ABS module on '96 Taurus, location?

Where would the ABS module for the '96 Taurus be located if it was present? It is not functional or needed, but I have the fuse and everything in place, and would like to use that circuit for another purpose. Where would I go to find where the module should be?

Follow the brake lines from the master cylinder. Check the wiring diagram to see what color wires are suppose to go to the module. Look for a plug with the right color wires under the hood.

So the wires for the control module go directly to the master cylinder area somewhere? I have no wiring diagram, and using a toner to tone between the "load" side of the ABS fuse and the frame, I found nothing during my "quick" scan, and toning my fuse box was useless as I couldn't single out a wire from the rest, probably because the wand and the tone generator were both on top of each other. Since I can lock up the brakes at will, I would assume that the ABS unit isn't present and I would have a plug hanging somewhere.

The electrical wires going to the master cylinder maybe for the pressure switch and/or a fluid indicator sensor. Due to electrical sneaks (most circuits on cars are intertwined), I don't think a toner will be able to trace circuits. I use a test light to test circuits, others use a multimeter.
Did you follow the hydraulic lines to see if a module exists? On some cars all you have to do to disconnect the ABS is unplug the electical wires to the module. If you don't wish to invest in a repair manual and the dealer parts guys are unwilling or unable to let you look at the factory one, try the library. My local public libraries have many repair manuals available for all makes and models. I spent seventy-five cents photocopying the section I needed to make a repair on a friends car.

The electrical sneaks you're talking about, if they're what I'm thinking of, would mean that I would find a handful of "possible" circuits, and I could then check their continuity to see which one's which. But I found no circuit with the toner in my scan. ...though I didn't exactly check closely. This toner will check hundreds of feet of telephone cable without bleed-over, so that shouldn't be much of a problem.

As far as enabling or disabling the ABS system, I'm not interested in that. I only want to find where the circuit goes so I can use it for something else. If the control module is there (which is doubtful), it isn't functional so I wouldn't be losing anything anyway.

Here are two examples of sneaks that come to mind; Late model MGB, keys out of the ignition, the starter motor will engage if the brake handle is pulled up and a diode in the charging circuit fails. Not good especially when you are not in the car. A late model American car (can't remember make and model); car off, keys out of ignition. When the hazard lights are on, power is provided to the radio. The radio blinks on and off, not good for electronics.
Sneaks can also be caused by bad grounds.
The rule of thumb is sneaks are not good.
Wiring diagrams show how the circuit is powered/switched and what is connected to the circuit. I saw a fuse box with a fuse labeled tail lights. Although not labeled on the fuse box, the dash lights were part of that circuit.
I have used a toner on my home and in wiring cubicles at work. Both places I was able to isolate the wiring from common connections such as breaker boxes, routers, switches, etc.
You will find a wiring diagram very helpful. With a good wiring diagram you would have been able to trace the circuit in minutes.
Repair manuals containing wiring diagrams are available from a wide variety of sources; auto parts stores, ebay, half.com, amazon, my favorite is the library (less than a dollar to make copies), etc.
Make an enlarged copy of the wiring diagram for your car. Enlarged copies make it easier to read and trace with colored markers. You will also have room to make notes and record changes you have made.

OK, so it's like two circuits shorted together on the power side, right?

You could follow all those wires and tubes and sneaks or you could just remove your battery and battery tray and the module should be right there. Word of warning...removing a module from a network which is multiplexed (modules share information) could have unpredictable results in systems which would otherwise be considered unrelated.

You could follow all those wires and tubes and sneaks or you could just remove your battery and battery tray and the module should be right there. Word of warning...removing a module from a network which is multiplexed (modules share information) could have unpredictable results in systems which would otherwise be considered unrelated.

Now THAT was what I was looking for. Now maybe I can get started on following to see where the circuit goes. Also, I've pulled the fuse out for it and nothing's happened. Since I don't exactly plan on actually taking the module out, but only tracing its circuit, maybe I can find and tap the circuit it's on. If it was multiplexed, the module not getting power would (theoredically) set off a problem due to the multiplexing error, and I'd see it, right? :)

Sounds like you got ducks in a row.

For real. I just had the "where's it at" duck trying to fly off on me, and we finally got it shot down. :D