Apologies if this is a stupid question but I'm just wondering whether my 02 Fabia Classic will have ABS or not? I can't remember when it became standard on cars.

 

Last night I had to make a firm brake application in the wet and the car slid a bit, but didn't respond to my attempts to steer it away from the car in front, which had unexpectedly stopped (I'd left plenty of room and ultimately stopped with quite a bit of room but was trying to point the car away just in case). I'm not sure if the lack of steering was because I don't have ABS or because it was just so wet.

 

Cheers.

Search google images for "Fabia ABS module", then open your bonnet and have a look under where your engine ECU is, see if you have something that looks similar.

You can also tell by looking behind the wheels.

 

You should have a wire going to each wheel if you have ABS.

I have a 2001 fabia classic and the first thing I did (on a quiet wet road) was stamp on the brakes at low speed to find out if I had ABS.

Mine acted as yours did no ABS sadly.

Looking under the bonnet for the ABS module is just as effective, if a little less fun.

Edited 24 August, 201510 yr by poiuytre111

ABS unit looks like this:- top right corner under silver box which is engine ECU

 

 

Is it easy to retrofit ABS module on my 2004 Fabia saloon? I mean if i got the module is it easy to install and make the connections, or i will be pushed to change a lot of things in the car?

Big job.

Probably easier to buy a car with ABS, then move everything that you like about your current car into that one.

Big job.

Probably easier to buy a car with ABS, then move everything that you like about your current car into that one.

thanks

I think it was an option on the Classic model.

 

I personally wouldn't want another car without it. My Felicia had it then I drove a Pug 306 1.9 D for while without it and it was lethal trying to stop fast and steer!

 

Phil

Is it easy to retrofit ABS module on my 2004 Fabia saloon? I mean if i got the module is it easy to install and make the connections, or i will be pushed to change a lot of things in the car?

 

You would need to fit the wheel bearings with the ABS reluctor rings (which are not separate), then the ABS sensors to the strut/hub carriers, then wiring back to the ABS unit, then the ABS unit, then recode the CAN gateway, engine ECU, .& some other things...............

 

so a nice & easy job.........................  ........................

 

sell existing car for car with ABS................

Thanks, i got the idea, my car sucks. Yet i still love it!

Thanks, i got the idea, my car sucks. Yet i still love it!

 

Haha. I've had some cars that really sucked... and yet I loved them too! They are often the most fun cars to drive etc.

I think it was an option on the Classic model.

 

 

Yeah, my Classic has it.

 

Scared the crap out of me the first time I experienced it cutting in because the pedal dipped.

You could always check the codes on the big white sticker in the handbook or under the boot carpet I suppose. You're looking for 1AR I think.

Your lack of steering WAS because your front wheels were locked. Doesn't matter if the road is dry or wet, you should always be able to have full control of your car. I'd recommend you to check and replace your tires and your front shock absorbers. I'll make a huge difference in handling, mpg, braking distance/locking the wheels and so on. You can also get the car on a rolling road and check how balanced are your brakes. Normally, in a car with no ABS, even if the wheels are locked and you cannot steer it, the car should stay pretty much straight and not to pull to one side or another. If the brakes aren't balanced, you're in trouble and you need to get them fixed, bleeded etc.

 

Mine is a 2000 Comfort model and doesn't have it. With the old tires I've been in one or two situations when my front wheels locked when braking hard. Also, when I was on a hurry, my front wheels were slipping when taking off from a full stop (sometimes even in 2nd gear). With the new ones, it's glued to the road...I've had to brake hard from 90/60 to about 30mph..no problems at all (talking about motorway runs, dry/wet when meeting other 'experienced drivers' were cutting corners or outmaneuvering some animals crossing). When driving around city, IMHO, sometimes it might be better NOT to have an anti brake locking system. I've seen a couple of french cars with ABS cutting in at speeds lower then 20mph and on a wet surface and they hit the cars in front due to this fact. 

 

Good to know

Edited 2 September, 201510 yr by Alexandru

It's always good to practice cadence braking in a non-ABS car.

 

If you're not sure what that is it is where you pump the brake pedal as hard and fast as you can basically simulating ABS (but not as quick). This isn't the quickest way to stop in a straight line but if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to steer as well as brake then it may just save you from an accident!

 

Practice on a quiet road or empty car park.

 

A lot of cars that have ABS also have other system such as EBD that distributes brake pressure around the wheels depending on their level of grip etc. Also a system where if it thinks you are doing an emergency stop and you're not applying enough force on the pedal it will automatically apply full braking force for you.

Edited 2 September, 201510 yr by Phil-E

It's always good to practice cadence braking in ANY car.

 

There, FYP.

 

If you do it right you'll stop quicker than any ABS could, as soon as you feel the ABS kick in lift off the brakes and immediately re-apply them slightly less hard, keep doing this until you find the correct level of braking for the prevailing road condition that doesn't lock the wheels, voila, you can't stop any quicker than that ABS or not.

my 04 classic has it .Easiest way to tell is on dash .When ign is switched on, a YELLOW symbol identical to the handbrake warning illuminates for a few seconds.