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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: SuperSandwich4 on 04 September 2008, 12:20

Title: ABS light stays on
Post by: SuperSandwich4 on 04 September 2008, 12:20
Hi all,

Have noticed only recently that when I start up my MK3 GTi 16v the seatbelt and ABS light come on then turn off as per the usual but when I drive off the ABS light comes on.

Anyone know what the crack is with that? Thanks.
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: skcollob_ho on 04 September 2008, 13:10
Probably one of your ABS sensors has had it. put it on a vagcom to find out which one.
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: SuperSandwich4 on 04 September 2008, 13:34
Probably one of your ABS sensors has had it. put it on a vagcom to find out which one.

Am sorry not very clued on cars and don't know what you mean.

Is it dangerous if the light stays on? How much to fix it?
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: bored_Welsh_lad on 04 September 2008, 13:40
It just means that your abs wont work correctly if you need to slam on... thus old skool braking...

Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: boneybradley on 04 September 2008, 13:51
its an m.o.t failure too.... check this guide for info http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=57396.0 (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=57396.0)

oh yeah theres nothing wrong with old school brakes!! my lights flashes sometimes due to a sticky handbrake mech!!
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: AlanD on 04 September 2008, 13:58
FYI VAGCOM is the diagnostics tool used on VAG cars.
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: SuperSandwich4 on 04 September 2008, 14:04
I had the MOT done a few months ago and it passed.

So if I take it to a garage that also does MOT they can fix the problem?

I looked at this VAGCOM thing and I need some sort of software and cables and stuff and hook it up to my car and check it?

Can I just take it to a garage for them to sort it out? Hope its not too expensive :-(
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: AlanD on 04 September 2008, 14:10
Can I just take it to a garage for them to sort it out? Hope its not too expensive :-(

Yeah, most garages have it, just phone up before hand and make sure they have "diagnostic tool for VWs". Prices varrey so ask.
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: ben1.8T on 04 September 2008, 14:28
My MK3 16V done this and they said it was the ABS control unit silly money to fix.  :sad:
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: pro-biotic on 04 September 2008, 15:03
its going to cost you initially to plug the car in to diagnose - circa 40-80 quid..

then if its simple a few quid for a wheel sensor

if its the electronics they are 500ish brand new (i have one in the shed - plug!!)

vag-com is a good purchase especially if you know a little about cars, the price you would pay for the cabla and software is the price you would pay for one dignostic session.

i`d find yourself someone on here local and get it plugged in for beer tokens, then go from there - more than likely they will be able to help you out with repairs for more tokens... but still less than by a garage or specialist
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: AlanD on 04 September 2008, 15:19
Yeah, its a bit of a rip off. VW wanted £70 to clear my airbag fault (long story but all it needed was clearing in VAGCOM) Ridg from here did it for me at the Brands meet in 30 seconds, taking the biscuit they was.
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: ben1.8T on 04 September 2008, 15:32
Think mine must have been the electrics cos I got quoted about £500  :shocked:
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: pro-biotic on 04 September 2008, 15:41
the best thing about the electronics it the box can be swapped from valve unit to valve unit in situe so no need to remove the valve unit (20 mins) then all you do is recoded and clear fault log in vag-com in 30 seconds... secondhand units are generally 30-50 quid off a private breaker and well worth the money.

with wheel sensors i have found its best to buy genuine.

if its was the pump and valve unit you prob wont get a illumination as the electronics think everything is ok - you can keep your working electronics and swap the valve units this is a bit more involved as it involves bleeding via vagcom etc.


Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: SuperSandwich4 on 04 September 2008, 15:44
its going to cost you initially to plug the car in to diagnose - circa 40-80 quid..

then if its simple a few quid for a wheel sensor

if its the electronics they are 500ish brand new (i have one in the shed - plug!!)

vag-com is a good purchase especially if you know a little about cars, the price you would pay for the cabla and software is the price you would pay for one dignostic session.

i`d find yourself someone on here local and get it plugged in for beer tokens, then go from there - more than likely they will be able to help you out with repairs for more tokens... but still less than by a garage or specialist

That sounds like a plan.

Anyone from the East London area that would be able to help me out pretty please?  :embarassed:
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: Baskey on 04 September 2008, 15:56
Do they test abs on an MOT? i didnt think they did, if not are they only failing it because the light is on?

Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: pro-biotic on 04 September 2008, 16:19
they should check the self diagnostics of the ABS

eg check light - then check light extigushes and stays off.

as far as the operational check i not sure you would think a brake test would indicate some abs assistance.
Title: Re: ABS light stays on
Post by: snifferdog on 04 September 2008, 17:25
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280263087818&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=018

 :wink: this should get it through an mot!