"Anti-Lock Off" Stalled my car's engine!!!
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Denver, Colorado
"Anti-Lock Off" Stalled my car's engine!!!
As usual, everything happens on an Audi without warning: AS I was driving yesterday, my Anti-lock off light iluminated. Within a matter of minutes, my car was stalling, like it was losing fuel????
Is this a typical symptom when this light turns on???
I've read other posts which tells you to replace fuse and possibly relay for anti lock, but checked both and they are fine. Is it the ABS sensors???? I've priced them and they seem expensive. Any suggestions where I can get them cheaper than $100.00? Most are over $150.00
Is this a typical symptom when this light turns on???
I've read other posts which tells you to replace fuse and possibly relay for anti lock, but checked both and they are fine. Is it the ABS sensors???? I've priced them and they seem expensive. Any suggestions where I can get them cheaper than $100.00? Most are over $150.00
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 86
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From: Denver, Colorado
Update:
No answer from anyone so I did my own troubleshooting: For now, I've unplugged the relay to the ABS and car's working fine, just no ABS. I even noticed that my car runs quieter and better! Weird Audi thing I guess. When I have a chance, I'll jack my car and ensure that all four ABS sensors are free of dirt!
No answer from anyone so I did my own troubleshooting: For now, I've unplugged the relay to the ABS and car's working fine, just no ABS. I even noticed that my car runs quieter and better! Weird Audi thing I guess. When I have a chance, I'll jack my car and ensure that all four ABS sensors are free of dirt!
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It's a short in the ABS relay. Moisture got in there, something corroded, and you now have metal bits rattling around bridging +'s and -'s that shouldn't be touching.
That unit is wired hot enough that when it's shorting, youyr coils can't even get enough juice to fire the plugs properly. Get it switched out right away. If you don't, your next issues will be with the voltage regulator, and then your alternator.
That unit is wired hot enough that when it's shorting, youyr coils can't even get enough juice to fire the plugs properly. Get it switched out right away. If you don't, your next issues will be with the voltage regulator, and then your alternator.
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Denver, Colorado
Thanks for the suggestions. So far, disconnecting the relay has kept the car running "normally". I have noticed that the brakes now feel heavier. Is this a normal thing when ABS is off?
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Simply disconnecting the relay de-activates the power assist for your brakes entirely. The brakes still work, but you really would be better off buying a new relay ASAP.
Here's a link to the part being listed on ebay... $35
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...Q5fAccessories
Here's a link to the part being listed on ebay... $35
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Audi-...Q5fAccessories
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Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
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From: Denver, Colorado
Thanks for the ebay listing, but my relay has eight prongs. Again, for now I've decided to keep the relay off. Have had no problems since then. I've also read other posts where some guys have purchased the B3 without this relay and the car has worked fine. I'm hoping this will be the case for me until I can purchase a new relay...
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Brakes work just fine in a B3 with the ABS disabled... whether you disable by removing fuses, or relays, or disconnecting electrical, or removing the ABS module and reworking the hydraulic brake lines.
For example... my '88 90q has no ABS... module is there, but relays are removed. Brakes work perfectly.
My old '88 rally beater... module was removed all together, and the lines were replumbed to work without the ABS. (needs a couple minor tweaks)
For example... my '88 90q has no ABS... module is there, but relays are removed. Brakes work perfectly.
My old '88 rally beater... module was removed all together, and the lines were replumbed to work without the ABS. (needs a couple minor tweaks)
Thread Starter
Audiworld Junior Member
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From: Denver, Colorado
Thanks dtompsett!
Feel much better with your input. Is it normal for the car brakes to feel "heavier" without the ABS? It takes (seems like) a little longer for brakes to grasp without ABS. Also, will it make a difference in the snow?
Your opinion please!
Feel much better with your input. Is it normal for the car brakes to feel "heavier" without the ABS? It takes (seems like) a little longer for brakes to grasp without ABS. Also, will it make a difference in the snow?
Your opinion please!