A fuse under the hood that is labeled "ABS" and the description is "Anti-lock Brake Module".

 

Will the 10A in-cab fuse turn off the ABS? Or do I have to tap into the Big 60A fuse under the hood? I was at radio shack today and I didn't find any switches or fuse holders rated for 60A. To switch out the 10A fuse would be a piece of cake. The 60A fuse would be a Major PITA.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Steve

[srlbotanical]

Ok, I did some messing around last night and the 10A fuse in the cab is the one I put a switch on. I experimented on a gravel road, I can stomp on the brakes and ABS will kick in. I can pull the 10A fuse, my ABS dash light will come on, and when I stomp on the brakes, NO ABS!

 

So, I installed the ABS override switch and it works like a charm. I like the fact the ABS light comes on when the switch is turned off. This is a good reminder to turn it back on again when I'm done wheelin'.

 

I did take pictures this time!

 

OK, This is how I did it. You will need the following parts:

• an appropriate toggle switch
  
• fuse taps
  
• an in-line automotive fuse holder
  
• spade connectors
  
• shrink tubing
  

1) find your ABS fuse and pull it to test if your ABS shuts off and no other functions are compromised. My ABS light came on and the ABS was no longer active. I also drilled a small hole to run the wires through to the dash.

 

2) wire the fuse taps to tie in to each side of the space where you pulled the fuse. I had to carefully grind the fuse tap so it was a little thinner in order to get it to insert into the fuse panel. This is the fuse tap attached to the in-line fuse holder. I used a spade connector and then used shrink tubing to get a good tight fitting.

 

3) Connect the two fuse taps and wires to the empty ABS fuse slot and run them to the dash location where you want the toggle switch. I used a small piece of shrink tub to neatly hold the wires together.

 

4) Determine where you want your switch. Drill the appropriate size hole and mount the switch. (make sure the space behind the mount is clear of wires, etc.!)

 

This is what the switch looks like after being mounted.

 

5) feed the wires through to the switch, hook up your wires to the switch and put your dash back together.

 

6) the finished project!

 

The switch seems to work really well. Like a said before when the switch is off, My ABS light comes on and I can lock up all four wheels and slide to a stop on gravel. I am heading up to Silver lake with my family for a three day weekend at the end of August,

(next weekend!)I am looking forward to finally being able to turn OFF ABS when I am in the sand!

 

Steve

[nickchowell]

I'm hoping this isn't too late in getting to you, seeing as the last edit was in 2006. However, I'm attempting to do this on my Tahoe and I was wondering what the trick was with the fuse taps. I grind them down to fit in the fuse block, but the always seem to bust off. Did you cut them down more than what was available? Also, they don't seem to stay in the fuse block when I do install them. Any help would be great.