How to disable ABS flashing light.

[fzadeh]

My 1998 Passat 4 cyl has a flashing ABS and a constant Brake alarm light on all the time. Dealer says it needs a new ABS control module asking $1800 for it. I do'nt mind not having ABS but if anyone has information on how to disable the annoying flashing ABS and Brake alarm lights, it would be greatly appriciated.

[boschmann]

The bulb holder rectangular section pops out of the dash. It can be unplugged.

-Sorry that's for the earlier models....

[fzadeh]

Thanks, would this require taking the whole Gauge Cluster out of the Dash first?

[boschmann]

The ABS/Brake light should be in the center console near the rear window cotrols.

[samc]

I'm having the same problem w/my 99 Passat
ABS light is on and beeps. The book says you must take off the steering wheel to get to the dash and it could set off the air bag. Please help

[carolmc]

Is there an easy way to shut off the beeping ABS and brake light?

[Gavin Curtis]

Originally Posted by carolmc

Is there an easy way to shut off the beeping ABS and brake light?

We are currently working on a cost effective repair solution for these new Bosch ABS control modules. We anticipate rebuild cost target of $250.00.

Could you please forward any information regarding the exact nature of module failure indicated by the dealer to me? My email is gavin@circuitsolutions.info.

So far, most common error is a generic "loss of communication". Any more info including error code and description if other than "loss of communication" will assist in isolating the problem area within this nasty little module!

[Nesh]

I just bought a used 99 Passat GLS 1.8T and seem to have the same problem as other forum users.
My problem is intermittent, but still very annoying. I have been trying to find a solution and came across another forum (see below)
I hope this helps in any way.

Web address is http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1421315
Here is a small part of discussion:

A '95 Passat I am servicing has the ABS light coming on also. Doing a scan-code check revealed one of the pump's coils (or some pump part) was reading a bad value or something like that. I can get you the specific error code if you're interested in comparing... Anyway, based on that fault code, it appears a new ABS pump would be required. Since that is so much $$$ to buy the part and replace it, we are just putting up with the ABS light coming on.

Here is what the dealership scan ($50) came up with on our '95 Passat VR6 ABS light problem:

"03 brake electronics
1H0907379E
ABS/EDS TEVES 04

2 Fault detected

00259 035
Right Front ABS Inlet Valve -N99-

00532 035
Supply voltage"

(there were several other fault codes that came on due to a loose/intermittent battery cable battery connection, so ignore the "supply voltage" codes.)

Troubleshooting the "Right front ABS Inlet Valve


Jake Russell
1981 VW Rabbit "GTD" autocrosser - SCCA FSP class

[Gavin Curtis]

Good news all VW owners with ABS module problems!!

I have successfully traced in the fault in the Passat's Bosch ABS module!!!

Now in the process of locating a suitable replacement component and will be offering rebuild services for all VW's with the Bosch 5.3 ABS/TCS unit!

Expected rebuild will be in the $225.00 price range and carry a 3 year warranty.

First beta test units are now being serviced and in process of testing. Please email me if you have a bad Bosch 5.3i unit.

[veedubmechanic]

An easy way to fix this problem is REPLACE YOUR DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE!! If you put in a "repaired" or "rebuilt" module the chances of it failing again is higher and the one time you really NEED the abs is might not work. Why do you think vw does not have a "core" price on abs or airbag related components for them to rebuild it? for that reason. Or maybe you could find one off a passat in a junkyard that isnt bad.

[Gavin Curtis]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

An easy way to fix this problem is REPLACE YOUR DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE!! If you put in a "repaired" or "rebuilt" module the chances of it failing again is higher and the one time you really NEED the abs is might not work. Why do you think vw does not have a "core" price on abs or airbag related components for them to rebuild it? for that reason. Or maybe you could find one off a passat in a junkyard that isnt bad.

The problem is that virtually all of the Bosch 5.3 and 5.3i ABS modules in the Passat have a serious internal defect (bad manufacturing process) that WILL surface after 1-6 years of service. So when you buy a new module that costs $1500.00; you can count on the fact that it will fail again... I assure you.

If you pull a junkyard unit... chances are that it is on the way to failure. If the unit is good, then it often requires EEPROM recoding to work when transferred to another vehicle.

The rebuild has resolved the manufacturing flaw in instances where communication has completely failed with the module or it behaves intermittently.

I don't know who would want to keep buying 3-4 $1500 modules for the life of their late model VW's lifespan to keep the ABS functioning.

Electronic control systems in all new cars with the exception of the engine management computer and perhaps navigation unit are all built to the lowest level consumer electronic standards. But are far overpriced vs actual construction cost.

[veedubmechanic]

If VW knew about problems of a safety system like this they would fix it and sell an "updated" module to people. I have only seen 4 ABS modules replaced before (not including the RECALL abs modules on jettas).

[Gavin Curtis]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

If VW knew about problems of a safety system like this they would fix it and sell an "updated" module to people. I have only seen 4 ABS modules replaced before (not including the RECALL abs modules on jettas).

The problem is loss of functionality of the electronic ABS control unit is not sufficient to warrant a recall as vehicle is still safe to drive. Look at the GMC and Chevy ABS problem. No recall on their electronic modules. Also, Volvo and Jaguar have no recall on their failing ABS electronic control units.

If the mechanical hydraulic control unit has a defect... then there would be an instant recall because brake system could malfunction. Based on automotive history, they will continue manufacturing the part with the internal problem for some time. The solution would require retooling at the factory and disposing of a large inventory of modules.

The only electronic module recall I can think of would be in certain applications where the ABS module is used for electronic front/rear proportioning to save money vs the standard mechical proportioning valve or properly sized rear brake assemblies to eliminate the need for any proportioning system.

Electronic proportioning is a bad design concept and only few vehicles are using the technique. When the electronic ABS unit fails in such situations, then too much braking force can be distributed to the back wheels of the car and cause danger in emergency situation.

The Nippon/Bosch 5.3 modules are used in a large majority of cars after 1997 if they are not using the ATE Teves systems.

[belladad]

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

If VW knew about problems of a safety system like this they would fix it and sell an "updated" module to people. I have only seen 4 ABS modules replaced before (not including the RECALL abs modules on jettas).

You kind of contradict yourself. Here is what you said in a separate Passat thread...

Originally Posted by veedubmechanic

If the brakes dont apply right away when you step on the brake pedal then theres air in the brake system.
THe abs control modules go bad alot on 98-01 passats... vw seems to fix the problem on 02+ models.

Which is it, they don't have ABS problems or they do? I only ask because the ABS Control Module just failed on my '01 Passat also. With a quote of $1,500 from my VW dealer to replace it! I'm willing to roll the dice and try Gavin's solution any day of the week vs. continue to throw $$$ at the dealer. VW should be ashamed of themselves for their lack of customer service!

Here is a "short" list of problems I have had with the car since it was new...(01 VW Passat 4Motion - Paid >40k for the car)

- Virtually all of the interior wood panels have formed cracks in them. The dealership replaced one set before the warranty was up. 2000 miles later (26k miles total) the rest of them had formed cracks but VW refused to replace them because they were "out of warranty". Yea right.

- VW replaced the cataletic converter because of a warning light. Turned out to be the sensor (luckily it was still under warranty)

- Replace the A/C system fan because it threw a blade. ($400)

- Replace the interior over head light because the switch broke ($200)

- Both steering arms had to be replaced because one of the ball ends went bad. Was quoted >$700 to fix them, $400 parts & labor to replace them and $300 to re-align the front end. This one was the straw that broke the camels back. When I questioned the dealership about the $300 for a front end alignment they told me that because it was a 4motion that it was "special" and would take 3-4 hours for the alignment. I called three other alignment shops (including one at a Toyota dealership), their quotes for the alignment varied from $79 to $89. Needless to say the entire job cost me under $300 for the same work the the dealship quoted me $700.

- Had to replace the interior window trim that started to fall away ($150). VW wont admit it but it started to fall away after they replaced the wood trim on that door.

- The trunk release has quit working (not going to even bother fixing it).

- The armrest/compartment latch broke (again, not going to fix).

- I've gone through 3 sets of headlights on the car because of the dumb*ss (on all the time) programming that they have built in.

- My favorite are the brakes! When I had the car at the dealership with 30,000 miles on it they told me I needed new brakes in the back. I said fine, give me a quote. They quoted me $600! When I cornered them on the price they told me that they had to replace the rotors! Who replaces rotors at 30k miles?!?! I took it to Midas and paid $40 for new pads, rotors calipered fine.

- At roughly 60k miles the dealership told me the same thing (need new rear brakes) and quoted another $600. I took it to Midas again, paid $40 for a pad slap (rotors still calipered fine!)

- At 100k miles the dealership quoted me $700 for new front brakes. Again they told me I needed new rotors. Again I cornered them on the rotors and again they told me that "By Law" they were too thin and needed to be replaced. Took it to Midas, $180 later I have new pads on the front, still the same rotors. And in case anyone is wondering, still the same rotors all the way around, no warps, and within specs!

I feel sorry for the people who take their cars to the dealership and just go along with the line of bull they feed you.

This is the last VW I (or anyone I know if I can help it) will buy! Back to Honda!

[veedubmechanic]

Hondas are deffinately more reliable than vw's thats for sure. But vw are safer, quieter, and alot more comfortable than hondas. Passats DO have a big problem with abs control modules from 98-01. Electronics go bad, its just a mater of time, not if.