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ABS & ESP light on??

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Old Apr 10, 2013 | 08:27 PM
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Default ABS & ESP light on??

both lights came on and assuming abs problem causing esp to come on too?
car feels hesitant at times need to press gas down more to accelerate, won't be able to bring to shop for few days, is this gonna be a major issue?
any ideas?

thx
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Old Apr 10, 2013 | 09:08 PM
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Originally Posted by rk1.8t
both lights came on and assuming abs problem causing esp to come on too?
car feels hesitant at times need to press gas down more to accelerate, won't be able to bring to shop for few days, is this gonna be a major issue?
any ideas?

thx
Shouldn't be an issue. Drive safely, as ABS is disabled. Should warn you though, Audi loves BOSCH ABS units, and they have a very common issue inside them. Don't want to scare you, but you might need it replaced. Or it can be as simple of a problem as a speed sensor. Can't tell until you diagnose the little guy.
Good luck!
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Old Apr 10, 2013 | 09:24 PM
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More than likely there's a problem with your mass air sensor. Odd, I know, but that's the primary cause of BOTH of those lights to come on. Check the wiring, check for leaks, and scan for codes. I bet you get a MAF related DTC.
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Old Apr 10, 2013 | 11:22 PM
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Originally Posted by ddillenger
More than likely there's a problem with your mass air sensor. Odd, I know, but that's the primary cause of BOTH of those lights to come on. Check the wiring, check for leaks, and scan for codes. I bet you get a MAF related DTC.
Uhh... ABS... Not Check engine.

Last edited by MTykhnenko; Apr 11, 2013 at 01:35 AM.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 12:25 AM
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Originally Posted by MTykhnenko
Uhh... ABS... Not Check engine.

And no... no its not. MAF will NOT, I repeat, NOT cause ABS or ESP to come on.
You're wrong. A maf signal too high code will certainly cause the ABS and ESP lights to illuminate. Walk out to your car, and unplug it. Start the car. What's that? The ABS and ESP lights are on? Who'd have thought that. This is true of all VAG vehicles that have ESP, as the MAF is the primary load input. Without it, your car enters limp mode.

The OP said his car is running rough, and the ESP/ABS lights are on. That points to the MAF not reading correctly. This could be a result of an air leak, or a faulty mass air flow sensor. Perhaps understand how the subsystems work together before correcting someone that knows more than you.

All you have to do is google audi+maf+esp, you'll get 1000's of results. This is a VERY common problem (I can use caps and act condescending too!)
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 01:15 AM
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Originally Posted by ddillenger
You're wrong. A maf signal too high code will certainly cause the ABS and ESP lights to illuminate. Walk out to your car, and unplug it. Start the car. What's that? The ABS and ESP lights are on? Who'd have thought that. This is true of all VAG vehicles that have ESP, as the MAF is the primary load input. Without it, your car enters limp mode.

The OP said his car is running rough, and the ESP/ABS lights are on. That points to the MAF not reading correctly. This could be a result of an air leak, or a faulty mass air flow sensor. Perhaps understand how the subsystems work together before correcting someone that knows more than you.

All you have to do is google audi+maf+esp, you'll get 1000's of results. This is a VERY common problem (I can use caps and act condescending too!)
I made the mistake of jumping to the conclusion that its a 2.8. Turbo'd VAGs can run without lean codes. You are right about this one if its not NA.

"Perhaps understand how the subsystems work together before correcting someone that knows more than you."

I like how you assume you're the only one who works with mapping ECUs.

Last edited by MTykhnenko; Apr 11, 2013 at 01:43 AM.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 04:50 AM
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Offhand, when the abs and esp lights come on it's the electronic control unit for the abs. I removed mine in a half hour or so (had to pull the left front fender well liner on my 2K4.2A6) and sent the unit in for repair to a shop in TN.

I'm not naysaying anyone who says the MAF is the problem, YMMV.

The hesitation is probably something else, like a vacuum leak...epidemic on many cars. Find it.

Lastly, I had a hesitation that came and went for quite a long time...turned out to be a weak/failing knock sensor on an 02S6 4.2. There are two of them under the intake manifold on the 4.2 and I replaced both. End of that problem...waiting for the next....
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 06:51 AM
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Originally Posted by MTykhnenko
I like how you assume you're the only one who works with mapping ECUs.
If you map ecu's, and don't understand the well documented and well known the relationship between the MAF and the ESP, then you should find another hobby.

It's worth noting this hostility is a direct result of you trying to show me up with your capital letters and condescending message. Had you asked if I was sure, or been civil, you'd have gotten a very respectful reply. But alas, this is the internet, and everyone knows everything. I'm done taking shots at you. If you'd like some light reading I have a several 1000 page german technical document that outlines motronic quite well. Just ask, and I'll link you.

Anyway. Had the ABS light come on without a change in running, I'd have agreed it was an ABS issue. The combination of the three symptoms leads me to conclude there's maf involvement. This may not be the case, but it's a good place to start.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by ddillenger
If you map ecu's, and don't understand the well documented and well known the relationship between the MAF and the ESP, then you should find another hobby.

If you'd like some light reading I have a several 1000 page german technical document that outlines motronic quite well. Just ask, and I'll link you.
I jumped to the most common problem, and MAF is not the one that pops to mind, considering I rebuild the bosch ABS units on a daily basis. However, you are right, the hesitation on a turbo car is the tipping point for the diagnosis.

I have the same documentation, never bothered going through it. Although what I have is more in the dozens of pages, so if you have more, that would be nice.

As for my hostility, you are right, that was uncalled for. Apologies

Last edited by MTykhnenko; Apr 11, 2013 at 09:33 AM.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 12:54 PM
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No worries, we're friends again. I'll dig out the translated modules and link you.

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