gripper924

I have had to disconnect my ABS as it was cutting in every time I braked. The problem has been traced to a faulty ABS unit, although this was sent away before for testing to be told it is working perfectly. It looks like I need a new ABS ECU at great expense. Has anyone purchased one recently or got any other solutions? The car is a '95 2.0 16v with £90k on the clock and I have owned it for almost 10 years!

Thanks for the replies. A rapid pulsing sensation in the brake pedal is certainly a good description, verging on violent. I have had many problems with the ABS sensor, eventually diagnosed as the warning light - this was 18 months ago and the ABS ECU was checked as okay, but the light would not go out. The ABS light is now wired to the battery start up light! I had a new steering column fitted 6 months ago, but I dont think the two are related. The car is in very good condition for 16 years old, so the ABS sounds likely. Did your problem just appear, or was it gradual?

I have had no brake problems until this morning when I set off down the road and when first pressing the break felt a rotational resistance. I pushed the brakes harder after speeding up and it sort of felt like the ABS was kicking in, although the braking was significantly worse. I do about 1000 miles a year in my Corrado so it spends most of its life in my garage, hence this is a sudden change rather than gradual - it was fine two weeks ago when I last drove it. I am grateful for any ideas on what the problem is.

Thanks for point on it being more likely the rack. Could put a different perspective on the problem. Re transforming steering by replacing the column - you say you'd already replaced the rack - was that expensive? I am fearful of a big expensive job. Any tips on where to get a replacement? Thank you both.

I have been making enquiries about renewing the steering column and found a non-adjustable one brand new is about £100 plus same again to fit (maybe + VAT). However, the last MOT questioned the steering rack, which sounds expensive. So I have 3 questions: 1. Has anyone changed a steering rack and how long does it take (a mechanic, not me!)? 2. Does anyone have an idea where I can get a good one, recon or new, for a reasonable price? 3. Would I be wise to change the rack at the same time as the column? I don't know how desperate the rack is, but you can feel the steering is looser than it used to be. comments appreciated, thanks, Pete

I've managed to break the headlamp switch just by trying to turn the lights on. Any ideas where I can get a new or second hand cheap one. I've emailed a few breakers with no luck. VW want £65! I was thinking more like a tenner.

Thanks to all for the replies, and apologies for the delay in my reply. My Corrie was off road for a month, the ABS system checked out by a motor electrician and the ECU sent away twice and returned as working both times. A voltage problem was reported by the electrician. In the end a got a mechanic to use a bit of creative wiring (from the battery or oil bulb?) to solve the problem. Ironically the ABS has always worked perfectly, the problem is only the bulb.

Further to my last post, the garage say that VAGCOM was used and it is saying there is a fault with the ECU voltage unit. When sent away for repair the company says the ECU was perfectly okay. Very frustrating!

Thanks for reply guys. Just in case, does anyone know where I can obtain wiring diagrams for my car (95M, 2.0 16V). The garage say they need one to investigate further.

More problems with my '95 2.016V The ABS light won't go out which is preventing it passing its MOT. It has been diagnosed (rightly or wrongly) as a problem in the ECU, but the power coming in is fine and the ECU has now been tested and is reported to be fine. Anyone had a similar problem? The garage are getting a motor electrcian back in to test the whole system as they are stumped. Could the problem be with the sensors? Can't I just take out the ABS warning light bulb? replies, as ever, much appreciated. thanks.

Thanks for reply to steering rack problem on 15th August. Been on holiday since (in trusty Mondeo!) hence delayed thanks. Have now been told the ABS light won't go out so the whole lot has to be sent for refurbishment. Great.

Hi, I have a 95 16v which I've had for 8 years with 88k on the clock. £200 maintenance per year until now! Question 1 I've got a steering boot split and the rack is making a nasty noise. The garage say they should be able to grease it up, but worst case scenario = new rack! Any recommendations on where to go for price and quick delivery on a good reconditioned one? Question 2 There is also excessive play in the steering column. When sitting inside I can move the column up and down and left and right in the centre setting more than I should be able to. It is slightly better when adjusted higher or lower. Any ideas on what needs replacing? And frighten me with an approximate cost? Once again I am grateful for the responses I get. Because the car has cost me so little over the years I always take it to the local VW experts -not dealers -so dont get to involved myself.

Thanks for the replies. Very kind. I think the battery recharged itself quite quickly, as when this problem does not arise it starts immediately. I will check the starter motor when I can find it. Is it by the alternator? There are no noises from the starter, and the number of times it takes to start are variable. From your replies the ignition switch does sound the favorite. Many thanks.

Hi, I am new to this and have a technical question. After leaving the lights on and flattening the battery I find now that the starter motor is playing up (I think). When switching on the ignition the fuel pumps prims up, the dash lights are on, but turning the key gets no response, not even a clicking noise. This is only an intermittant problem though. Has anyone heard of this? My car is a '95 16v with 88k and I have owned it for 8 years. I am not mechanically experienced because nothing ever goes wrong!