Problems with your ABS?

[jmystaki]

Just thought that I would share my experience with my ABS issues.

From what I hear (this is a prolific issue with the MK3's).

Owned my Golf for a few months now, purchased it with the ABS light on. Sometimes the handbrake light comes on to.

Troubleshooting, included starting with VAG-COM to see what the problem was. The computer reported rear right sensor.

I did the following:

- Cleaned all the sensors (surprised at how much build up there was)
- Re-seated all the ABS modules and sensor plugs
- Swapped the sensors in the rear
- Ordered a new rear sensor (installed but got the same fault)

After further research, I found out that this is a very common problem with the ATE ABS controller that is bolted to the bottom of the ABS block and Pump.

Firstly, you can removed the ABS controller without removing the brake lines, the pump or making any disconnection to the breaking system. (And the car will drive around without any issues (other than no ABS)

You need a 4mm socked and remove the 4 bolts off the ABS control module.

I did have to bend/ slightly move the brake lines to remove the ATE controller... it just drops straight down. The job took 10min max.

I dropped the controller to http://www.autoelectronics.com.au/ (in Sydney) in the morning - and it was fixed by the afternoon $200 later.

Apparently 99% of all failures in the ATE ABS Controller is dry soldering joints.

Well for me, I could not drive around with lights on the dash, and the ABS system not working, so it was a must !

Hope this helps !

[al'svr6]

Box Location.

Hi Mate ,Thanks for the advice ,
Would you by anychance have a pic of the a.b.s box location ?
No rush though ,
Thanks

[jmystaki]

See attached

[dottorone]

That is gold - I'd definitely try this before going through replaceing the whole thing - -bleeding it up is diabolical and wastes a huge amount of fluid...better left to someone with experience and a vag-com....managed it all the same with no exp and my vag-com

[sydVR6]

Well, make sure to scan with VAG-COM before pulling anything apart - you might save yourself a lot of work.

I bought my current VR6 with the ABS light on and then proceeded to scan.
Two errors were shown 1) rear wheel sensor 2) brake pedal position sender.

I cleaned the rear wheel sensors and reset the error log.

In subsequent scanning, the rear wheel sensor error did not return, but the brake pedal position sender error remained.

Obtained a brake pedal position sender from ETKA (for around $130) which was an easy DIY R&R. (The sender mounts up to the vacuum booster).

Moral of the story? When I bought the car I was prepared for the worst, in terms of potentially needing a replacement or reco ABS module, but with a little exploratory VAG scanning, the ABS problem was fixed more painlessly.

[The_Hawk]

In the VR6 I get this error:

Address 03: ABS Brakes
Controller: 3A0 907 379 A
Component: ABS/EDS ITTAE 20 GI V00
Coding: 03604
Shop #: WSC 01648
2 Faults Found:
00285 - ABS Wheel Speed Sensor: Front Right (G45)
35-00 - -
01276 - ABS Hydraulic Pump (V64)
16-00 - Signal Outside Specifications

I fixed the speed sensor, but the other "ABS Hydraulic Pump" still remains. The light doesn't come on so it doesn't bother me, but if re-soldering all the joints is all that is required (assuming I have the ABS that can be removed without problem) I could always give that a bash myself... interesting.

[zilchp]

I'm having exactly the same problem on my vr6.

http://www.autoelectronics.com.au/ fixxed it for 200? on the site he quotes 350

[Mrk_Mickey]

...
I could always give that a bash myself.

Just what I was thinking I don't think my ABS works. But then again, and thankfully, I haven't come across a situation where I've needed it.

[DubSteve]

You don't need it!

[Pullstarter]

ABS is for pussies, brake lock ups are great, especially in the wet, doubly so when the rears lock first

[zilchp]

I just had a go at fixing my own ABS module and so far the fault code seems to have cleared. I was getting the same rear right sensor error in vag-com as jmystaki which still persisted when i swapped the rear left and right sensors.

After I opened the unit with my trusty dremel I had a look and there seemed to be no visible problem with the joints so I touched up the solder on all the connector joints. I had a feeling it was one of those because of the sensor error. The module is back in my vr6, after clearing the codes with vag-com the faults are not returning and the abs light is staying off.

I won't be able to test it properly till I've fixed up some other stuff. I had an accident recently so my car's not on the road, it sure would have been nice to have the ABS working. lol

I'll get some photo's up when I have the chance

[The_Hawk]

AFAIK ABS isn't active till 7kph so when you get moving it may come back. Figers crossed it doesn't

[Jmac]

Loose terminals on the multi plug is a biggie on these systems. Through time with age the terminals get loose and cause open and intermittant faults. Most clear but come back. Go over all the terminals squeeze them tight and it works wonders. Clean and use terminal spray also helps after adjusting the terminals, resistance is a big pain.
Cheers
Jmac

[zilchp]

Well my car's finally back on the road and ABS seems to be working fine.

Jmac that's a pretty good point, I wish I tried that first then I might've been able to avoid all this trouble. I guess I'll never know

Here's a photo of what the unit looks like inside. Luckily it used a pcb and not a multi chip module which would have been an absolute pain.

[Shteifen]

ABS= Absolutely B*tchin' Skids!

not really.

dear god, that last picture, how much of that circuit board needs to be resoldered to be sure? if i have to resolder them all, the question is not whether i CAN do it but whether i can be BOTHERED to.

now not that i do a lot of burn outs, but, if im oneday planning on forced induction isnt ABS and more specifically EDL (electronic diff lock) going to be a little more of a hinderance than a an advantage? theoretically itll give me more traction, but as anyone who has experienced EDL on a VR6 will know, its harsh to say the least. i think i LSD would be better tractionwise.

-steve