Recent Feedback
I have a 2002 Audi Avant A6 wagon, and the braking light warning system has been acting up (not constantly) for about 2 months. My mechanics (who are very good, and who specialize in German cars) are afraid that the ABS system might need to be replaced--very, very costly. and to be avoided if possible. Here is what happens--the brake light (not ABS light, not parking brake light, not brake shoe light, etc) flashes, with a warning bell tone that come in 3's, at 1-minute (sorry, might be 2-minute, I forget) intervals. this can go on for hours. Also, I have noticed that there is also a little "triple tone" squeaky bell that comes from the rear of the car only as I start it up (so only happens once), and only during those periods when the brake light warning light/bell have been active. The mechanics have found some loose (stuff?), which when they tightened, kept the brake light warning (then active) from returning for about 2 weeks. They have also run diagnostics, and nothing comes up.
Optional Information: 2002 Audi Avant wagon A6 Already Tried: 1)Dignostics at mechanics (nothing conclusive), 2)having mechanics "turn off" the brake warning signal ( they did this 3 different times, once it came back on before I even got around the corner from mechanics--that's when they found some loose connections (cabling??) that they thought could be tightened, and which kept the signal from coming back for about 2 weeks, but now (after 2 weeks) the warning signal has come back on, during a trip to Western Md. Just a note--I might also have had some critters nibbling at things in the car--it sat for 2 months with infrequent startups, and they got at the line for the windshield spray, now repaired.
Hello,
Thank you for choosing "Just Answer" for your query. Yes, I can help you.
By far the most common cause of an illuminated ABS light along with associated beeps, is a failed ABS control unit. So common if fact that Audi has addressed the matter with a technical service bulletin and a ABS control unit "repair kit", no longer mandating replacement of the complete ABS control unit and pump assembly at about a 50% cost reduction. When this described fault arises the ABS unit can not communicate with the scanner, and blocks the data bus from communicating with the other controllers on the bus. Other times when you have communication it will store a trouble code for a communication problem with the instrument cluster. Both scenarios dictate replacement of the ABS control unit. You must have the vehicle scanned with a VW/Audi capable scanner. If the scanner can not communicate with ABS, or anything else for that matter, try disconnecting the electrical plug for the control unit (left side engine compartment, has all the metal brake lines going to it and one large electrical connector) If you can now communicate with the other controllers the ABS control unit is at fault.
In the event that this does not describe the issue with your vehicle please respond with the retrieved code(s) and their stated definition and we can proceed from there.
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Jake "THE AUDI DOCTOR"
Experience: Over 30 years experience, 17 years with Audi, Factory trained
Sorry if you only found my answer "satisfactory". If you wish further clarification, I am here to help you.
"Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I want you to be 100% satisfied with my answer."
I did misread the "(not ABS light, ... ).
A couple of things:
1. If your mechanics "turn off" the brake light, there had to be a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) to scan and erase. If you can tell me what it was, I can further assist you.
2. Has the level in the brake reservoir been checked? I find it hard to believe that "My mechanics (who are very good, and who specialize in German cars" could miss such a basic cause of this light, and I'm sure they charged more than $9 to tell you your ABS is faulty. If there are NO codes when the system is scanned and my very through "on file" answer does not describe the condition, the ABS does not require replacement. If they did change the ABS pump assembly the brake fluid in the reservoir would be topped up though and that might fix it.
Jake