ABS - inlet valve front right (N99) error...

[_Matt_ 32]

Hi all,

 

My car had it's ABS light on intermittently when I purchased it, although I didn't see it but the seller said it was on sometimes. I took the risk (sensor, fingers crossed ha) and my mechanic read and reset the codes when he serviced it. The light went out for the first drive but came back on intermittently over the last few weeks and we're now left with this last code "inlet valve front right (N99)".

 

We think it probably needs a new ABS pump unit but thought i'd put a thread on here as we're both going to look into the best way to resolve the issue. MOT due in August so have some time :)

 

From my limited research so far this clearly seems to be the most expensive ABS fault if I am replacing the unit, any recommendations on where to get either a refurbished one or known working one? I'm thinking initially refurbished might be better?

 

 

Cheers,

Matt

[Dox 23]

my mechanic read and reset the codes when he serviced it.

 

Matt

 

Serviced what?

[_Matt_ 32]

Sorry serviced the car - not the ABS pump.

[dr_mat 0]

Two options: used pump or refurbish yours. There is a firm who can do a renovation job and a very good one at that, but you'll need to send it away for a while. (You'll have to dig around the forum I can't remember the name off the top of my head.)

But you may as well buy a used pump. Check the part number, search eBay/breakers and you're sure to find one for not too much cash. It'll either work or it won't and you have a spare to refurbish.

 

In general they are very reliable.

 

 

A Corrado is for life, not just for the MOT.

[_Matt_ 32]

Thanks Mat. That does seem a sensible option and at least I won’t be without the car and have the option of sending the existing off for refurb.

[_Matt_ 32]

Just been out and the part number is 1H2 614 217 A

 

Does the "A" at the end mean anything as I've seen ones with B,C D ?

 

Cheers

Matt

[seanl82 23]

The company is BBA Reman. They refirb your own if possible, or send you a replacement refurbished one if they can't. Worth a call to see how much and how long the turnaround is. Worth trying to free the valve up though. Find a clear stretch of road and speed up past 35 mph, then stomp hard one the brake pedal to operate the abs system. Do it a few times as the valves do become a little sticky if brake fluid gummed up when not regularly serviced in the past. I know a few that have reported it doing the trick on here.

[_Matt_ 32]

Cheers Sean that could be a cheaper option and will be my first port of call. Looking at my service history it doesn't look like the brake fluid has been consistently changed at 2 yearly intervals so that could be a driver to the problem.

 

BBA Reman - good tip - looking at ebay there's the version that ends 117 (not 217) which i think was for the 4 cylinder versions for about £130 which isn't too horrendous. However buying a spare and getting the original re-furbed(eventually) at BBA Reman could be a good idea for a future failure. There is a new pump with my part number for £2350 which is just crazy.

[Dox 23]

There was a vr6 pump on Facebook yesterday for £50

[Dox 23]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/VwCorradoChat/permalink/1017611731725154/?sale_post_id=1017611731725154

[_Matt_ 32]

Thanks Dox, msg’d the guy.

Matt

[dr_mat 0]

I guess they are "rare" now. I got a working pump for my VR6 for about £35 ten years ago now. Still working..

 

I'm sceptical a sticky valve can be cured by stomping on the brakes though, it does a self test every time it starts up which includes cycling all the valves. I suspect that at best it might kick the problem down the road six months or so.

 

 

A Corrado is for life, not just for the MOT.

[fendervg 33]

They are getting hard to find now because they were only fitted to a few models for a short period of time and were specific to RHD. Not all o them are repairable or can be successfully refurbished as well. I remember reading somewhere that the same ABS system was fitted to some Volvo cars from the same era.

[_Matt_ 32]

That is a bit worrying for the future! I definitely need to get my hands on a spare (or 2) and attempt to get mine refurbed then.

 

What other options do we have with the ABS – can you get rid of it completely? I don’t know if I like that idea though.

[dr_mat 0]

For now, the car requires ABS functional to get the MOT because it left the factory with ABS.

 

 

A Corrado is for life, not just for the MOT.

[Jim Bowen 1]

That is a bit worrying for the future! I definitely need to get my hands on a spare (or 2) and attempt to get mine refurbed then.

 

What other options do we have with the ABS – can you get rid of it completely? I don’t know if I like that idea though.

 

You can upgrade the whole system to a later one, involves changing pretty much everything to do with the braking system apart from the pedal though, so master cylinder, abs pump, ecu, wiring and the brake lines.

 

Does do anything with the bias valve on the rear beam and the pumps are easier to source.

 

i did mine but already had engine out, rear beam off and no interior, so wasn't too hard.

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Also try a company called ECU TESTING, somewhere in Derbyshire.

I have heard mixed reports on BBA REMAN. Some say they will charge for a test, return the unit with an alleged clean bill of health only for it to remain faulty.

 

On the other hand, maybe there is a wiring problem. Have you thoroughly cleaned all the connector blocks withcontact cleaner? Are all the 3 relays working properly? They live under the passenger side parcel shelf, two marked 179 and one marked 79, together with 2 30A fuses. That area is prone to water ingress. The ecu is there as well. Thoroughly clean the 55 pin connector block and even take the cover plate off to search for obvious signs of corrosion. I have a spare ecu if it turns out to be that.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[Roger Blassberg 0]

Further to this, l am also in Hertfordshire if you need some help.

 

RB

[_Matt_ 32]

Thanks Roger, I have somehow missed the last replies on my thread! And good to see someone local - I am in Potters Bar but my kids go to Nursery outside St Albans (Willows) and I often use the Corrado. Since this thread I have bought a secondhand abs pump, still needs to be fitted. The ABS light is mostly on.

 

I have replaced the relay marked 79 as it got broken whilst having the alarm fitted. I'm lucky in some ways in that the wiring in the car hasn't been disturbed (according to alarm fitter) but there still could be a problem of course. I will try the cleaning of the electrical relays and check out the status of the ECU. There were various fault codes relating to the ABS initially but upon reset and re-read i was just left with the mechanical inlet fault - however I realise the fault codes are basic at best on these cars!

Edited April 11, 2018 by pfnsht

[Roger Blassberg 0]

If you need a reliable expert to fit the abs pump, I can recommend M Chapman Auto Services, in Hatfield Road , St Albans. 01727 844179. Ask for David or Sam.

Or Intelligent Autos, 279 High St., London Colney. 01727 824196. Ask for Ian.

 

Both are known to me as VW trained independents.

 

I have a spare ABS/EDS ECU which you could use temporarily to check if yours is faulty. Contact me if you need to try it.

 

Best wishes

 

RB

[_Matt_ 32]

Thank you Roger. I have seen M Chapman and I think they do bodywork - so useful contact! I actually use a mobile VAG specialist from Chingford and prior Corrado owner (vw audi care - Steve). He also looks after my Seat Exeo family wagon.

 

I'll let him continue with the pump investigation now but if we end up down the wrong road the offer of testing with your ECU would be great.

 

Cheers,

Matt