a3 2000 (x reg) eps warning light and airbag

[4ndy82]

hi just brought a3 1.9tdi 110bhp the car is fitted wiv 18" alloys and my esp warning light is on with exclamation mark in middle?? could this be to do with the alloys not being correct size?? also airbag light stays on?? any ideas?? thanks. andy

[ed'sA3-1.8THK]

fitting 18" wheels will not cause esp light to come on, nor will 18" wheels cause airbag controller light to come on...

re: airbag controller was probably scanned using vag-com with original cable assembly resulting in hard (unre-settable) fault code - the earlier airbag controllers can be corrupted by vag-com scanning

if this is case, airbag controller(s) - I have no idea whether (1) airbag or several - must be replaced - this is costly to do...

re: esp light on continuously - I would lift up car and individually remove each abs & each esp wheel sensors (located on each wheel backing plate) and clean dust off each sensor using dry clean paint brush

DO NOT disconnect any electrical connectors - if light still on after clearing accumulated fault codes, than

continuous esp light on usually indicates failed esp control /valve manifold module failure - must be replaced...

do you have any warranty with this car?

DO NOT use vag-com to scan again - have audi agent diagnose problems as vag diagnostic device will not corrupt airbag controllers, IF you still have any functioning airbag controllers left

you either have (4) airbags or (6) airbags depending on trim/build level of your A3 - look in spare tire well for build invoice - small sheet of paper with many 3 digit codings printed on perhaps 12 lines of printing...

the original owners manual also contains same "build invoice" however I don't know whether you have the car documentation...

your A3 has (2) serious problems that require soonest attention...