ABS Fault/ Brake lights on dash

[emy_mk3_gti]

Hi All.

Wondering if we have any whizz's here regarding brakes/abs.

My ABS light used to intermitantly go out but now stays on all the time (I am well aware that the ABS is not working).

The handbrake light on the dash is also staying on.
The handbrake itself is working fine, isn't sticking and there isn't a huge amount of travel when on.

I believe both lights on suggest an ABS fault.
Front and rear disc and pads still have alot of use left in them.
Front ABS sensors and ABS rings changed about 18months ago.
Would changing the rear ones help?

Last time my GTI was in for a service they had a matey boy from VW test it and he werent able to determine what was causing the fault (which i think is a little ludricous).

So any suggestions most welcome

Cheers

Emy

[sharki786]

check you brake fluid as a 1st step. Then get vaj com hooked on it for any errors. Wipe them and check again if they come up again (should tell you which abs sensor it is front or rear) if they still come up get live data from it by having it hooked up and drive (should tell you the speed of each sensor if 1 is lower then the other 1 then clean it and try again) if all fails then its the abs ecu which is common.

[emy_mk3_gti]

Hi there.

Had a brake fluid service in January so I would hope not that.

And then hook "what" on it for errors? You mean me or take to a garage? (Sorry for being dim)

[Screech16v]

Buy this it will help you pin point your problem and you will use it over and over 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/U281-VW-Audi-Skoda-Seat-VAG-CAN-BUS-Fault-Code-Reader-Scanner-diagnostic-tool-UK-/300771386986?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item46075f266a

[VW BUSH]

Check the little plunger cover on the fluid reservoir is there, they crumble away and the plunger pops up giving you the light on the dash and you have just had it serviced.....Need to make sure this is right as ABS light and Handbrake light can mean a specific fault on certain cars.
As said before, get a code reader ( I have a U281 code reader so can back screech up) they are only £15ish

[Screech16v]

From what i gather,he is saying his handbrake light is not also staying on 

[sharki786]

From what i gather,he is saying his handbrake light is not also staying on 

From what i gather,he is saying his handbrake light is not also staying on 

hahaha i also thought the same.
Go to a garage and ask for a vaj com (diagnostic) this will connect to the on board computer which logs faults (if there is 1 & in your case there is) it will read it and tell you whats the matter with the abs.

[brett]

i also have this problem buttttt ,hopefully goin to look at another car saturday  mmm,then it will be decision time on what to do with mine 

[madmanmart]

If your brake fluid is topped up and the handbrake switch is working fine the the light staying on constantly means complete failure of the brake bias system which is controlled by the ABS ECU.

Get the car scanned for fault codes.

[emy_mk3_gti]

Lol.

Firstly, he is a she secondly, I did make a typo there.

Both lights are staying on