Volkswagen Golf V - How to spot ESP issue

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Sun 15 Aug 2010 11:52
Volkswagen Golf V - How to spot ESP issue - Jonesy127
I know that there is an issue with the VAG ESP.

When viewing a car, how does one spot this? Assuming there's nothing in the service about any issue being addressed, is it just a case of a warning light on the dash?

HJ talks about dodgy sellers unplugging the ECU (so the warning light does not show?); where is this on a Mk5 Golf, and is it just a case of checking its plugged in?
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Tue 17 Aug 2010 09:42
Volkswagen Golf V - How to spot ESP issue - Jonesy127
If the ECU has been unplugged, does that mean no warning lights will show?
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Tue 17 Aug 2010 10:15
Volkswagen Golf V - How to spot ESP issue - jc2

Surely if it is working correctly,the light should come on with the ignition and then go out.

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Tue 17 Aug 2010 10:48
Volkswagen Golf V - How to spot ESP issue - WellKnownSid

Most dashboards light up like a Christmas tree these days so you could miss it. Best check the handbook to make sure you clock the correct warning light.

The ESP light looks to be like the road sign with the car swerving off the road:

www.golfmk5.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1082428

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Wed 18 Aug 2010 15:12
Volkswagen Golf V - How to spot ESP issue - Jonesy127

Thanks for the replies.

I appreicate that, under normal circumstances, if the ESP unit was faulty, there would be a warning on the instrument panel. What I am concerned about is HJ's suggestion that the ECU could've been unplugged, thus hiding this.

I recently test drove a Mk5 2.0 petrol GT (which I liked very much). The car had a warning light showing a faulty brake light, so I assume that signifies any relevant warnings would be showing?

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Wed 18 Aug 2010 15:36
Volkswagen Golf V - How to spot ESP issue - WellKnownSid

That's not what we're saying. Normally, if the ECU is unplugged (or the bulb removed) the warning light will NEVER light up.

If everything is working correctly, the light will come ON when you switch ON, and go OFF when the engine is started, and stay OFF.

The problem is, with so many lights to choose from, you need to make sure that the relevant light is actually lit.

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