If it comes on when cornering, it could be low brake fluid level. If it comes on randomly, it is likely a failing ABS module. It is probably not your wheel sensors if you havent messed with them or removed an axle. The majority of the time, the ABS light coming on along with the red flashing brake light and the brake fault notification indicates a failing ABS module. It is easy to remove, and you can have it rebuilt for around $150.

 

It is easy to remove

Removing ABS module is everything but easy. It has 6 screws out of which you may be able to open 5 but the sixth one that is hidden behind the module is impossible to open by any conventional tools.

A technique I learned and applied to open the 6th screw was to literally drill a large hole in chassis and used an extension to reach it. I used some touch up paint to prevent rust around the whole.

If you are saying it is easy and you have done it other than what I described, let everyone know.

 

I've owned 4 passats, every one of them had ABS light on with flashing brake light and "Stop brake fault" message. In every case a rebuilt ABS module took care of the problem.

 

Ahh thanks for reply Is it best to get it rebuilt(fixed) or would it work if I went to a scrapyard and got a used one?

I know a few good scrapyards that got plenty of Passats laying around, would a used one from a different car also work?

 

Rebuild yours. A scrapyard unit, even if it works now, will eventually succumb to the same defect that got the original. Repaired units are actually better, and don't need to be programmed for your car.

 

Thank you.

Would you have any idea how long does it take to fix/rebuild an ABS module?

 

Most place quote a 2-3 day turnaround. Take a look at the ModuleMaster web page. You'll learn about the process, and maybe want to send it to them. (I have no connection to the company).

 

Emry, poke around a bit; maybe watch the removal video on the ModuleMaster site. People don't seem to have as much trouble as you apparently did. Perhaps you did something wrong?

 

I have seen this video. But it doesn't tell you how to remove the hidden screw. Again, if you or someone else can tell us how to remove it with conventional tools I like to know that.

 

Hahaha I just removed mine. I most certainly did not need to drill a hole in my chassis.

Partially remove the left splash shield, undo the screws that hold the PS reservoir an washer fluid neck. Loosen the nuts that hold the hydraulic unit to the chassis (do not loosen the lines or force the module up)

Use the an extension to go through the hole under the splash shield that leads under the washer fluid filler neck (lift filler neck up gently)
loosen the #6 screw for the abs unit (which can also be lifted slightly if you don't have a flexible attachment)

I hope you owned the cars you drilled into...
So much for dipped galvanizing

I also didn't need to remove the pinch bolt to change a cv joint either... maybe the Mexican Passat is different?!


Also I attempted to repair the module myself. I got it to recognize in vagcom but nicked the neighboring ABS sensor input wire... then fucked it completely when trying to repair that. At least I can safely say I suffered the same exact failure mode as every other Passat/Audi owner due to a faulty silver wire disconnecting from it's contact pad. I have since (last week) been driving a car with horrible rear brake bias (thanks VW for also making the brake proportioning controlled by the same module, I hope someone sues your ass for cashing in, not recalling when they wrap their car around a pole sideways and kill their kin)

 

So the most common problem is that silver cable disconnects from the contacts? Something that soldering it back on would fix?

Thanks for all your feedback guys I really appreciate it

 

Got another might be stupid question.

I need the car for commuting, it possible to drive the car with ABS module removed? So could I drive my Passat while module is being repaired?

Thanks

 

Yes. Obviously without the ABS function, but otherwise fine.

 

OK the ABS module is off and ready for repair.

I found that google made out the removal or the ABS modular bit complex. I used my son for the job and with thin hands of his it was possible to remove the module without drilling any holes, taking the wheel off or any other screws apart the 6 that held the module.

I'll keep you posted if the module was really at fault.

Thanks

 

Got a bit of an issue now. I called the places about ABS module and none of them repair them. They only diagnose and can order a new one in for £350($536).

My son went to actual bosh diagnostic garage and they said that it's best top scan the whole car as ABS sensors breaking are more a common issue that the module breaking. But to do so I would need to take a day off work and that will cost me even more than few diagnostic checks £80($122). So they can test ABS module only or the whole car for the same price but if I only test ABS module ad it's not as fault that's £80($122) lost but I get my car for a test I need a day of work that will cost even more but might fix the issue.

So they don;t repair or rebuild the modules so at ABS failure i'll need to find a used one.

What would you guys suggest?

 

You could reconnect the ABS module to the car (leave the 6 screws off) and scan the car. If it comes back "no communication with ABS module" the silver wire inside are likely to be at fault.

In that case I recommend sucking it up and buying a new module, just the electronic portion and keep the receipt and old unit to throw back at VW. I can't see how anyone can fix it properly for less than $200 (it will likely be a hack job). A used module will also fail eventually.

 

They quoted me £700 for a new module That just sounds insane to me.

Ok I found a used ABS module that all the numbers match my one, Would I need it reprogrammed to work on my car?

 

I had previously thought they all needed to be programmed, but recently members have noted that if you get an exact number match, they don't. However, you still have the issue of the early failure; a used module will likely go the same way as the original. The rebuilders typically replace all the troublesome connectors, producing an "improved" unit. Don't know about rebuilders in the UK, but over here the typical rebuild is $100 - $150, and some eBay sources quote as low as $40.

Note: typically, the rebuilders are mail-in, rather than walk-in.

 

Are you sure that quote of £700 isn't for the entire ABS module with the hydraulic component?? You only need the "repair kit" (Assume £500 would be more realistic for just the part)

 

Get in touch with ecu testing.com in derbyshire, they just fixed my abs ecu for £90.00 with life time guarantee. I have previously bought four of these ecu's from scrap yards and each one has failed. They have a 48 hour turnaround too which is good.

 

Thank you I sent them an email. Well I already bought a used one which I will use to pass the MOT, i'll send my broken one to be rebuilt then swap it back and sell the one I bought.


Also does anyone know if the non ross-tech cable are capable of clearing ABS faults from the ECU?

 

should be able to, i have used cheap ones before getting vcds but once you fit the your used one as long as it is working fine the light will go off.

 

I was told by a garage that once that is done the ECU will still have the old error code there and will need it cleared. So you think they were wrong? I've seen few posts that people just replaced it and it worked without needing anything extra

 

Certainly the code will be stored but the light will not stay on and the ecu will function properly.

 

In my experience, clock yes, radio presets no - at least with the factory radio. Not that it really matters. You'll also disable the auto-up feature of the windows, but you just have to run them all the way up and down to reset that.

 

Update:

My son bough a used ABS module which we just replaced and everything is GOOD finally

All is working no more ABS lights and warnings, really chuffed!!

ABS module was at fault, and if the module matches the serial number there is no need to reprogram a used module.

I would like to thank everyone for taking their time to help me, I really appreciate all of your help guys! This is a really great community.

Many Thanks

 

Well got some bad news it's back !!! the same issue as before "STOP break fault" with abs light on again. I'm just confused now.

I tired the cheap vag-com cable and there was a fault in the log something "failed to communicate module" so I get the old issue was the ABS module after clearing the error codes that didn't show up again.

Not sure what to do now. Any suggestions?

 

OK i tried to do the auto scan and got this:

1st try:
VCDS-Lite Version: Release 1.2
Saturday, 27 April 2013, 10:35:45.


Chassis Type: 3B - VW Passat B5
Scan: 01,02,03,08,15,16,17,19,35,36,37,46,47,55,56,57,58,75,76,77

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels:
Controller:
Note: Can't Synch Baud Rate

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: 3Bx-907-044.LBL
Controller: 3B2 907 044 C
Component: CLIMATRONIC C 0.7.0
Coding: 05000
Shop #: WSC 05311
VCID: 2237698BBDD7
1 Fault Found:
01206 - Signal for Duration of Ignition Off Time
37-00 - Faulty

2nd try:
VCDS-Lite Version: Release 1.2
Saturday, 27 April 2013, 11:29:04.


Chassis Type: 3B - VW Passat B5
Scan: 01,02,03,08,15,16,17,19,35,36,37,46,47,55,56,57,58,75,76,77

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine Labels:
Controller:
Note: Can't Synch Baud Rate

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 01V-927-156.LBL
Controller: 3B0 927 156 Q
Component: AG5 01V 2.3lVR5 RDW 9603
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 00000
VCID: 341B9FD31723
1 Fault Found:
00526 - Brake Light Switch-F
27-00 - Implausible Signal

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: 3Bx-907-044.LBL
Controller: 3B2 907 044 C
Component: CLIMATRONIC C 0.7.0
Coding: 05000
Shop #: WSC 05311
VCID: 2237698BBDD7
1 Fault Found:
01206 - Signal for Duration of Ignition Off Time
37-00 - Faulty

 

(GRIN) That scan seems atypical, but it may be that you need to rebuild your ABS module. There's a reason the forum members don't recommend buying a used module. Original modules can be regarded as inherently defective; a used one that hasn't been rebuilt, even if working, suffers from the same flaw that killed the first one. A proper rebuild corrects that flaw. SO: The best choice isn't a used module, isn't even a NEW module; it's a rebuilt module.

Oh, and you want to attend that brake light switch; it's not a minor problem.

 

A proper rebuild corrects that flaw. SO: The best choice isn't a used module, isn't even a NEW module; it's a rebuilt module.

ive repaired hundreds of modules and only ever had a handful come back. a handful as in less than 10.

 

So you think that the used module that i fitted is also faulty??

 

if you are still receiving no comm with the module, then yes, its probably defective as well.

 

hmm after reading few forums it seems that people were able to fix the issue by replacing the break light switch. Seems like that can also cause the ABS light warning to come on, that would fit with the error code that I got