Another esp question sorry!!!!!

[s4seeker]

Everyone, I picked up my 2005 gti at the weekend with 93k miles. I bought it from an independent dealer with a minimal warranty ( 3 month basic with a £150 claim limit, but unlimited claims).
Car is going well apart from a sticky rear brake which is easily sorted I guess. 
I have noticed that the esp light on the button beside the gear stick says OFF most of the time.
When I start the car it is not on. Also when I start the car the esp dash light (car with squiggly tyre marks) does not come on.
I start driving and the esp light beside the gear stick comes on but still nothing on the dash.
Before the esp light on the gear stick comes on I can switch it on and off (car standing still) but once I am on the move and the light comes on it stays on. Any ideas?
I have done some reading re the common failures (abs pump or similar).
Does it sound like some naughty person has been fiddling with vag com to hide something?
Any help would be great before I head to the local garage to get it scanned? 
Many thanks

[edd666999]

The light behind that switch is irrelevant....it's linked to the lights being on or not.

Just look at your dash only for warning lights 

[s4seeker]

Now I have noticed the abs light does not come on with starting the car. According to the book it should go through a start up procedure light up for a couple of seconds then go out. Worried now.

[s4seeker]

Sorry the light that says off come on and off with the switch . While driving it comes on and stays on whether the lights are on or not.

[edd666999]

See if your abs lights on a clear road in a safe environment if you are worried.

Accelerate like a nutter see if the light flashes on the dash and retards your power.

Turn tc/esp off and see if you wheel spin.

[xjay1337]

It should, ABS light will come on when you turn ignition on.. if not then the bulbs probably been removed. (pikeys)
That's why I always VCDS any new purchase.

If the OFF is lit up on the light there's a good chance the ESP isn't working... scan it with VCDS and log wheel speed with measuring blocks.. The fact it's OK when stopped and bad when moving suggests a faulty sensor or corroded wiring (neither of which are a massive problem).

[edd666999]

Sorry the light that says off come on and off with the switch . While driving it comes on and stays on whether the lights are on or not.

  I dont look at mine too often so cant remember what mine does now.

[Andylemar]

Abs pump my sisters fella got an Audi a3 and his was the same it cost him around £600 to fix

[xjay1337]

ABS Pump is covered under warranty by VW, if you have it  you will have a g201 fault code, ESP light only. (99.9% of the time.

[s4seeker]

I haven't tried braking hard yet but it definitely wheel spins like crazy when provoked and no flashing lights as far as I know. Neither dash light coming on when I turn the ignition is no good. Can't believe folk go to the trouble of removing bulbs! Is reinstalling them hard work.  Must be a job in itself . Anyway will get is scanned and fingers crossed it's not serious.. What about the dealer ? Independent but a dealer none the less. He has sold a car like that, any use going back to him? Or at least contacting him?
Thanks for the help so far.

[xjay1337]

I believe under the sales of goods act the vehicle has to be fit for purpose.
While it works as a car if the was a blatant fault that was present when sold the dealer is liable for it..

[s4seeker]

Surely not a vw warranty on 8 year old car with 93k miles?..

[xjay1337]

Oh, sorry, my mistake, I made it up? 

It was widely reported and featured on a BBC program "watchdog" - Please do some research into this . My friends 55 plate Match was done YESTERDAY completely £foc

[s4seeker]

Hi again - didnt mean to offend with my comment re the warranty and age of my car.  I have done some reading on the topic and I have found people with varying degrees of success due to mileage, service history etc.  I have none the less last night emailed VW UK for more information before the car is scanned at my local garage tomorrow.  Of course need to get the issue of the dash lights not coming on sorted too.
thansk for all the help again

[xjay1337]

Get someone with VCDS to scan the car. Provide this to your local VW dealer
Otherwise they will charge you £80 for a diagnostic scan. :)