Do you have access to a VAGCOM so you can read the stored codes in the ABS module? A few more details of what is happening when the ABS light comes on would help. Is anything happening when it comes on (gravel, wet, etc). Does the brake light come on as well? Do all the gauges work all the time, are there any other wierd things that are happening when the ABS light comes on? It could be the beginning of the ABS module failure, ($880 for the part plus labor from the dealer or $220 with you providing the easy labor from Modulemasters.com with details on their website) or another problem, but the VAGCOM ABS modle codes will go a long way toward diagnosis. Standard OBD2 reader will not read the ABS module.

Wheel sensors are not cheap either.

 

i pay about 50 each abs sensor:wrench:

try cleaning the sensors and rings

 

I had my ABS rebuilt and I was still getting "ABS" lights. So I Vag'd it and come to find out my right front sensor was loose. I pushed it in all the way, no more codes..like corradodog said try cleaning the senors and rings too :thumbup:

 

Thanks for the pic I don't know if I can tackle this. Is it difficult to take apart? Is there a write up on this?

 

1. Take both sensors out, clean them off, and reinstall.

2. If light comes back on, send the module in to Module Master. They are top notch. $210 including return shipping and I had it back in about 10 days.

It take 30-60 minutes to remove (first time) and about 30 minutes to reinstall. All depending on how much washer fluid you spill everywhere

 

Since we're already on this topic. My 98's ABS light has been coming on for the last 2-3 months. At first it was sporadic, but now it's on every time I start the car, the Brake light blinks as well. However, when I use my Vag-Com to scan my car, the ABS system comes back with no faults? Any clue as to what this could be? Also, the system does not work, I tested this out of curiosity and it doesn't work.

 

Since we're already on this topic. My 98's ABS light has been coming on for the last 2-3 months. At first it was sporadic, but now it's on every time I start the car, the Brake light blinks as well. However, when I use my Vag-Com to scan my car, the ABS system comes back with no faults? Any clue as to what this could be? Also, the system does not work, I tested this out of curiosity and it doesn't work.

My mechanic said that if the ABS lights are on as soon as you start the car, then it's probably the modulator. If it comes on as you're driving, then it's probably a sensor. Sounds like you might have the modulator issue.

I would try getting the codes again.

 

Before buying anything, I'd try to find somebody with a VAG-COM and get those codes. Otherwise, you are just throwing not-cheap parts at the problem.

Even the shareware version should be able to tackle this one...

SirWired

 

Thats the thing, there aren't any codes thrown for the ABS system.

 

Are you checking with a VAGCOM? If there are no codes when checked with a VAGCOM (not an OBD2 Reader) and the ABS is acting quarky, then it probably is the wheel sensor that needs cleaning. If not rusted in place, they are easy to remove after removing the tire. If rusted in place, you may end up buying new wheel sensors.

 

Are you checking with a VAGCOM? If there are no codes when checked with a VAGCOM (not an OBD2 Reader) and the ABS is acting quarky, then it probably is the wheel sensor that needs cleaning. If not rusted in place, they are easy to remove after removing the tire. If rusted in place, you may end up buying new wheel sensors.

Rusted in place? I think that's why my mechanic couldn't replace it. He said it was seized in there and he couldn't get it out. That's when he suggested I should go to the dealer. If it's rusted, do you have to break it to remove it?

 

Soak with PB Blaster being carful not to get any on the brake rotor. Wait an hour or so and soak again, then again. Then try to remove the sensor the next day so there is time for the PBB to work. Some have had to destroy them to get them out (Atomicalex, IIRC). They should twist out easily by hand for removal.

This is what it looks like new from NAPA:

Good luck.

 

Soak with PB Blaster being carful not to get any on the brake rotor. Wait an hour or so and soak again, then again. Then try to remove the sensor the next day so there is time for the PBB to work. Some have had to destroy them to get them out (Atomicalex, IIRC). They should twist out easily by hand for removal.

This is what it looks like new from NAPA:

Good luck.

Is this PB blaster stuff a spray or an oil or what? Maybe I can work on spraying the sensor and then see if my mechanic wants to try taking it out. Do I have to remove the tire to get to it to spray it? Thanks for the info and the pic.

 

PB Blaster is a penetrating oil that is better than WD-40 and in a spray can. That is why it is recommended to protect the rotor when spraying the stuff near brakes.

Replacing this ABS sensor is easy, if it can be removed.