Audi A3 ESP warning light

[100mph]

Hi - I'm totally new to the site, and hope I've posted in the right section! I've got an Audi A3 1.8T 2000 model and the ESP warning light is staying on (Yellow Circle and Triangle). I've heard it could be a sensor. Does anyone know where the sensors are located, and if this is an expensive job?

[towcestervag]

you need to get a diag test done to find out what sensor
try marlow vw

[100mph]

The car is almost 10 years old, and has covered 120,000 miles, so a trip to a main dealer will be avoided at all cost, but thanks for your reply.

[towcestervag]

MARLOW VW ARE A SPECIALIST
but you need to have diag test on abs to see what fault is and the only way to check sensors is with diag machine

[ukmonkey]

On my car it sometimes comes on, but goes out after a journey, don't think it is out to worry about..

[100mph]

Thanks Monkey, mine used to go out too, but now it stays on, it's not affecting the performance, it's just very annoying!

[SEMKY]

As said above, you need a fault code read to establish which sensor is faulty....if the light is staying on, then chances are you will no longer have ABS. :rolleyes:
Wheel speed sensors are common failure, and are cheap and easy to fix...I did mine in 20 mins per wheel, at 36 quid each.
Having said that, there are numerous other sensors..hence fault code read!
You could download a freeware version of VAGCOM, and buy a lead for a tenner, then you'll be able to do your own fault codes!

[cocksy_boy]

You could download a freeware version of VAGCOM, and buy a lead for a tenner, then you'll be able to do your own fault codes!
Hey Semky,

I'm having a similar problem with my '05 A3 sportback 2.0 TDi - could you please point me in the right direction for getting a cable and freeware version of VAG-COM? Many thanks!

[kite]

Hey Semky,

I'm having a similar problem with my '05 A3 sportback 2.0 TDi - could you please point me in the right direction for getting a cable and freeware version of VAG-COM? Many thanks!
Or look in the Vagcom section for a member in your area...

[cocksy_boy]

Or look in the Vagcom section for a member in your area...
Thanks Kite, I didn't konw that section existed! I've PM'd a few people in my are so am waiting for a response. if i get no joy, how do i go about getting the free version of it and where do i get a cable from? Many thanks.

[cocksy_boy]

Hi all,

I've had a guy check the fault codes out and it says there is an "open circuit in the ABS / ESP pressure sensor". The guy who checked it for me reckons it needs a new module, which will cost £1,200 plus the labour to fit it :yikes: !!!!!

He also mentioned that this is actually quite a common fault, and audi / vw are aware of it. The car was registered in Jan 05 and has only done 38K miles, so is relatively new in the grand scheme of things. He reckons it is worth arguing with audi for a "good will gesture" towards getting this repaired at an Audi garage.

Does anyone else have any experience of this type of thing, and did they manage to get any kind of discount for this? Cheers!

[100mph]

Thanks Cocksy boy...£1200 - anyone want to buy an A3, one careful owner etc...comes complete with flashing esp warning light:D

[cocksy_boy]

Thanks Cocksy boy...£1200 - anyone want to buy an A3, one careful owner etc...comes complete with flashing esp warning light:D
Damn - that would be quite funny if it wasn't my car!!!! :(

[100mph]

Sorry Cocksy boy it was my car I was referring to, I've had it a few years now, and am reluctant to get rid of it, but the esp light coming on and off is becoming a bit annoying!:aargh4:

[cocksy_boy]

Oh! I'm in the same situation now - trying to get hold of the local audi service garage to discuss my options - fingers crossed!! I'm guessing you've not bitten the bullet and got the module replaced then?

[100mph]

Not yet, the next time it's in for a service, I'll ask for a quote, then probably leave it for another 6 months!

[BMorris]

I had this problem with my A6, 2006, now with 133k on the clock. It started in 2012 towards the end of the year, as there was no drop in performance, and I didn't notice any other issues, nothing came up on MOT or service, I left it, early the following year the light just stopped coming on. The routine was, start car, drive, after 9 mins the light came on and stayed on, until the engine was switched off. Then, towards the end of 2014, same thing, this time it stayed on right up to now. The only difference is that I was using the car less over the winter, and not ding as many long Mway journeys.
So, a couple of weeks ago the car pirouetted, it was drizzling, and I was on an 'A' road which is a bikers run in Derbyshire, by some miracle, no damage to me (apart from more grey hairs), and a minor scuff to the valance on the front of the car.
I have been told - not sure if it's true, that the bikes leave the road oily, and it is a regular occurrence (come on Local Authority, it this is true get some anit-slip surface put down). I was not driving fast or erratically, I have done the journey around 6 times over the last couple of months, although every other time it has been dry.
So, I took the car to an audi non-dealer, and although he got the light to come on, he said it is an audi diagnosis as they have more technical diagnostics for the ecbm. So, It went to audi on Monday. They have taken until today to look at the car, and came up with alternator is not putting enough juice in the battery. I am having no problems starting, or running, so surprised, but, in a way it does make sense. The weather turns, I use more of the cars power to run heater/lights/washers etc, and not doing the long runs stopped the battery getting a good charge.
My only confusion is why this would effect the ESP sensor, and, was the spin something that would have happened even with ESP, or, down to not having the ESP. The back end stepped out first, and then, well, the car took over!

So, the message is, don't ignore the message.

[BMorris]

Forgot to mention, Audi want £759 to replace and fit the alternator :aargh4:

[doctordubs]

Ummm. Open circuit means blown fuse. Try checking ur fuses first mate. Vw and Audi have a nack to not blow fuses properly but rather a hairline crack that arcs and causes all sorts of weird crap. Check ur battery location fuses and dash location fuses. Just a thaugt

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