ABS is bad, but no wheel sensor?
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
ABS is bad, but no wheel sensor?
Hey all!
I have a 1999 Audi A6 Avant 2.8. The abs and brake lights on the dash are flashing, and a tech said the ABS module would need to be replaced. I did a ton of research on this forum, including the comprehensive DIY (THANKS!!), and was able to remove the unit in about 15 minutes. While I had the wheel off, I quickly looked to see if the wheel sensor was clean, and I noticed I don't even have a wheel sensor! There is a hole there where it should be, but no sensor, wires, etc....
Is it possible the ABS is ok, but the sensor somehow was removed? Can I have ABS without a drivers side wheel sensor?
Thanks for any input all. This forum is an invaluable resource!
Best,
Bill
I have a 1999 Audi A6 Avant 2.8. The abs and brake lights on the dash are flashing, and a tech said the ABS module would need to be replaced. I did a ton of research on this forum, including the comprehensive DIY (THANKS!!), and was able to remove the unit in about 15 minutes. While I had the wheel off, I quickly looked to see if the wheel sensor was clean, and I noticed I don't even have a wheel sensor! There is a hole there where it should be, but no sensor, wires, etc....
Is it possible the ABS is ok, but the sensor somehow was removed? Can I have ABS without a drivers side wheel sensor?
Thanks for any input all. This forum is an invaluable resource!
Best,
Bill
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 34,430
Likes: 130
What was done to diagnose? Did the tech try to connect to the unit with VAG-COM?
When the units fail, they cannot be contacted, so it is quite possible that the unit is bad and there are other issues that cannot yet be accurately diagnosed because of the bad unit.
If the tech gave that diagnosis without any basic troubleshooting,I'd reinstall the controller and try to pull some codes.
When the units fail, they cannot be contacted, so it is quite possible that the unit is bad and there are other issues that cannot yet be accurately diagnosed because of the bad unit.
If the tech gave that diagnosis without any basic troubleshooting,I'd reinstall the controller and try to pull some codes.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
Yes, he did a code search first and found all sorts of other problems (CEL was on, fuse 14 issue, door sensor issues, etc...). He fixed the major stuff, and said we would need to replace the ABS module since it was bad. I took him at his word (he is a well known and respected tech in town), but am just confused since I don't see a wheel sensor where it should be. I am thinking the reason the ABS can't do its job is because the wheel sensor was removed (broke off?).
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
And just to be sure I understand, even IF the wheel sensor was missing, the tech would have been able to test the module and if it wasnt responding, would have to end the diagnosis there, right? So once I replace the module, we can then move forward to search for missing wheel sensors, etc...?
I would love to just know that I don't have big parts of this car missing completely... lol
Thanks for your help man.
Bill
I would love to just know that I don't have big parts of this car missing completely... lol
Thanks for your help man.
Bill
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 34,430
Likes: 130
While the ABS cannot work correctly without all wheel sensors, it does not necessarily follow that the control unit is not bad. Without knowing what codes (if any) he was able to capture from the ABS control unit.
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 34,430
Likes: 130
And just to be sure I understand, even IF the wheel sensor was missing, the tech would have been able to test the module and if it wasnt responding, would have to end the diagnosis there, right? So once I replace the module, we can then move forward to search for missing wheel sensors, etc...?
Often times a bad control unit won't communicate at all.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
From: Colorado
Great! Thanks so much 4Driver4!
I am going to go ahead and buy a reman unit, and go from there. I've got my old one here and looks like this EBAY item will do the trick (same numbers and all) for just $60.... (seems WAY too cheap, but lifetime warranty...).
One last question: Once I put this reman unit in, do I need someone with vag-com to clear anything, or just plug and play?
Really, thank you very much!
Best,
Bill
I am going to go ahead and buy a reman unit, and go from there. I've got my old one here and looks like this EBAY item will do the trick (same numbers and all) for just $60.... (seems WAY too cheap, but lifetime warranty...).
One last question: Once I put this reman unit in, do I need someone with vag-com to clear anything, or just plug and play?
Really, thank you very much!
Best,
Bill
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