My Passat (116,000 mi.) has been flashing the ABS, BRAKE and OIL LAMP light warnings on my dash intermittently, beeping for 3 beeps (2-3 times a day, slow or fast speeds, using the brakes or not using the brakes) and at the same time the tachometer does not work. The shop I took it to said no codes were stored.

Do I have a bad instrument panel cluster? Are they some ABS pin connections I need to change? How would these affect the tachometer and oil pressure lamp coming on? Should I buy a new instrument panel cluster? Can I install it myself? Where do I buy them and can I change it out myself and with what tools?

Thanks.

Sounds like a bad cluster, but its a common problem on 98-01 passats for the abs control units going bad. VW dropped the price from about 1800.00 to about 650.00 because of this. Just wiggle the abs module connector (right next to the washer fluid resivour) when the cars running and if you hear any clicking or abs lights come on you need a new module.

How would the ABS control module affect the oil pressure lamp coming on and the tachometer not working? Isn't this a instrument cluster problem? Know of any cheap place to buy a used/new one? How do you reflash a used instrument cluster so I can get the accurate mileage for MY vehicle?

sorry for not responding.
DOes sound like an instrument cluster issue, but b5 passats also have a common issue with abs modules.
Used at a junk yard, but only a vw dealer can code and correct mileage.

I have a 1998 Passat 2.8 and the same thing is happening to it. I had the cluster replaced and it didn't help!!! If you find out anything new please post.

Replace the abs control module. Its about 500.00 new at the dealer and takes maybe 2hrs to install. You dont have to remove the brake lines either to replace it.

I had my passat at the shop last week and got a used abs module and it didn't work, I had it back yesterday and the tech. cleaned the wires that plugged in to the cluster. So far so good, no lights or beeps!!!! Cross your fingers and hope that it stays that way.
:wink:

I had my passat at the shop last week and got a used abs module and it didn't work, :wink:

Thats your prob... all the old style modules have problems. A used module is most likely defective

I have the exact same problem as "ghite". I own a V6 1999 Passat sedan. The ABS/Brake lights intermittently started flashing (along with 3 beeps), then a couple of weeks later the engine oil pressure light started flashing in addition to the other lights and the tachometer stopped working. When that happened on July 30, I got my car towed to the dealer and they wound up replacing the oil pressure switch, but couldn't find anything else wrong. It worked fine for a day and now all 3 of the lights are back on flashing. Is it safe to drive it? Should I address the problem right away, or drive for awhile until it gets bad enough for them to diagnose the problem? thanks for any help you can give me!

all they have to do is read the codes from the instrument cluster. If it says "no communication with abs module" the abs module is faulty. If they cant access the abs module with the scan tool the abs module is faulty.

I have a 1999 4cyl PASSAT GLS ABS stays on/Brake Light flashing. I have sent the ABS control module to BBA Remanufacturing, Inc. 6 McCabe St, South Dartmouth, MA 02748 and here is there number. Toll Free: (866) 573-2740. I got there information off of ebay, the fix cost me $179 for the module plus $20.0 for shipping ($199.0 total) the problem was fixed; few days later the problem is back. I turn off the engine and the problem goes away for a day or two sometimes it comes back in two hours. I have contacted BBA Remanufacturing and they offered to inspect the unit under the warranty, but 1st they suggested to inspect the wiring on that connect the module and to check the speed sensors on the wheels. I will be doing that and keep you posted.

but 1st they suggested to inspect the wiring on that connect the module and to check the speed sensors on the wheels. I will be doing that and keep you posted.

aka there is no "fix" to a bad control module.
aka they took zep electrical contact enhancer and sprayed it on the electrical board for 200.00 and said its fixed.

I had the same thing happen on my 99 Passat. I read thru the forums and found www.modulemaster.com (http://www.modulemaster.com) (I have no affiliation with them). The site provided me instructions to remove the ABS module which took about 45 minutes. I mailed the model to the company and about 10 days later I had my rebuilt ABS module back. I installed it and the car has been running about 3 weeks now with no problems. Since I only removed the electronics part of the ABS module I was able to drive the car while it was being repaired. The entire deal cost me $230 (including shipping) and it warranty is 5 years. The company was easy to contact and they were on the money with the repair! I would definitely use them again before spending hundreds or thousands at the dealer. These guys saved me over $500 on this repair.

I had the same thing happen on my 99 Passat. I read thru the forums and found www.modulemaster.com (http://www.modulemaster.com/) (I have no affiliation with them). The site provided me instructions to remove the ABS module which took about 45 minutes. I mailed the module to the company and about 10 days later I had my rebuilt ABS module back. Since I only removed the electronics part of the ABS module I was able to drive the car while it was being repaired. I installed it and the car has been running about 3 weeks now with no problems. The entire deal cost me $230 (including shipping) and it has a warranty for 5 years. The company was easy to contact and they were on the money with the repair! I would definitely use them again before spending hundreds or thousands at the dealer. These guys saved me over $500 on this repair. Mike

I am having this same issue right now only my traction control light (SRS) is on and will go off when the ABS/BRAKE/OIL lights come on and the Tach goes dead. The SRS light will come back on when all the other lights go off and the Tach starts working.

Could this be the same issue or do I have a couple of things going on with the ABS system? ie. module and sensors going bad.

I am going to check the connector tonight and see if I get the clicking noises. I have checked with an OBDII code reader and I don't get any codes.

Hi Mike, I was just wondering if your rebuilt ABS module is still working ok? My '99 Passat is doing the same thing. Thanks

I sent mine off my '00 passat to www.cheapabs.com

they rebuilt it and it worked perfectly.