** ESP FAULT ** light has come on twice now.... HELP....!!!

[pezlaa]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2008 Audi A4 (SE). Its the new shape Model - B8 I think.. !?!?

I have had two occurences now where when driving normally when the DIS in front me of me has poppped us with "ESP FAULT! - Consult drivers manual".

First time was on the motorway doing 70mph...... I nearly kack'd it.... when stopping at the next services, I looked at the manual and all it said was turn off engine for a bit and restart... the fault should go.

It went in a month or so ago for new SUSPENSION MOUNTS.... on a 2008 car... ***.... under warranty of course - I was getting a sligt knocking at low speed turns...ie in driveway... occured very rarely but still a worry.

Anyways... as it went in, Audi Cheshire Oaks checked it out on their system and told me no Fault Codes where found..... hmmm I thought...!!! They said not to worry.

Only yesterday, did the same fault pop up in front of me... this time, reversing in a car parkign space in work..

Can anyone help and try to shine some light on this issue Audi says I dont have... ????

Thanks in advance.
:Blush:

[phil miller]

i think id take it back to the dealer and ask them to look into it, the only problem i can see is its very intermitant hopefully they will find something

[a8 tech]

Firstly its the lower ball joints not the mounts which cause the noise.
Secondly there is a software update for the esp issue relating to speed signal
but its vehicle specific production date and abs control unit sw version
I do not have the details to hand.

[pezlaa]

A8 tech,
Is that something I can check from my MMI..??? in case Audi say there isnt any update needed.
Thanks

[a8 tech]

Sorry its not, the details need to be checked via elsa pro for relevant technical bulletins.
However the recent two I have seen stored mechanical fault code.
Best bet if the fault reoccurs re book and leave with them until they can recreate or even take a photo of the dash display and record the speed and driving style when it occurs to narrow the diagnosis down a bit.
Also ensure tyre pressure and tyre condition is correct

[pezlaa]

Thanks again.
I gather dodgy tyre condition/pressure can effect sensors...??
The first time was normal driving at 70mph on motorway, the 2nd time was reversing at about 4mph.
I have had two new front tyres fitted about 4 months ago. Could balancing be a problem...????
As the manual stated a restart of the car cured the problem.
Can you advise in you experience if this is something that's going to go bang and be dangerous or will it be a software or poss sensor problem and isn't somthing that's going to effect safe driving. ...?

[a8 tech]

I would advise this is fine to drive, however if the esp stays on then you will have reduced esp activation but as long as you are aware of this then change the driving profile to suit the conditions.
Wheel balance shouldn't affect esp but possible debris between the sensor and the wheel bearing could explain it.
Drive safely and have a happy Christmas

[pezlaa]

Hi A8 Tech,

Your a treue font of knowledge... I gather you work for Audi..!! :)

Have you come across this issue before....??? Its runs out of warranty in June... What do I do if they cant find a fix before then....???

Should / How I ask for a Fault print out... and are they easily read...?? Or Audi gooblygook.?

thanks

[a8 tech]

I'm sure Cheshire Oaks can deal with this, if the fault is reported within warranty but does not give enough evidence to suggest a repair then it fails outside of warranty with a clear fault, then 100% part contribution from audi uk and labour would be covered by the dealer as long as there is 100% service history with the dealer.

I would be surprised if this took until June to rectify but sporadic faults tend to lend themselves to time.

At present the dealers are packed out so wait for new year and book in for a couple of days so it can be looked into, it may take more than one visit

As for who I work for, well that's irrelevant as I'm very interested in all things vag on professional and private level.lol

[markp306]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2008 Audi A4 (SE). Its the new shape Model - B8 I think.. !?!?

I have had two occurences now where when driving normally when the DIS in front me of me has poppped us with "ESP FAULT! - Consult drivers manual".

:Blush:

Had that problem on mine when it was just 9 days old - and it didn't recover from failure. Audi assist found numerous errors on the diagnostics and took it into Camberley Audi where it spent a number of days waiting for a new part.

It was an ECU in the steering wheel in my case (the ESP uses steering wheel position as part of it's "trickery").

Incidentally, you'll know if this is also your issue, as the column stalks for wipers, indicators etc were also dead.

[a8 tech]

true, well known issue with steering column control unit dead canbus signal