Audi A3 Sportback 8P 1.9tdi 2005.5 my - ESP Warning Light On

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Sun 9 Aug 2015 12:59
Audi A3 Sportback 8P 1.9tdi 2005.5 my - ESP Warning Light On - mak

ESP warning light on and diagnostics show fault 493 ESP Sensor (G419) no signal/communication. My car has a separate ESP sensor. Booked car into an independent VAG specialist which seems to be highly recommended and they identified problem as electrical malfunction in rear wheel sensor so replaced both rear hubs and speed sensors, cost £550. They showed me a very damaged speed sensor with the tip worn away exposing the encased wiring saying that rust from the abs rotor caused that. Although only one side had the problem they replaced both sides. I was then informed that this would have ‘knocked out’ (shorted) the ESP sensor and once this was replaced everything should be OK. Quoted over £926 for fitting new ESP sensor unit. Surprise, surprise when this was fitted, fault still there and now they want to replace the ABS controller unit. To keep costs down they have suggested that I get a second hand unit and they will fit it quoting about 4 hours labour charge. I am a pensioner and feel I am being ‘strung’ along and used as a cash tree. Can anybody offer any knowledgeable advice as to the reasonability of what has happened so far and if they think it takes 4 hours to fit the ABS controller unit. Many thanks and much appreciated

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Sun 9 Aug 2015 14:21
Audi A3 Sportback 8P 1.9tdi 2005.5 my - ESP Warning Light On - elekie&a/c doctor

I am a little confused here.If the rear abs sensor(s) were damaged and not working,then the abs and the esp lights would be illuminated.Your post suggests that just the esp light was on ,therefore the wheel speed sensors would be ok.The esp sensor is a seperate part from the abs control unit but does work in conjunction with it.Looks like some incorrect diagnosis here.Perhaps it is possible to get the garage to carry out a more thorough testing.Esp no signal or comms does not mean the unit is neccessarily at fault.

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Sun 9 Aug 2015 15:38
Audi A3 Sportback 8P 1.9tdi 2005.5 my - ESP Warning Light On - mak

Thank you for the reply. Yes only the ESP light on, ABS light goes out on starting as normal. I mentioned this to the garage as it seemed odd to me, and they just dismissed it. They used ODIS diagnostic tester and this showed, amongst other faults, fault G44-rear right speed sensor and fault 287 12 right rear ABS wheel speed sensor (electrical malfunction in circuit intermittent). Hope this helps.

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Mon 10 Aug 2015 10:17
Audi A3 Sportback 8P 1.9tdi 2005.5 my - ESP Warning Light On - Railroad.

The problem could be a broken Control Area Network (CAN) wire which are used for data communication between controllers. They're very thin wires and very delicate, and could become broken most likely at a plug. Your garage needs to be sure that the controllers are communicating with each other firstly by using suitable diagnostic equipment, and then by checking the wiring against a wiring diagram. If they don't have a wiring diagram then they're really only guessing. A loss of communication could be the cause.

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Thu 13 Aug 2015 15:33
Audi A3 Sportback 8P 1.9tdi 2005.5 my - ESP Warning Light On - mak

Many thanks for all the replies.

Car now fixed, replaced the ABS ECU unit, recoded and everything fine now. Thinking about getting the old one re-manufactured and keep as a standby just incase.

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