Clearing ABS Faults using Vag-com Golf mk3 gti 16v

[Flex]

Hi i have VAG-COM version 311 full version and the lead (USB to Serial) which works a treat, i was recently able to diagnose a fault with the engine speed sensor with it.

However it also picked up some errors with regards to the ABS system, i am pretty sure they are old codes that need to be cleared, so i want to clear them and run the car for a few days and then plug the lead back in and rescan for codes. My problem is that the codes will not clear using this software, i hit the clear codes button and it does nothing.

Does anyone know how i can get them to clear?

Thanks in advance for you help. Great forum this by the way!

[Col]

On the older versions, I think you need to log into the particular module and clear the faults from there. The new newer versions allow you to clear all faults from the auto scan screen.

[Flex]

Yeah ive tried doing it from the individual module screen but its still the same, just kinda blinks but does not clear the codes. Same with the clear all DTC's button.

Do you think that i can perform this function on a new version of the software (shareware) with my current lead?

[Col]

Yeah ive tried doing it from the individual module screen but its still the same, just kinda blinks but does not clear the codes. Same with the clear all DTC's button.

Do you think that i can perform this function on a new version of the software (shareware) with my current lead?

No.

I now think the reason you cannot clear the faults is that they are still there?

What codes are you getting ?

[Flex]

Here ya go:

VAG-COM Version: Release 311.2-N

Chassis Type: 1H - VW G/J/V Mk3
Scan: 01,02,03,08,15,25,56

Address 01 -------------------------------------------------------
Controller: 037 906 024 BE
Component: DIGIFANT 3.2 1953
No fault code found.
Address 03 -------------------------------------------------------
Controller: 3A0 907 379 E
Component: ABS/EDS ITTAE 20 GI V00
Coding: 03704
Shop #: WSC 00000
2 Faults Found:
01276 - ABS Hydraulic Pump (V64)
16-00 - Signal Outside Specifications
00287 - ABS Wheel Speed Sensor: Rear Right (G44)
35-00 - -
Skipping Address 15-Airbags
Address 25 -------------------------------------------------------
Controller: 1H0 953 257 B
Component: IMMO VWZ3Z0T2358765 V00
Coding: 09600
Shop #: WSC 00000
No fault code found.

[Crasher]

The reason they will not clear is they are current faults and they won't clear until you fix them. Unfortunately a rear right sensor code normally means a faulty ECU as does the other code. Disconnect the ABS sensors under the back seat and swap the plugs over. Read and clear the codes again and see if the rear sensor fault changes sides, if it does you have a faulty sensor on the right and if it doesn’t clear, the ABS ECU is faulty.

[Flex]

Cool thanks a lot, i will try that! One thing though, if there really was errors wouldnt the dash abs light not be on constantly to disable the system? The abs light on the dash lights up when the ignition turns on for a couple of secs and then goes off.

[Crasher]

That is odd but then again, the ECU is probably faulty. Try generating another code by disconnecting the left sensor under the back seat and see if that will clear.

[Flex]

Right done a quick swap over of the sensor leads as suggested and the fault seems to follow the sensor, as you can see its now reporting the left. When i cleared the codes again the error for the right one disappeared.

VAG-COM Version: Release 311.2-N

Control Module Part Number: 3A0 907 379 E
Component and/or Version: ABS/EDS ITTAE 20 GI V00
Software Coding: 03704
Work Shop Code: WSC 00000
2 Faults Found:
01276 - ABS Hydraulic Pump (V64)
16-00 - Signal Outside Specifications
00290 - ABS Wheel Speed Sensor: Rear Left (G46)
35-00 - -

If i check / replace the sensor do u think it will clear the other code, would "signal outside specification" be because of a faulty wheel sensor?

[Crasher]

Try running the pump in output tests, it still points to a faulty ECU and possibly pump as well, we change a lot of these units.

[Uwe@Ross-Tech]

Controller: 3A0 907 379 E
Component: ABS/EDS ITTAE 20 GI V00
Coding: 03704
Shop #: WSC 00000
2 Faults Found:
01276 - ABS Hydraulic Pump (V64)
16-00 - Signal Outside Specifications

I'm with Crasher on this. Most often that's a bad ABS ECU.

A link that you might find interesting:
http://www.gti-vr6.net/library/wheels_tires_brakes/repl_ABS_pump+ABS_module2.html

-Uwe-

[Flex]

I'm with Crasher on this. Most often that's a bad ABS ECU.

A link that you might find interesting:
http://www.gti-vr6.net/library/wheels_tires_brakes/repl_ABS_pump+ABS_module2.html

-Uwe-

Thanks a lot! That looks like a right mission a bit beyond my skills to be honest. I will sort out the issue with the rear sensor and see what happens first.

Is there any sure fire way to test if abs works other than doing some emergency stops :D

[Flex]

Try running the pump in output tests, it still points to a faulty ECU and possibly pump as well, we change a lot of these units.

Will give this a go, what exactly do i need to do in vag-com to run this test? I will see if i can figure it out myself over the weekend doesnt sound too hard.

[Crasher]

Advanced functions, output tests 03 and start.

[Alpine]

Hi guys, i thought id jump in on this thread as im having similar problems.
After changing the ABS pump and control unit for one from a scrapie from a 16v of the same year, vag com throws up 01044 - Control unit incorrectly coded. I have tried recoding the unit from 03604 to 03704(as the origional one was) but it doesnt seem to do anythingand stays as 03604. Any idea if i need to login with the cars login code? and if so where do i find this code?
Thx in advance.

[Uwe@Ross-Tech]

No, there's no login needed. Sounds like the replacement module isn't the same and may not be compatible. Does it work as expected if you just leave it at 03604?

-Uwe-

[Alpine]

Havent tested it yet, currently bleeding the brakes. Even if it did work it still throws an error which will be picked up when i take it for a MOT.

[Alpine]

Finished bleeding the brakes and took it for a spin. abs isnt working atall, and the abs light and the brake light are both constantly on.
The VAG COM code im getting is 010044 - Control module Incorrectly coded. the new control units VAG Number is 3A0 907 379 A. Ive noticed that the VAG number of the old control unit is 3A0 907 379 E. The soft code of the new one is 03604 but the softcode of my old 1 is 03704. the car it came out of was the same year soi assumed they would be the same but perhaps not. i know i have the recode option in VAG COM but when i confirm the recode it doesnt change it. does this mean it is not possible to recode it or can it still be done, other than the letter on the end of the VAG number the units look identical.

Cheers

[Crasher]

3A0 907 379 A has changed to 3A0 907 379 C and is for cars up to chassis wvwzzz1HzVW123000 (approx 07/96 production).

3A0 907 379 E has changed to 3A0 907 375 A and is for cars from chassis number wvwzzz1HzVW123001.

And before you ask, the wiring harness is different.

[Alpine]

3A0 907 379 A has changed to 3A0 907 379 C and is for cars up to chassis wvwzzz1HzVW123000 (approx 07/96 production).

3A0 907 379 E has changed to 3A0 907 375 A and is for cars from chassis number wvwzzz1HzVW123001.

And before you ask, the wiring harness is different.

I see.. So is there no way this one will work? Even if i book it into VW to get the unit recoded?

[Crasher]

If it was as simple as that, VW would not sell both.

[Alpine]

If it was as simple as that, VW would not sell both.

dang, thx for the help. Guess ill hunt down another one then..

[ASR81]

Just seen this one... I had a faulty rear driver side abs sensor. However they replaced it and the same fault came up. Now no one can connect to the actual ECu. Can a faulty ABS ECU cause a problem where by no one can connect to the actual ECU?

[Crasher]

If I get a post 95 Golf 3 with a right rear sensor failure, I swap the wires over under the back seat. If the fault is still right rear, I then know it is the ABS ECU and this is a very common problem.

[ASR81]

If I get a post 95 Golf 3 with a right rear sensor failure, I swap the wires over under the back seat. If the fault is still right rear, I then know it is the ABS ECU and this is a very common problem.



Thanks Crasher. Is there any sure way way checking myself at home. I havent got a comp to read the codes. And the ABS slef check light doesnt even come up on starting the car at all.

Also, nobody can connect to my ECU. So not too sure what the best thing is to do. Should I change the ABS ECU first then start with the ECU? Does one control the other? Just wondering if because my ABS ECU isnt working, does this mean no one can connect to the main ECU.


Cheers

[Crasher]

So you can’t communicate with the engine ECU either? The ABS ECU and pump are bolted together post 95, what is your car? On cars with faulty ABS, it is not ususual for people to disable the bulb.

[ASR81]

I've checked the bulb and pretty sure thats not the problem because its been working okay previously (Have had the car for a few years now).

I have had the right rear abs sensor changed before and the light still stayed on. Reset the codes (This is when people could read the ECU), and the light went out. After a few miles it just came back on again. So I just drive around with the light on for a few weeks and then it just went out by itself. Being complacent I just left it thinking the problem had been solved. But now I'm thinking perhaps the problem with the ECU occured then?

I've got a '96 P reg, 16V ABF engine.

[Crasher]

ECU failure is very common, sometimes it can be repaired but often we have to find a good used unit or fit a new one at around £500 if the customer can afford it. The system is known as a Teves ABS GI Mk IV and if you remove the pump/ECU a specialised bleeding routine is required to get the air out when bleeding it back up.

[ASR81]

Cool, I got some quotes for a used ABS ECU for about £30. Do I need to remove both the pump and ECU together? From what you said, I'm guessing this is not a DIY job at home? So you reckon this ABS ECU would stop anyone communicating with the main ECU?

[Crasher]

It is possible to do it without removing the pump but very awkward and the tiny outside Torx bolts can be evil little things to undo. You say the main ECU, do you mean the engine ECU?

[ASR81]

Yeah sorry, the main ECU.

[Crasher]

You say the main ECU, do you mean the engine ECU?

When yoy say main ECU, do you mean the engine ECU????????

[ASR81]

Yeah sorry, the engine ECU.

[ASR81]

Not sure if this helps at all. Jsut spoke to the guy who has done some work on my car and he said he noticed the wiring for the abs sensor on the driver front side had been repaired, the wiring had been patched up. Could this have shorted and blown something? Is there a fuse for the ABS ECU I should check. This shouldn't have stopped the Engine ECU from working though?

[Crasher]

What is being used to read the fault codes? Can the immobiliser and air bag ECU’s be communicated with?

[ASR81]

Good question, I'm not sure what computer they are using exactly... All I know is that its specific for German cars, and the only other one they tried was this 'Mac Tools' reader.

I dont know how it works exactly, but from what they said, they couldnt communicate with anything?!

For info... The airbag light self test comes up when starting the car and goes off as normal. Immobiliser seems to be okay also as the car starts okay the fob.

[Crasher]

If comms is possible with the immobiliser and the airbag, we can rule out a problem with the diagnostic socket. If there is no comms with anything, then I would start by working back from the diagnostic plug back to the data bus above the fuse box/steering column to check for connection probes, I have seen may unplugged. A few weeks ago I had one that turned out to be someone had been prodding the diagnostic connector pins with a probe and had opened them all up so they would not make contact. I have seen faulty ABS ECU’s block comms so the easiest test of that is to simply unplug the ABS ECU which takes seconds to do.