Help! - Error: Stabilisation Control ESC

[MK6-Fan]

Today I was sat in my car listening to the radio when after 10mins or so the radio suddenly turned itself off.  I tried turning it back on but.....nothing. I then tried starting the engine but it didn't start (instead making a clicking sound as if it was trying to start.)

I waited another 10mins & after that the engine started & the radio worked again.  But, as soon as the engine was running a pinging sound (message sound/display) came up on the MFD saying "Error: Stabilisation Control ESC" & an orangey coloured solid symbol of a steering wheel showed on the dash & remained. 

I read the heandbook & it says it's something to do with the speed sensitive steering? It also recommends that you do not drive it (obviously!) 

Anyway, I phoned the dealer & they can't look at it until Monday next week as they're that busy but will try to slot me in on Thursday/Friday if they aren't too busy - wtf!

Any ideas if this should be covered under warranty as it's clearly a mechanical fault?

The cars a 2012 Golf Match 1.4 TSI (122) with only 6,500 miles.

Thanks for any help guys.

[Buck]

Sounds like you ran your battery down too much

Once the car starts again it will bring a number of items up on the MFD.

Run the car for a few miles and it will reset itself and all will be well in the world

 

[mike.]

Just sounds like the battery was geting low and it shuts down things to conserve power.

Drive the car forward, turn full lock right and then full lock left and it should reset the steering sensor.

[MK6-Fan]

Sounds like you ran your battery down too much

Once the car starts again it will bring a number of items up on the MFD.

Run the car for a few miles and it will reset itself and all will be well in the world

 

Thanks Buck.

I'm very worried that the car might blow up or fry the electrics if I drive it or even the steering might not function correctly?

The car is not even 1 year old & this is very unusal for a new car.

It states in the handbook that you should not drive it & that's the thing that's worrrying me incase it damages it further/at all?

I think I'll take it to the dealers even though I've left it parked in my office car park & the dealers is luckily only half a mile away - phew!

    

[MK6-Fan]

Just sounds like the battery was geting low and it shuts down things to conserve power.

Drive the car forward, turn full lock right and then full lock left and it should reset the steering sensor.

Cheers for your good advice there Mike.

I'll try following your steps in the morning (hadn't even considered doing this) - my head is pickled today with worryness!! lol 

I'll report back on what the outcome is.

[ScottA]

The car is not even 1 year old & this is very unusal for a new car.

I wouldn't say it's unusual. Infact, every new car I've had has been a pile of sh1t!

Sounds like the battery was low. Not sure why if the engine was running though. I'd drive it.

[Buck]

Any update on this?

[PhillSax]

Recently disconnected the battery a couple of times on mine to do a bit of wiring, on both occasions when the battery was reconnected I got the power steering and ESP fault light staying on (and fault messages in the display ). Starting the car and then stopping it 2 or 3 times cleared the faults on both occasions . I think the low voltage triggers the faults, but the car resets the fault lights when the fault hasn't been present for a while/certain number of restarts. Could be the same faults you are seeing due to low battery voltage, if any doubt though see what the dealer says.

[Adrena1in]

Worried the crap out of my when I left my sidelights on all day and this happened when I got back to the car.  Had to bump-start it, and then all manner of warnings and beeps plagued me on the way home.  And my indicators were clicking at double-speed too, which was an odd one.

[Jimble]

Must be knackered! I'd scrap it.....