Banshee8

Guys, so I've pulled the ABS/DCS fuse and I'm thinking about an ABS module delete down the road once I get a feel for it. Is COBB the way to go to resolve the ABS/DCS indicator light or is there a cheaper method? Thanks.

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

Call me crazy, but why would you want to disable safety equipment? Aside from the legal issues of doing that, you would probably be in some hot water if insurance finds out.

Banshee8

Sorry, please don't hijack.

Back to the "how" question.

Thanks guys.

poacherinthezoo

Remove/disable the bulb? If you go that route I would be sure to do it in a reversible way, as selling the car in that condition could lead to legal issues.

Banshee8

I like the idea of going striaght to the bulb, since I'm not messing with anything else or attempting to trick the car. I suppose I could mask the backside of the instrument cluster. It would be BEST if I could just remove a "bulb" and tape it to the back of the cluster for reinstallation in the future. That way the bulb itself won't be burning constantly.

Does anyone know if the instrument cluster lights are bulbs or something a bit harder like circuitboard LEDs?

Yeah I don't plan on selling. If I did I'd definitely bring it back to stock.

But yeah... what are the cluster lights made with? Are they removable?

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

they are smd led's ... they are not removable unless you desolder

Banshee8

Interesting. Do you think there's space enough between the led and the cluster window to place a blackout mask of some kind?

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

I would assume so. The tedious part will be disassembling the cluster to get to it.

Banshee8

I assume that the cable connection to the cluster from the various car systems is digital and there's no point in splicing in an inline switch which would open the circuit on these lights?

If the connection for the warning lights was a simple current with switching elsewhere, that could be an easy fix. I could even make a switch underneath the wheel column.

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

correct, not an analog signal. The dash cluster is the canbus endpoint as well on this car so tread lightly.

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

Btw, from an S2:
http://www.normalexception.net/docum...%20Cluster.pdf

Banshee8

AH, ok perfect. Yeah there's nothing I can do about this but the caveman approach. Masking it is. Or COBB when I've got the coin.

I've decided against the complete ABS delete, too much delicate work for 30 lbs. And why mess with the already excellent braking?

A pulled fuse will do for now.

On to the cluster removal DIY...

ken-x8

So this was to save 30 pounds by removing the ABS hardware? I had no idea it weighed that much.

BTW - the classic way of blocking a warning light is to put a black stick-on dot (the kind used to color code file folders) on the outside of the cluster, on the glass (plastic?) in front the light. That method was posted several times by Expo1 (RIP), who would cover the TPMS light in the winter when he was running on his sensor-less snow tires and wheels.

Ken

Banshee8

Well, that's second hand info that presumably included all of the original hard tubing, etc... so I'm probably completely wrong. Seems heavy to me too.

I'm one of these OCD types, so the sticker won't cut it I'm afraid haha. At least not without a fight.

ken-x8

I wouldn't go for a sticker, either. An alternative to getting rid of the light is to think of a back story for it so it becomes an entertainment instead of an annoyance. For example, the coolant level light can be interpreted as a Rolls Royce grill, a Greek Temple or a merry-go-round. Lots of story possibilities there. (Greek temple: car thinks we're hungry, need to stop for a gryro.) There has to be an almost credible yarn for the ABS light.

Ken

CRO8TIA

The Anti Bull Sh.t unit weighs 3.216 kilos

ken-x8

That's not much weight for hardware. But if it was Austrian Blueberry Strudel we could all get together for a really nice dessert.

Ken

Banshee8

I'll just take the crap out of my trunk and empty the condensation out of my tail light. Same diff.

CRO8TIA

Ken, if youre buying the Strudel, Ill shout the coffee.