Tips To Diagnose Volkswagen ABS Module Failure

The Anti-Locking Braking System (or ABS) is an indispensable safety feature found in all modern vehicles today. Your Volkswagen’s ABS feature helps you to brake fast without the wheels locking up. Unfortunately, there are some known issues with the ABS modules of Volkswagens. Your VW is generally a reliable and fun car to drive. Don’t let the ABS issue worry you. However, that said, a failed ABS is a grave concern. So if you see the ABS light on your dashboard or notice any of the symptoms discussed in this article, please be safe, and bring your VW in for a thorough diagnostics.

What Exactly Does the ABS Do?

The ABS prevents your car wheels from skidding and sliding, when you brake, by keeping the wheels from locking. This is especially critical when driving on gravel or wet or icy roads, where the surface is slippery.

The job of the ABS module is two-fold:

It monitors the speed of the wheels and detects when they’re about to lock.
The ABS sensor reads this and sends a message to a controller, which pumps the brakes for you so that the wheels keep rotating and continue to maintain traction with the road.

Some Signs that the ABS Module May Be Failing

ABS Warning Light: This is one of the MILs (Malfunction Indicator Light) you should not ignore! If the ABS warning light is activated on your dashboard, it means there is some kind of problem with the ABS control module. Bring it in for a check-up.
Brake Pedal Doesn’t Respond: You might find the brake pedal feels stiff and requires much more effort and pressure to bring the car to a stop. Or you may notice it takes much longer to stop the car. This is a very dangerous situation. Have your VW checked as soon as possible.
Wheel/Brake Locking: If your wheels lock up while braking, especially on slippery surfaces, then that is a sure sign that the ABS has stopped working. The very purpose of the ABS is to continue to turn the wheels as it pumps the brakes on your behalf. This way, your car doesn’t lose traction with the road.
Traction Loss: Uneven brake pressure on wheels might cause a loss of traction and hinder stability.
Weird Noises: Normally, the ABS itself doesn’t make noises, but since it’s directly related to your braking system, it is a good idea to be attentive to any squealing, grinding, or whining If your brakes are out of order, the ABS won’t function properly.

These signs should not be ignored. If you notice any one of these symptoms, take your Volkswagen to a professional garage, where a trained mechanic can diagnose and address the problem. ABS problems are not to be trifled with because it is about safety!

What Causes ABS Failure

As mentioned before, the ABS module failure is quite common in Volkswagens. Some reasons are:

A loss of power to the ABS module. This can happen due to electrical issues, such as damaged, worn wires or blown fuses.
There could be a software issue with the ABS module.
The ABS module itself could be damaged and malfunctioning.

Diagnostics and Next Steps

We have factory-grade tools and equipment to diagnose what exactly is causing your Volkswagen’s ABS module to malfunction. When you bring your car to us, we will use innovative scan tools to pull ABS fault/error codes. These codes tell us explicitly where the problem lies, whether it is the wiring, the pump, the sensor, or anything else for that matter! We know exactly what to repair or replace. Using Volkswagen-specific diagnostic tools give us even better readings.

At Hayes European, we are passionate about our cars! Well, we’re passionate about YOUR car, which we treat like our own. Our highly trained and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technicians are available to answer any of your questions. We are not only trained in car mechanics, but our technicians are number one in customer service.

Why don’t you find out for yourself! Schedule an appointment with us. Call us, or stop by our garage. We have locations in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel, and Capitola in California.