ABS and ESP Warning Light Illuminated after Pressing Brake Pedal

[Tub Thumper]

Hi all,

I have a 03 Passat estate the other day when the Mrs was driving home from work the ABS and ESP warning Lights Illuminated and stayed on.

I have just been out to have a look and the lights go out as normal when ignition and engine is started, However, as soon as you depress the brake pedal the lights come on and stay on

Any ideas gratfully recived

[FLIPKEY]

Had that problem a few years ago, try the brake light switch as this can cause the problem you are experiencing, as a matter of interest is your cruise control working normally when the esp light and abs light are on.

[iany]

May also be worth checking the fluid level, a mate of mine had simillar thing on his wifes bora, turned out that it had a fluid leek , pressing the pedal dropped the level even more and triggered the light to come on.

[Tub Thumper]

Thanks for the replies, Will check fluid level but brake do feel fine under foot. I don't have Cruise control.

[kaborex]

I had a similar problem. Suggestions on the internet was that the ABS pump needs to be changed and the cost is around £1000. (NOT TRUE. THAT IS WHAT THE DEALER WILL TEL YOU)

However a friend of mine diagnosed the fault as follows using diagnostic equipment:

1) ECU does not know/is not allerted when the brakes are applied

He suggested putting a new brake switch

2) Left speed sensor giving innacurate data.

He suggested a good clean of the sensor but mainly the area around the sensor.

After cleaning the area around the sensor, the ABS/ESP lights remained on. However upon fitting a new switch all lights on the dash board was off and the car is fine. My mate mentioned that people are too quick to start changing parts on a car when the actual problem is a very simple one. A new sensor if I had changed would have cost me £110!!

Hope this helps