ABS Issues

[Joss_Durnan 0]

Apologies for posting another ABS thread, but the search engine doesn't seem to like three-letter searches.

 

My VR6 failed the MoT test last week due to the ABS light being on. I should have known it would fail, it's always on and has been for some time. I'm fairly certain the ABS isn't working at all, but I've seen people in other threads saying that various fault codes can cause the light to come on. Periodically the ABS would violently engage for no reason at low speeds. This got worse, until it stopped completely a couple of months ago. The light has been on all the time since.

 

Anyway, I had it booked in at a local VW specialist to get fixed, who suggested that it's almost certainly a faulty sensor. They phoned me today saying that the sensors are now obsolete parts, and it might be a while before they can source new ones.

 

What should I do? Everyone seems to have problems with the Corrado's ABS system; I feel like I'd be better off without it all together. Is it something that can safely/easily be removed or disabled?

 

At the moment all I plan to do is drive it somewhere quiet and brake hard to make sure it's definitely not working. And probably take out the ABS light bulb, otherwise I don't see an MoT certificate coming my way soon.

[Jon_vr6 1]

Sensors obsolete i dont think so fella

[joebloggsVR69 0]

ABS sensors are not obsolete :)

You can get new aftermarket new ones on ebay, for a lot less than VW charge.

 

You should find a garage with a VAG COM daignostic tool and it will tell you which sensor has failed

[Jim Bowen 1]

Sensors are £55 each from vw and thats the front ones, rears cost even more.

 

I trying my luck with cheaper non genuine ones from gsf

 

Sent from my X10i using Tapatalk 2

[Jim Bowen 1]

Mind you I only got a quote and didn't order them, so could be obselete

 

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[daleyboy 0]

I got a rear one (oe) a year or two ago it was................£115........:shocked!:

 

The non vw ones i wouldn't bother with, the way i see it the original lasted 18 years........

[dr_mat 0]

They're probably right - the symptoms point squarely at a failing sensor. Find someone who isn't a dealer and ask them, you'll get a more sensible answer.

As for "obsolete".. that's nuts, the parts are completely generic. The only thing that might be an issue is the cables not being quite the right length if it's not made for a Corrado ..

[Roger Blassberg 0]

The front sensors come without a cable attached and are very widely available - look on ebay. The rears have the cables attached and are a bit more expensive, but again are available fronm many sources.

 

Taking the bulb out won't get you through the MOT - they check that the light comes on and then goes off and stays off.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[dr_mat 0]

Oh yeah and a sharp-eyed MOT tester will fail the car even if you COMPLETELY REMOVE the ABS system - their lists show what cars have ABS and it's required to be fitted and working.

It's really not that difficult to get fixed though, so just try again.

[Jim Bowen 1]

I got a rear one (oe) a year or two ago it was................£115........:shocked!:

 

The non vw ones i wouldn't bother with, the way i see it the original lasted 18 years........

 

I took the risk with cheap ones as they are hardly a complicated bit of technology. I swear its just a magnet with two wires and some sort of resistor.

 

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[MikeVR6 0]

Most likely a sensor. But you'll need VAGCOM to confirm. I had the ABS system completely removed on mine due to a fault no one could track down. Luckily my mate is a mechanic and did it as a favour. Otherwise it would have cost hundreds in labour.

 

Sensors....

Ebay - http://tinyurl.com/brcppll

 

Eurocarparts - http://tinyurl.com/cvfbqno

[daleyboy 0]

I took the risk with cheap ones as they are hardly a complicated bit of technology. I swear its just a magnet with two wires and some sort of resistor.

 

Sent from my X10i using Tapatalk 2

 

It's not complicated, but i wouldn't get cheap top mounts and they are just a lump of rubber, i was going for longevity cos they're a pain to change

[Joss_Durnan 0]

Thanks for the replies everyone, they've helped a lot! I'll see if I can replace the sensors myself, they're not as expensive as I thought they'd be.

 

I was panicking for a bit, still in two minds over whether to SORN the poor girl for a bit... running a VR on a student's income isn't easy!

[Fine wine, Belgian chocs. 1]

I found which sensor was faulty on mine with a multimeter.

 

Set meter to read resistance, find where the sensor is plugged in (fronts- under bonnet on inner wing near strut top, rears- under back seat cushions), disconnect and put meter across the sensor side of the plug.

 

With the car jacked up spin the wheel by hand and see if there's any difference showing on the meter.

 

When I did mine three of them showed a difference and the nearside front showed nothing at all so was faulty.

 

Replaced it with one from GSF for next to fook-all and never had a problem since.

[dr_mat 0]

Yep, if you're ok with using a multimeter you can avoid the VAGCOM dance, but in all honesty I'd recommend getting a VAGCOM cable - it'll be quicker to read the error codes, and it'll pay for itself in no time.

[Joss_Durnan 0]

I downloaded VCDS Lite to see what it said, it stopped scanning at the ABS, something about there being too many error codes for me to look at unless I buy a licence.

 

I don't have a multimeter myself, so I took it to the place I take the Mini and borrowed theirs. Electronics really aren't my thing, but all the sensor plugs gave similar ohm readings, so I suppose that rules out the sensors themselves.

 

Anyway, I've got it booked in for Wednesday to get a diagnostic done. Hopefully, that'll tell me exactly what's wrong.