ABS Faulty?

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Foghorn

Foghorn

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Set off this morning and on an icy road the traction control kicked in - then I was subjected to 5 'bongs' from the warning panel and the flashing red brake fluid indicator. This was followed by the ABS and Traction warning lights staying on.

Apart from sh**ting myself I stopped the car turned the ignition on again and got the 'OK' self check. Another 10 miles got a repeat performance.

Checked the manual and it indicates low brake fluid - which on checking appears to be above the 'low' marker OR an ABS fault - which sounds expensive.

Anyone experienced similar or does the brake fluid need to be well over the minimum marker? Will try this first when I get some fluid.

Regards - The Foghorn

2001 TDI SE Atantic Blue, Open Sky, 16" 6 spoke alloys, Satellite cloth & space box system. The "Dogs Twitchers"
 
Brake fluid is one of those "secret" Audi service things they don't tell you about. You think the car goes on ONLY as per the variable computer instructions... and every 32000 miles or so. NOT SO. Look at the sticker top right above the sunvisor on your windscreen. Brake fluid has a replacement schedule totally independent of the service schedule. You will even find special places in your service book for these to be done at. I guess you and whoever did your last service just missed this...

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[img=left]http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-2/11882/a2andme2.gif[/img=left]
2001 A2 TDI SE Crystal Blue with Open Sky, 6CD Symphony II, BOSE upgrade, DIS and HALF a winterpack!

iPAQ 3970 with Sat-Nav sleeve, rear cupholders, luggage net and floppy wiper!

http://www.a2oc.net/pic_show.asp?picid=1572&type=1 On www.A2OC.net pictures UK160 to UK183
 
Brake fluid is hydrocsopic and should be changed every two years - if the car has been serviced by Audi this should have been done. If the level is falling then there may be a leak or it may just be the pistons moveing further as the brakes wear. Try topping up the fluid and see if it helps first - if the fluid in the reservoir is a muddy colour then it probably needs changing - new fluid is clear. Don't use fluid that has been on the shelf for a long time.

1.4 Petrol Special Edition, Ebony Black, grey leather, heated seats, climate, opensky, five spoke alloys for SWMBO (Replaced a 2002 1.4 Petrol SE) Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 iCDTi for me.
 
Cheers - Not had a repeat performance yet. On the last service the fluid was tested by Audi and they opined that it did not need replacing. Fluid looks clear enough.

Regards - The Foghorn

2001 TDI SE Atantic Blue, Open Sky, 16" 6 spoke alloys, Satellite cloth & space box system. The "Dogs Twitchers"
 
I am surprised that they test it. Vauxhall have just serviced my sons Corsa and the cost of a brake fluid change was £22. You are not going to get much of a test done for that at Audi's labour rates!

1.4 Petrol Special Edition, Ebony Black, grey leather, heated seats, climate, opensky, five spoke alloys for SWMBO (Replaced a 2002 1.4 Petrol SE) Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 iCDTi for me.
 
Out of interest....what colour does the fluid go when there is too much moisture in it.....cloudy/milky brown?

2004 1.4 TDi (90) SE, Cobalt Blue, Climate control, Cruise control, DIS, Sport seats, Winter pack, Symphony II.
 
Audi would like us to believe that we're getting a superior quality fluid......yeah right!

2004 1.4 TDi (90) SE, Cobalt Blue, Climate control, Cruise control, DIS, Sport seats, Winter pack, Symphony II.
 
If it's a Volvo shouldn't that be a crash test dummy flying past the window ;)

2004 1.4 TDi (90) SE, Cobalt Blue, Climate control, Cruise control, DIS, Sport seats, Winter pack, Symphony II.
 
Will

It looks brown and is no longer clear, may be as much dirt as water but have never taken the chance.

1.4 Petrol Special Edition, Ebony Black, grey leather, heated seats, climate, opensky, five spoke alloys for SWMBO (Replaced a 2002 1.4 Petrol SE) Honda Accord Tourer 2.2 iCDTi for me.
 
Things have moved on. After some internet searching i think the fault is with the ABS sensors on the wheel hubs. For the techies something to do with a coil and magnets! but they can be prone to dirt or corrosion.

I'll see if I can find them first and try some WD40 if not I'll need to go to Audi for the diagnostic test. Thought it was a blip until it happened again............cleared then did it again. Very annoying and these things always happen just before a long trip!

For info the brake fluid is a mid brown colour and looks clear.......although if it was a 'sample' I think I would be dehydrated!

Regards - The Foghorn

2001 TDI SE Atantic Blue, Open Sky, 16" 6 spoke alloys, Satellite cloth & space box system. The "Dogs Twitchers"
 
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