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ABS and 4WS Removal

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 2:42 pm
by uberNoobZA
Ever since I had my '95 2.2 4WS 4th Gen, the ABS light has been on, and ABS hasn't worked I going to get round to removing ABS completely at some stage. I was wondering... if II disconnected the ABS ECU, but left the rest of the ABS system installed (for now at least), would this affect the brakes at all ?

In addition, I have the rear subframe from a 2WS and will be doing a 2WS conversion at some time. If I disconnect the 4WS ECU for the time being, will this simply lock the rear wheels in center position, and can I still driver her normally ?

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 4:52 pm
by sol-lude
ABS i'm sure can be confirmed with someone on here but my understanding is that this will continually throw up an error unless you someone knows how to by pass at the ECU (might be completely wrong on that one)

As for the 4WS - 2WS if there is an error on the 4WS at the moment it will be locked in the straight position already and likely if you remove the ECU for it it will continue being forward only. Locking pin may be useful for ease of mind.

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 5:36 pm
by Vtecmec
Your brakes won't be affected by a faulty ABS.

The car will be dangerous with faulty 4WS. Get it fixed, probably the ABS fault that's causing it.

Have you checked for error codes?

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 5:46 pm
by Max
I was going to say have you actually tried to diagnose the fault? Could be something as simple as a relay or sensor, surely worth fixing and keeping unless you're planning on tracking it.

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 6:32 pm
by crxdriver
I reset my 4ws on my 5th gen when i got it. It worked like a charm. Only takes 2 mins to try.

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 6:59 pm
by uberNoobZA
There's nothing wrong with 4WS. It's the ABS light that's on. 4WS works great. However, as I'm getting the car ready for track, I'll be removing 4WS.

I tried to read ABS error codes, and the light didn't flash any codes at all - just stayed lit as always when I jumpered the diagnostic connector and turned on ignition.

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 7:01 pm
by uberNoobZA
My issue isn't that I want to CLEAR the ABS light. I just want to remove the ABS ECU, but will not get round to removing hte rest of ABS quite yet. Just wanted to know if removing ABS ECU will affect normal braking at all.

Regarding 4WS, I'll just leave THAT ECU connected until I remove the subframe and replace it with the 2WS subframe (saving up for poly bushes, so I'll poly bush the 2WS subframe and then put it on the car - saves me taking it all off twice :D )

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 7:36 pm
by Vtecmec
Why would you downgrade to 2WS? :?

Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 9:47 pm
by Drax
Vtecmec wrote:Why would you downgrade to 2WS? :?
my thought exactly. Unless your going down the big weight loss, 4ws is fine on track - I've run it on 10+ track days pushing hard each time and it's never failed me :)

Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 6:16 am
by uberNoobZA
Main reason to remove 4WS is weight loss. Already stripped out most interior plus my newly completed 5th gen sunroof conversion