ABS control unit fault - VW quoted £2586.11 to fix

Sony254 · Mar 27, 2022

Part 1

Good afternoon all,

Strange first post but I have owned my Cali since Aug 2016 and used the site since before then for lots of things so thanks.
I have a December reg 2013 5.1 SE 180. I bought it from VW Kettering in Aug 2016 with around 5K on the clock now up to 42K. VW previous owner.
Usage, not a daily driver. Take it for 30 mile run at weekend if not going away in it and at least once a month do a 400 mile round trip to midlands to see family.

16.06.21 - O/S/R speed sensor replaced.
16.09.21 - N/S/R speed sensor replaced - ABS/TRACS and TPMS lights on. G46 fault codes found. I lifted this from the bill.
22.10.21 - Slave cylinder failed - On my drive, clutch pedal went straight to the floor, towed by VW assist to local VW Commercial who dropped the gearbox. Found clutch and flywheel OK and fitted new slave cylinder.
10.12.21 - Went out to my vehicle. Pressed down clutch, checked not in gear, turned key half way watching usual lights and sounds. This time however I heard a low level 'grrrrr' noise for a second. Turned vehicle off and tried again. No noise, watched dash and noticed the speed dial pointer bouncing up to 10mph and down again a few times. Thats new, turned key further engine started OK. Went to turn the steering wheel and noticed I had no power steering. Turned off and on again. No bouncing needle and no steering issue, drove away to shops. At shops started vehicle up and again no power steering, turned off and on and all OK. Got home. I then tried this around 5 times that evening. Each time first attempt no power steering (grrrr noise did not return, just had that the once) and second attempt everything OK.
11.12.21 - Took it to VW Commercial who said ABS Control unit faulty. Needs replacing. Part costs £1700 and total cost would be £2568.11 inc VAT.

Sony254 · Mar 27, 2022

Part 2

Over Christmas spoke to family friend who said companies can refurbish these ABS Units and I should get a second opinion.

30.12.21 - So I cancelled job with VW Commercial. Drove it around 10 times since and had NO issue with dancing needle, grrr or power steering. Nothing.

Now my Cali does have previous form with this power steering issue. I would say over the last 3 years I have had this issue only 3 times. Each time drove away to suddenly feel no power assist. Turned off and on and no issue.

07.01.22 - Took Cali to independent VW specialist. They said if find faults confirm issue with ABS control units they can send unit away to be tested and refurbished is possible. Looking at £600 for entire fix.

08.01.22 - Independent VW specialist cant find enough faults to warrant send ABD control unit away. Intermittent fault. Wait till it breaks.

03.03.22 - Took it to Independent VW specialist who plugged in box and found a new fault code for O/S/F ABS sensor. Booked it in for this to be replaced or ABS control unit if more faults found.

17.03.22 - New O/S/F ABS sensor fitted via Independent VW specialist for £75 ex VAT

Since then driven around 20 times and no lights on dash and no power steering issue yet.
Fingers crossed.
Hope you made it this far.

All the best Sony 254

WelshGas · Mar 27, 2022

Sony254 said:
Part 2

Over Christmas spoke to family friend who said companies can refurbish these ABS Units and I should get a second opinion.

30.12.21 - So I cancelled job with VW Commercial. Drove it around 10 times since and had NO issue with dancing needle, grrr or power steering. Nothing.

Now my Cali does have previous form with this power steering issue. I would say over the last 3 years I have had this issue only 3 times. Each time drove away to suddenly feel no power assist. Turned off and on and no issue.

07.01.22 - Took Cali to independent VW specialist. They said if find faults confirm issue with ABS control units they can send unit away to be tested and refurbished is possible. Looking at £600 for entire fix.

08.01.22 - Independent VW specialist cant find enough faults to warrant send ABD control unit away. Intermittent fault. Wait till it breaks.

03.03.22 - Took it to Independent VW specialist who plugged in box and found a new fault code for O/S/F ABS sensor. Booked it in for this to be replaced or ABS control unit if more faults foun

Unfortunately this is the Achilles heal of the modern vehicle, with all the sensors, software control and diagnostics, not even the software designers are aware of all the possible combinations of sensor/system failures that can arise and modern mechanics tend to go by what the “computer” says and we know that garbage in = garbage out, so an unforeseen combination of sensor readings/failures produces a plausible fault code that is incorrect.
You seem to have it sorted now, but be prepared for the 4th ABS sensor to fail.
ABS modules do fail, but rarely. You seem to have found a halfway decent Independent mechanic, so I would ditch the Dealership for the future. Just keep all the receipts for any work they do. Properly worth more to an informed future purchaser, if you ever plan on selling, than a Dealers computer printout.

Sony254 · Mar 29, 2022

WelshGas said:
Unfortunately this is the Achilles heal of the modern vehicle, with all the sensors, software control and diagnostics, not even the software designers are aware of all the possible combinations of sensor/system failures that can arise and modern mechanics tend to go by what the “computer” says and we know that garbage in = garbage out, so an unforeseen combination of sensor readings/failures produces a plausible fault code that is incorrect.
You seem to have it sorted now, but be prepared for the 4th ABS sensor to fail.
ABS modules do fail, but rarely. You seem to have found a halfway decent Independent mechanic, so I would ditch the Dealership for the future. Just keep all the receipts for any work they do. Properly worth more to an informed future purchaser, if you ever plan on selling, than a Dealers computer printout.

Thanks for the reply WelshGas and also the others that liked the post.
I have switched my custom to the Independent VW garage. I had it in for a cam-belt and water pump change at the same time as the sensor being replaced. Worked out £100 cheaper compared to VW commercial, saving on labour only. Going to take Cali to them for service and MOT in August.
Hope this post helps anyone else in future to go get a second opinion after such an expensive quote.
Its a shame also as I cant complain about my local VW commercial service until this.
Maybe it was just bad timing on when they had it in and the later garage did to see the error codes.
I will update post if anything changes for the worst.

Cheers Sony254

kurienp · Mar 29, 2022

Sony254 said:
Thanks for the reply WelshGas and also the others that liked the post.
I have switched my custom to the Independent VW garage. I had it in for a cam-belt and water pump change at the same time as the sensor being replaced. Worked out £100 cheaper compared to VW commercial, saving on labour only. Going to take Cali to them for service and MOT in August.
Hope this post helps anyone else in future to go get a second opinion after such an expensive quote.
Its a shame also as I cant complain about my local VW commercial service until this.
Maybe it was just bad timing on when they had it in and the later garage did to see the error codes.
I will update post if anything changes for the worst.

Cheers Sony254

That's an excellent outcome for the cost.

It will help others if you name the independent with their address so that those nearby can use their services.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

Ozzy Pete · Mar 30, 2022

You could have easily been £2568.11 out of pocket if you had taken VW advice. Nearly every time this problem crops up it’s always a £20 abs sensor that’s at fault. There are plenty that swear by taking the vehicle to VW to fix also must have (FVWSH) all it means is you have paid many times over the odds for exactly the same and possibly inferior work. If they mix up an ABS sensor fault with an ABS control unit that’s not good and over 25 times the price.

Calimili · Mar 30, 2022

Ozzy Pete said:
You could have easily been £2568.11 out of pocket if you had taken VW advice. Nearly every time this problem crops up it’s always a £20 abs sensor that’s at fault. There are plenty that swear by taking the vehicle to VW to fix also must have (FVWSH) all it means is you have paid many times over the odds for exactly the same and possibly inferior work. If they mix up an ABS sensor fault with an ABS control unit that’s not good and over 25 times the price.

Then VW complains of chip shortage, well .. look how many chips they are throwing away replacing units that actually have no faults

Ozzy Pete · Mar 30, 2022

Sony254 said:
Part 1

Good afternoon all,

Strange first post but I have owned my Cali since Aug 2016 and used the site since before then for lots of things so thanks.
I have a December reg 2013 5.1 SE 180. I bought it from VW Kettering in Aug 2016 with around 5K on the clock now up to 42K. VW previous owner.
Usage, not a daily driver. Take it for 30 mile run at weekend if not going away in it and at least once a month do a 400 mile round trip to midlands to see family.

16.06.21 - O/S/R speed sensor replaced.
16.09.21 - N/S/R speed sensor replaced - ABS/TRACS and TPMS lights on. G46 fault codes found. I lifted this from the bill.
22.10.21 - Slave cylinder failed - On my drive, clutch pedal went straight to the floor, towed by VW assist to local VW Commercial who dropped the gearbox. Found clutch and flywheel OK and fitted new slave cylinder.
10.12.21 - Went out to my vehicle. Pressed down clutch, checked not in gear, turned key half way watching usual lights and sounds. This time however I heard a low level 'grrrrr' noise for a second. Turned vehicle off and tried again. No noise, watched dash and noticed the speed dial pointer bouncing up to 10mph and down again a few times. Thats new, turned key further engine started OK. Went to turn the steering wheel and noticed I had no power steering. Turned off and on again. No bouncing needle and no steering issue, drove away to shops. At shops started vehicle up and again no power steering, turned off and on and all OK. Got home. I then tried this around 5 times that evening. Each time first attempt no power steering (grrrr noise did not return, just had that the once) and second attempt everything OK.
11.12.21 - Took it to VW Commercial who said ABS Control unit faulty. Needs replacing. Part costs £1700 and total cost would be £2568.11 inc VAT.

You didn’t say what VW charged you for the slave cylinder... hang on I’ll just sit down first......

Lambeth Cali · Mar 30, 2022

Sony254 said:
Thanks for the reply WelshGas and also the others that liked the post.
I have switched my custom to the Independent VW garage. I had it in for a cam-belt and water pump change at the same time as the sensor being replaced. Worked out £100 cheaper compared to VW commercial, saving on labour only. Going to take Cali to them for service and MOT in August.
Hope this post helps anyone else in future to go get a second opinion after such an expensive quote.
Its a shame also as I cant complain about my local VW commercial service until this.
Maybe it was just bad timing on when they had it in and the later garage did to see the error codes.
I will update post if anything changes for the worst.

Cheers Sony254

I avoid all VW van garages like the plague. This story is just too typical.

There are lots of great VW specialists to fix these robust vehicles. Mechanicals should be straight forward to fix or replace. Electronics can be a problem but VW just go on a vague hunting mission at your cost.

I use Peter Norris VW in South London for California and our Golf. Used them for 9 years. Never had a single problem and honest prices.

66tim99 · Mar 30, 2022

Lambeth Cali said:
I avoid all VW van garages like the plague. This story is just too typical.

There are lots of great VW specialists to fix these robust vehicles. Mechanicals should be straight forward to fix or replace. Electronics can be a problem but VW just go on a vague hunting mission at your cost.

I use Peter Norris VW in South London for California and our Golf. Used them for 9 years. Never had a single problem and honest prices.

Great, thanks. Is Peter Norris able to keep up with the latest electronic developments and diagnose and fix problems on T6 vans?

Lambeth Cali · Mar 30, 2022

66tim99 said:
Great, thanks. Is Peter Norris able to keep up with the latest electronic developments and diagnose and fix problems on T6 vans?

I've seen them plug laptops into vehicles!
Both my vehicles are are 2008, practically vintage, so there are not a great deal of latest developments.
Perhaps I'm fortunate having a chain driven 174 T5 and a 2008 GTi which has a 2.0 litre petrol engine that has been in Golfs for years.
I do have a £40 Ancel code reader which is v useful. Never had to plug it into the Golf, but I think if anyone is planning on running a California for many years, I would say its a good spend of £40.

The weirdest thing I had to diagnose was an odd sqealing coming from the Golf. I diagnosed what I thought it was from listening to Youtube videos where guys, usually Polish, played different engine sounds to spot faults. I thought it was a valve, not a belt and it turned out I was right. Replaced the valve and the squeal stopped! There is everything VW on Youtube!

Sony254 · Mar 31, 2022

kurienp said:
That's an excellent outcome for the cost.

It will help others if you name the independent with their address so that those nearby can use their services.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

Hi Kurienp,
Garage is VWS Exeter, Unit 8 Kennford Rd, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8LY.
They said they would send the ABS control unit to ECU Testing.
A look at that site is interesting.

Cheers Sony254

Sony254 · Mar 31, 2022

Ozzy Pete said:
You didn’t say what VW charged you for the slave cylinder... hang on I’ll just sit down first......

Hi Ozzy Pete,
£883.87 inc VAT

Cheers Sony254

Ozzy Pete · Mar 31, 2022

Sony254 said:
Hi Ozzy Pete,
£883.87 inc VAT

Cheers Sony254

OMG...I’ve just been sick ..

Azteccamper · Mar 31, 2022

Ozzy Pete said:
OMG...I’ve just been sick ..

Wow. Just had my slave cylinder go in exactly the same way.
Decided to have the whole lot done whilst the gearbox was out - new slave cylinder, clutch and dual mass flywheel, etc. at recommended VW Independent. £1200 inc VAT with parts and labour warranty.

Ozzy Pete · Apr 1, 2022

Take a look at this guy on YouTube. Williams mobile clutch service. The guy is a genius. Providing you have a driveway he does the lot . See him work on the VW T4 -T5 -T6 clutch replacement.His reviews are the best. Not available to everyone as he only travels certain distances.

Doug Curran · Apr 2, 2022

Ozzy Pete said:
Take a look at this guy on YouTube. Williams mobile clutch service. The guy is a genius. Providing you have a driveway he does the lot . See him work on the VW T4 -T5 -T6 clutch replacement.His reviews are the best. Not available to everyone as he only travels certain distances.

With my 'imported to Canada' 2005 T5, I offered Williams a "busman's holiday"tocome toCanada and do my DMF and clutch. He declined!! It would be great to have such a service here in the "Great White Waste of Time" as Canada was once described.

Ozzy Pete · Apr 2, 2022

Doug Curran said:
With my 'imported to Canada' 2005 T5, I offered Williams a "busman's holiday"tocome toCanada and do my DMF and clutch. He declined!! It would be great to have such a service here in the "Great White Waste of Time" as Canada was once described.

Yes quite possibly Canada is a postcode he doesn’t reach. I don’t know what they charge to have this type of job done in Canada but looking at what they charge in a garage over in the UK it’s not going to be cheap.

Sony254 · Jul 29, 2023

Update, same issues again apart from no issue with power steering. Just had the N/S/F ABS replaced. All OK.

Doug Curran · Jul 29, 2023

Ozzy Pete said:
Yes quite possibly Canada is a postcode he doesn’t reach. I don’t know what they charge to have this type of job done in Canada but looking at what they charge in a garage over in the UK it’s not going to be cheap.

I supplied all parts (DMF, clutch kit, engine & tranny seals, starter, Gates couplers, & freewheels, steering pump). Parts came to ~$1,200 CDN and labour the same so $2,400. Anything that came off got replaced so I should never have to think about them again.
It's a sad situation that these vehicles were never imported to North America as there is a real market for them, but the 'Big Three' bullied the US Congress into the "chicken tax" to keep them out of their market.