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Author Topic: Guys I need help to identify what might be the problem with my MK5 GTI's ESP!  (Read 1675 times)

Offline amins23

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I'm sorry in advance, I'm a girl and I don't know much about the car's electronic systems, but I will try my best to explain my situation.  :smiley:

Had a major 60,000km service done a week ago at the VW service center and everything was working completely fine. However, 3 days after the service was done, I noticed there is something wrong with my car's ESP. Even though the ESP light does not light up in my dashboard, the car feels extremely weird when on sharp turns.

In addition to the noise coming out of the brakes when turning sharply with ESP on, I also feel that the ESP is not applying breaks correctly. There is something definitely faulty with it. Weird noises and jerky breaking.

Has anyone here experienced this after a service has been done? If so, please shed some light :(

Offline the bruce

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First, check the tyre pressures (to factory specs, tyres have to be cold).
Second intialize the tyre pressure control button (press long till beep) ideally on a straight road.

Did the sevice center change any tyres? Any other parts changed?

If you can't find the fault by checking these things go back to them soon !!

 :wink:
"You get what you pay for."

Offline Hurdy

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ESP works off the ABS sensors.

Did you have any work done on the brakes - pads or discs?

It could be that one of the sensors has been disrupted and has thrown the ESP/ABS out of kilter.

Golf R gone.

Offline amins23

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Yeah the service center changed the front brake pads!! You think they messed up my abs sensors somehow?


Offline Hurdy

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Yeah the service center changed the front brake pads!! You think they messed up my abs sensors somehow?



Quite possibly. I'd go back and get them to check it over with a test drive. :smiley:

Don't discount the bruce's option though as that is the more common reason :happy2:
Golf R gone.

Offline the bruce

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Normally there should be no problem if there were pads changed.
Check pressure and take care if the steering wheel is in straight position.
Then let us know about.
If this is ok go back to the stealer.
Guess faulty ABS sensors will cause burning light on the dash.
"You get what you pay for."

Offline amins23

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Thanks Bruce! I have an appointment with the stealer today because I tried what you said and it did not work. Unfortunately.   :sad1:

I noticed something earlier this morning though, I turned the ESP off and it was driving perfectly fine. Does this still mean the ABS sensors are still faulty? Or is there just an electrical problem with the car's ESP?

Offline the bruce

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Could be both.
ABS sensor or steering angle sensor or something else.
The garage will read out the fault coding. I'm sure they will detect it.

 :wink:
"You get what you pay for."

Offline amins23

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Update: 

They scanned the car and found nothing wrong with it. :surprised: So they've scheduled a test drive next week.

Ugh don't you just hate it when they can't identify the problem is? I love my GTI and when it's crippled, I feel crippled! Lol.


Offline the bruce

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Next week? This is a safety issue !!   :fighting:


 :driver:
"You get what you pay for."