Help With ABS/Traction Control Light

[imjosiah]

Hello all,

I recently purchased an 2004 Audi A4 Quattro and I have a couple of vagcom error codes (which I will post when I get home from work).

One of my primary questions is about my ABS and Traction Control lights. Both lights come on after pressing the brakes either in park, drive, reverse...it does not matter, when brakes are pressed both lights come on.
My vagcom is saying (I forgot exact wording) but basically "Brake light switch electrical malfunction" So I replaced the brake light switch (twice) and the lights come back on and the error codes are the same. What could this mean? (I did use the duralast brake light switch from autozone).

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you everyone,
JW

[diagnosticator]

It is unlikely several switches are all faulty. They must be installed correctly however. There is not really anything I can help with until the specific fault codes are posted back here. When the ABS and traction control lights are illuminated, those functions are not ON. .

[imjosiah]

I was unsure that I did the first one correctly as I did have some difficulty getting it to click into place, which is why I traded it in on a new one. The second one went in with just a few quick seconds and I heard the appropriate clicks so I am confident it is in correctly (but as I said it is the duralast part...)

Yes I found that out the hard way. I had to really get on the brakes the other day; twas quite scary when I seemed to speed up rather than slow down.

I will post the fault codes when I got home some time around 5pm Eastern.

Thank you for your prompt response!
JW

[imjosiah]

Here is the plethora of codes....I know...It awful...Please help me.
Headlights are after market and I am not done with them yet. So pay no attention to that monster behind the curtain.

Tuesday,08,December,2015,17:26:40:39865
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 7 x64
VCDS Version: 15.7.1.0 (x64)
Data version: 20150904
www.Ross-Tech.com


VIN: WAULT68E34A090880 License Plate:
Mileage: 281040km-174630mi Repair Order:



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chassis Type: 8E (8E - Audi A4/S4/RS4 B6/B7 (2001 > 2008))
Scan: 01 02 03 08 09 0F 11 15 16 17 18 25 36 37 45 46 55 56 57 65
67 69 75 76 77

VIN: WAULT68E34A090880 Mileage: 281040km-174630miles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 06C-909-559-ASN.lbl
Part No SW: 8E0 909 559 L HW: 8E0 909 059
Component: 3.0L V6/5V G 0020
Coding: 0016751
Shop #: WSC 63351 000 00000
VCID: 3E735F5B6AEC0CCE6F-5140

2 Faults Found:
19497 - Powertrain Databus
P3041 - 004 - Implausible Engine Temp. Message from Inst. Panel
16955 - Brake Switch (F)
P0571 - 008 - Implausible Signal
Readiness: 0000 0101

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 01V-927-156.lbl
Part No: 8E0 927 156 Q
Component: AG5 01V 3.0l5V USA 1214
Coding: 0001002
Shop #: WSC 63351 000 00000
VCID: 3C7755537CF01EDE41-5140

1 Fault Found:
17087 - Brake Switch (F)
P0703 - 003 - Electrical Malfunction

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 8E0-614-517.lbl
Part No: 8E0 614 517 A
Component: ABS/ESP allrad 3429
Coding: 04497
Shop #: WSC 06435
VCID: 2643973BC27CB40E07-5140

1 Fault Found:
00526 - Brake Light Switch (F)
27-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: 8E0-820-043.lbl
Part No: 8E0 820 043 AD
Component: A4 Klimaautomat 1219
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 63351
VCID: 63C5CE2FF1CE012620-5140

1 Fault Found:
01317 - Control Module in Instrument Cluster (J285)
79-00 - Please Check Fault Codes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. Labels: 8E0-907-279-8E2.lbl
Part No: 8E0 907 279 F
Component: int. Lastmodul USA 0517
Coding: 01013
Shop #: WSC 63351
VCID: 356140770FDACF96BE-4B00

2 Faults Found:
01494 - Bulb for Parking Lamps; Left (M1)
57-00 - Electric Circuit Failure
01504 - Bulb for License-Plate Light (X)
57-00 - Electric Circuit Failure

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags Labels: 8E0-959-655-84.lbl
Part No: 8E0 959 655 C
Component: Airbag 8.4EP 3001
Coding: 0010607
Shop #: WSC 63351 000 00000
VCID: 377D4A7F45D63D86AC-5140

1 Fault Found:
01218 - Side Airbag Igniter; Passenger Side (N200)
001 - Upper Limit Exceeded - Intermittent - MIL ON

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel Labels: 8E0-953-549.lbl
Part No: 8E0 953 549 N
Component: Lenksáulenmodul 0611
Coding: 02041
Shop #: WSC 63351
VCID: 3E735F5B3AEC0CCE6F-4B1A

1 Fault Found:
01304 - Radio
49-00 - No Communications

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments Labels: 8E0-920-9xx-8E2.lbl
Part No: 8E0 920 950 L
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRS. RB4 D37
Coding: 03210
Shop #: WSC 11264
VCID: 326B7B6BFEB4D8AE9B-5140
WAULT68E34A090880 AUZ6Z0C0232666

3 Faults Found:
01039 - Coolant Temperature Sensor (G2)
30-00 - Open or Short to Plus
00779 - Outside Air Temp Sensor (G17)
30-00 - Open or Short to Plus
01304 - Radio
49-00 - No Communications

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr Labels: 8E0-959-760.lbl
Part No: 8E0 959 760
Component: Sitzmemory R2 F 0305
Coding: 00002
Shop #: WSC 63351
VCID: 71E9B4673B32A3B6A2-4B00

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv. Labels: 8E0-959-433-MAX.lbl
Part No: 8E0 959 433 BB
Component: Komfortgerát T7B 1411
Coding: 11788
Shop #: WSC 63351
VCID: 72EBBB6B3E3498AE5B-4B00

Subsystem 1 - Part No: 8E1959801
Component: Tõrsteuer.FS BRM 0003

Subsystem 2 - Part No: 8E1959802E
Component: Tõrsteuer.BF BRM 0003

Subsystem 3 - Part No: 8E0959801A
Component: Tõrsteuer.HL BRM 0003

Subsystem 4 - Part No: 8E0959802A
Component: Tõrsteuer.HR BRM 0004

1 Fault Found:
01561 - Rear left door
59-10 - Can't Unlock - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 55: Headlight Range Labels: 4Z7-907-357.lbl
Part No: 4Z7 907 357
Component: dynamische LWR D09
Coding: 00060
Shop #: WSC 63351
VCID: 0407EDB31480A61E79-4B32

1 Fault Found:
01534 - Control Circuit for Left Headlight Range Adjusting Motor (V48)
30-00 - Open or Short to Plus

End-------------------------(Elapsed Time: 05:31)--------------------------


Thank you all,
JW

[CyberPMG]

Looks like there are two main items reporting a problem: the instrument cluster and the brake light switch.

Seems the instrument panel is having a problem in communication and/or problems with some of the gauges (coolant temp, outside temp, etc.). Check the fuses related to the instrument panel and make sure those are all OK. If the fuses are good, you may need to look into a replacement of the instrument cluster.

The brake light switch may or may not be related to the issues with the instrument panel. I would look into getting an OEM brake light switch and not one from Autozone. Can even go with a used OEM switch from eBay or a salvage parts store if you don't want to spend much.

First thing I would suggest is to go back to VCDS and clear out all codes in all modules. Drive around, and then see if the same codes come back. If they do, then look into the instrument cluster and brake light switch.



Oh... you also have your left front parking light and one of your license plate lights burnt out.

[imjosiah]

Thank you for your advice.

I have cleared the codes a couple of times and the same ones do in fact come back. I will order an oem brake light switch right now.

I checked the fuses at one point and they were all good, but for the sake of being thorough I will do it again this afternoon.

How difficult of a job is the instrument cluster?...also does that mean I may not need to replace my coolant temp sensor?

Thank you,
JW

[CyberPMG]

The implausible coolant temp is from the gauge in the instrument cluster, not the coolant temp sensor. There's no need to replace the coolant temp sensor. Considering you have other codes related to the instrument cluster (the error codes under Address 17: Instruments - which is the cluster), I'm leaning more towards a problem with the cluster than the actual sensor.

The gauges in the cluster can't be individually replaced. To replace the instrument cluster requires either getting a new one (expensive), or a used one that has been reset so it can be used in another car (and work with your immobilizer). There's a few good threads here that talk about swapping instrument clusters (going to a S4 cluster or an A4 cluster with a color DIS, for example).

[Let it snow]

Don't go replacing the cluster just yet. The codes indicate a problem with the sensors or the wiring to the sensors. But to your main problem. Was the brake switch installed properly? Do the brake lights work when you barely depress the pedal? Also check fuse #7 abs.

[imjosiah]

Lol this thing is more computer than mechanics isn't it?

The first brake switch I had difficulty with and I think I messed that one up...So I replaced it with another one which I had no problems with. It clicked right into place.
Brake lights work with a slight depress...It could be a little more responsive IMO.

[imjosiah]

The implausible coolant temp is from the gauge in the instrument cluster, not the coolant temp sensor. There's no need to replace the coolant temp sensor. Considering you have other codes related to the instrument cluster (the error codes under Address 17: Instruments - which is the cluster), I'm leaning more towards a problem with the cluster than the actual sensor.

The gauges in the cluster can't be individually replaced. To replace the instrument cluster requires either getting a new one (expensive), or a used one that has been reset so it can be used in another car (and work with your immobilizer). There's a few good threads here that talk about swapping instrument clusters (going to a S4 cluster or an A4 cluster with a color DIS, for example).

Well this is kind of disheartening.

[CyberPMG]

The only reason I'm thinking about the instrument cluster is not only for the implausible coolant temp reading, but you also have error codes with the outside temperature sensor, and the radio display. Even the HVAC was reporting problems with the instrument cluster. Could be a wiring issue instead of the cluster. The wires that plug into the back of the cluster (2 plugs) lock firmly into place. Maybe the lock broke or was not seated securely in place. Its easy to take out and check

[imjosiah]

Okay. Thank you for your responses, I really appreciate it.

Should I unplug both of the plugs going into the cluster and then plug them back in?
I am really unsure of how to proceed at this point.

...The radio is aftermarket causing the no radio code.

[Let it snow]

I was thinking it was sensor/wiring because HVAC also uses the input from those sensors. Like CyberPMG said make sure the connections are secured and locked in place.

[imjosiah]

I was thinking it was sensor/wiring because HVAC also uses the input from those sensors. Like CyberPMG said make sure the connections are secured and locked in place.

So remove the cluster, and re-seat the connections?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...er_Removal.htm

That guide is accurate?

[Menyahs]

I had similar issues with ABS and Traction Control lights coming on. Sometimes they would go away for a while, and then other times they were always on.

I didn't have the same codes as what you're getting so this may not do anything for you, but my issue was ultimately solved by pulling the fuse out and putting it back in. Guessing it just wasn't getting a good connection, but it's been almost a year and no problems since.

[imjosiah]

I had similar issues with ABS and Traction Control lights coming on. Sometimes they would go away for a while, and then other times they were always on.

I didn't have the same codes as what you're getting so this may not do anything for you, but my issue was ultimately solved by pulling the fuse out and putting it back in. Guessing it just wasn't getting a good connection, but it's been almost a year and no problems since.

I would be tickled to death if this were to fix my problems.
...What fuse number?

[Menyahs]

I would be tickled to death if this were to fix my problems.
...What fuse number?

I don't remember the number off the top of my head now. Just open up the fuse panel and there should be a fuse listed for the ABS. I think that's the one I did to get it fixed. If not I know there is at least one old thread that talks about the fuse but I don't have the link saved.

Lol I was pretty shocked when it worked for me. I had replaced my brake light switch before doing this too with no luck, so hopefully this will work for you.

[imjosiah]

I don't remember the number off the top of my head now. Just open up the fuse panel and there should be a fuse listed for the ABS. I think that's the one I did to get it fixed. If not I know there is at least one old thread that talks about the fuse but I don't have the link saved.

Lol I was pretty shocked when it worked for me. I had replaced my brake light switch before doing this too with no luck, so hopefully this will work for you.

Well I pulled that one and the brake light fuse then put em back in. I pushed my brake pedal twice without the lights coming on. I pushed it a third time and as I was letting off the pedal both the abs and traction control lights came on again.
Twas a nice dream to hold onto for a few minutes lol.

[imjosiah]

Just an update.

I replaced all the brake pads and rotors and I swapped the brake light switch with a genuine Audi part. All pads and rotors are also genuine Audi parts.
Lights are still on. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this?

Thanks,
JW

[MacFady]

I've not had any issue of this sort with an Audi so I can't speak too much to the specifics of how the ABS and TC are sorted out in our application. However, on another AWD vehicle I owned, a faulty wheel speed sensor would turn off both the ABS and the traction control as the system could not tell the speed of said wheel in order to know whether it was appropriate to activate the ABS or traction control. I believe you can check wheel speed readings of the ABS module via VCDS.

A few questions, does your cruise control work? Does your speedometer work? In my case on the other vehicle neither of these things were affected but I thought it worth asking.

[Let it snow]

If you cleared the brake switch code and it came back then it could be a few things. Remove switch connector, check brake switch terminal #2 and #3 without touching brakes, it should be closed/ 0 ohms. Slightly depress pedal (1/8" to 1/4") #2 and #3 should be an open circuit. Also with ignition on check voltage on #2 at electrical connector. You should have 12 volts from fuse#7. If it is not the switch or the wiring then the throw of the pedal is out of adjustment, assuming the new switch was installed with brake pedal at full resting height.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Likely a wheel speed sensor. I have this issue sometimes and the code I got for it directed me towards the wheel speed sensor. When both the ABS and ESP light come on my speedo reads zero. I just flick the key off and on again and it usually turns the lights off. I'll be doing front brakes in the spring which is likely when I'll address this as well.

Jason

[DiertyEuroSpec]

I had this issue and had to replace my ABS module. Do a search on ABS ESP light and And module, I have a lot of good info in my old thread.

Sent from my LGL33L using Tapatalk

[DiertyEuroSpec]

I had this issue and had to replace my ABS module. Do a search on ABS ESP light and And module, I have a lot of good info in my old thread.

Sent from my LGL33L using Tapatalk

It's rarely the sensor and many of us have had this issue.

Sent from my LGL33L using Tapatalk

[yasiu_k]

I had the same issue. I sent ABS module to cheapabs.com(something like this) and they fixed for $150 , since last year I don't have any problem with ABS.

[Let it snow]

I had this issue and had to replace my ABS module. Do a search on ABS ESP light and And module, I have a lot of good info in my old thread.

Sent from my LGL33L using Tapatalk

OP has a code for brake switch F (pedal). When my switch went bad it also caused the ABS ESP lights to come on. If he still has this code there still may be something wrong with the switch circuit or pedal to switch contact length. Of course as you said it could be the module.

[DiertyEuroSpec]

Yea I just read through the whole thread I see that now...Sorry

Sent from my LGL33L using Tapatalk

[imjosiah]

Speedometer works. Cruise control does not work.


VIN: WAULT68E34A090880 Mileage: 281940km-175189miles
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels: 06C-909-559-ASN.lbl
Part No SW: 8E0 909 559 L HW: 8E0 909 059
Component: 3.0L V6/5V G 0020
Coding: 0016751
Shop #: WSC 63351 000 00000
VCID: 3E735F5B6AEC0CCE6F-5140

5 Faults Found:
19497 - Powertrain Databus
P3041 - 004 - Implausible Engine Temp. Message from Inst. Panel
16955 - Brake Switch (F)
P0571 - 008 - Implausible Signal
16805 - Warm Up Catalyst; Bank 1
P0421 - 001 - Efficiency Below Threshold
16815 - Warm Up Catalyst; Bank 2
P0431 - 001 - Efficiency Below Threshold
18010 - Power Supply Terminal 30
P1602 - 002 - Voltage too Low - Intermittent
Readiness: 0000 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 01V-927-156.lbl
Part No: 8E0 927 156 Q
Component: AG5 01V 3.0l5V USA 1214
Coding: 0001002
Shop #: WSC 63351 000 00000
VCID: 3C7755537CF01EDE41-5140

1 Fault Found:
17087 - Brake Switch (F)
P0703 - 003 - Electrical Malfunction

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 8E0-614-517.lbl
Part No: 8E0 614 517 A
Component: ABS/ESP allrad 3429
Coding: 04497
Shop #: WSC 06435
VCID: 2643973BC27CB40E07-5122

2 Faults Found:
01826 - Sensor for Steering Angle (G85); Supply Voltage Terminal 30
35-10 - - - Intermittent
00526 - Brake Light Switch (F)
27-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: 8E0-820-043.lbl
Part No: 8E0 820 043 AD
Component: A4 Klimaautomat 1219
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 63351
VCID: 63C5CE2FF1CE012620-5140

1 Fault Found:
01317 - Control Module in Instrument Cluster (J285)
79-00 - Please Check Fault Codes


Not sure how much all of these are related to eachother.
Thanks for the help guys.
JW

[imnuts]

Seeing as you have the brake switch fault several times, I would check and/or replace the brake switch. You also have a couple voltage codes, which would suggest to me that you may have a battery on the way out, so you may want to get that tested or replaced as well.

[Let it snow]

If the switch was installed correctly with pedal at full resting height try doing these tests.

If you cleared the brake switch code and it came back then it could be a few things. Remove switch connector, check brake switch terminal #2 and #3 without touching brakes, it should be closed/ 0 ohms. Slightly depress pedal (1/8" to 1/4") #2 and #3 should be an open circuit. Also with ignition on check voltage on #2 at electrical connector. You should have 12 volts from fuse#7. If it is not the switch or the wiring then the throw of the pedal is out of adjustment, assuming the new switch was installed with brake pedal at full resting height.

[old guy]

There is some additional diagnostic stuff in this thread: Clicky click®