Yet another ESP fault - basic checklist?

[birchy]

I've got an 07 VRS with 4,900 miles on it (yeah that's right). Got in this morning to go to work and the dreaded ESP light came on and stayed on. Forum search has suggested the ABS brake pressure sensor many times, however they say that the "ESP OFF" switch should also be illuminated. Mine isn't, although pressing the button has no effect either.

For future reference, what is the basic checklist? First thing I went for was fuses. All good. Is the next step a VCDS reading for the fault codes or are there other basic checks such as brake fluid level, ABS sensors, etc?

On the subject of VCDS, are there any tools/software available to do self diagnosis within the budget of a DIY mechanic? If so, what units/software/cables are recommended? Should the eBay ones like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190513647445 be avoided or are they ok? A chap at work said VW charged him £60 + VAT to read his fault codes. Is buying the kit for self diagnosis within the same ball park?

Assuming I get a G201 fault code, am I correct in thinking that the fix is the £130 + VAT + fitting repair kit? What fault code would I get for an ABS sensor?

Sorry for asking questions that have been asked before, but I think they'd be better covered in one thread rather than scattered over many...

Edited 23 March, 2011 by birchy

[birchy]

Thanks. Very useful information.

[blueR36]

You need the to have the codes read, here is a list of members who are willing to read them for a beer, should be one in the area

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/74720-list-of-vag-com-diagnostic-system-vcds-owners/

[martinch]

On the subject of VCDS, are there any tools/software available to do self diagnosis within the budget of a DIY mechanic? If so, what units/software/cables are recommended? Should the eBay ones like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190513647445 be avoided or are they ok?

Can't comment on VCDS (I don't have a laptop/netbook, so it would have been a very expensive option!), but I've had one of these recommended to me by someone in the Fabia forum, although I bought this one instead, as it'll read more systems, and outputs the actual code definition rather than just the code (which you'd then have to look up).

The one I have works fine on my 54-plate Fabia, and my parents' 55-plate Octavia (both diesels). The guys at Gendan were helpful when I phoned them to ask a couple of compatibility questions.

Don't know if that's any help.

[Nick_H]

Thanks. Very useful information.

You will probably find that this kind of sarcasm is not generally appreciated on these forums ....

[birchy]

Can't comment on VCDS (I don't have a laptop/netbook, so it would have been a very expensive option!), but I've had one of these recommended to me by someone in the Fabia forum, although I bought this one instead, as it'll read more systems, and outputs the actual code definition rather than just the code (which you'd then have to look up).

The one I have works fine on my 54-plate Fabia, and my parents' 55-plate Octavia (both diesels). The guys at Gendan were helpful when I phoned them to ask a couple of compatibility questions.

Don't know if that's any help.

Thanks, that is VERY helpful. I wasn't too keen on buying anything from eBay/China as you never know for sure what you'll get. For less than 100 quid, it's gotta be worth buying, especially with my local skoda dealer being very well known for finding and repairing (and charging for!) faults that didn't exist.

[chr1staylor]

You might find this thread of use: http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/190784-how-to-repair-espabs-fault-with-vag-repair-kit/

But I'd strongly explore goodwill from Skoda UK first. Experiences seem to vary considerably, but there's quite a weight of numbers behind the issue now, and as there's a much cheaper fix available using official equipment they might be more willing to dip their hand in their pocket.

[Wardy]

Whereabouts are you? If you put some location info in your profile, you might find that members will get in touch and offer to scan the car.

[birchy]

Have had the car serviced and MOT'd today at an independent garage. They read and reset the VCDS for no charge. I mentioned the possible pressure sensor fault when I took the car in and they confirmed the error code and have ordered the repair kit for £130 + VAT. They're saying about 2 hours for fitting which will include replacing the brake fluid (wasn't done today due to fault), so approx £200 all done.

Would Skoda UK refund if I get the work done and save the invoice or will it have to be done by a Skoda garage?

[Wardy]

Can't see SUK retrospectively refunding the incurred cost.

[Tech1e]

Goodwill warranty has to be done by a dealer, can't really blame them for that either. If you have a full dealer service history you have a very good chance of getting a contribution if not full payment especially on your car with it's low miles.

[birchy]

Well I live in Hereford. As the story goes, my local dealer was Bay Horse Motors who lost the franchise about 18 months ago and ceased trading. They later restarted in the original garage as a "Skoda Specialist" but had partnered with a Mitsubishi dealership. At the time they went bust, I had been waiting for several months to get the leaky front door seals repaired and had finally got it booked in. My warranty ran out the same week and so the job never got done. My nearest Skoda franchise is about 25 miles away, so took the car to local VW dealer last year.

Dunno what to do to be honest?

[countryboy]

Nothing ventured nothing gained so they say. Nothing to lose by seeing if you can get something back for it, even if it's only the parts cost.

Ian

......and if that doesn't work you can always ask some of the lads from the local army barracks to pay Skoda head office a visit!!

Edited 30 March, 2011 by countryboy

[blueR36]

I wouldnt bother with skoda and just get it done for £200, even with goodwill you will not get it anything like that I paid £640!!!

[JohnMcL7]

I wouldnt bother with skoda and just get it done for £200, even with goodwill you will not get it anything like that I paid £640!!!

My thoughts exactly, I've not seen Skoda do it for anywhere near £200 even with a lot of goodwill so I'd go with the repair kit option.

John

[birchy]

Probably more like £250 - £300 with the dreaded VAT...I was only guesstimating based on an interim service and MOT which came to £158 total. They charge £34 an hour but seem to have mastered the art of working fast AND doing a top quality job. What I like about them is they never try to bull**** or create work. As I said, they've ordered the repair kit but apparently there's a 2 or 3 week waiting list at our local VW garage. As the mechanic said: "looks like you're not the only one with this fault".

Does anyone know if the repair kit has been modified/upgraded or can we expect to replace it again in 4 years' time?

Surely there should be a product recall if this fault is so common?

[Redboy]

Good luck with getting it fixed. Hopefully the £130 repair kit solves the dreaded problem and maybe you'll update this thread on progress.

[cng]

Hi

I have just had the dreaded ESP light come on ( 2007 2.0 tdi L&K 44,000 miles, just over 4 years old ) . I will of course be letting my dealer know ! The car has full Dealer service etc.

I got a code reader so I know it is the G201 fault.

I have searched prior postings on this fault which worringly doesn't seem to be a rare one and intially my jaw dropped at the cost of replacing the full ABS/ESP unit, but was semi releived that their is a "repair kit " available.

Does anyone know if the dealers are willing to order and fit this as opposed to the full unit ? I would hope to get somekind of goodwill gesture and would rather fork out for a lower percentage cost.

If the dealer's won't supply and fit a repair unit, does any one know a decent independant VAG garage in the Warwickshire/Leicestershire area ?

Thanks

[birchy]

The repair kit is sold by VW and presumably Skoda/Audi/Seat/etc dealers. I believe they now fit the repair kit rather than replacing the whole ABS unit.

[birchy]

Just a quick update for anybody else who finds this thread. Final bill (including VAT) was as follows:

ABS repair kit (genuine VW): £154.68

Brake fluid: £5.76

Labour: 2.5 hours = £102

TOTAL: £262.44

[Micky 32]

Has anyone with a car built after March 2008 had the problem?

[birchy]

Has anyone with a car built after March 2008 had the problem?

Probably too soon yet, seems to occur on the 4th birthday. So March 2012 will be D-Day...

[jezzavrs]

hi just had esp light come on after picking up my 2006 octy vrs from my local skoda garage in cambs for its mot, they had it straight back in and adviced it was a static code for the esp/abs senser,the car is now booked in to check for a wireing fault but said it was proberbly the abs uint and that a repair kit was avalible,i`ve had a look at other threads on here and a company in Derby does a rebuild on your own unit upgrading the sensor unit,and garenting it for to years has anybody else gone down this route.?

[Tech1e]

The repair kits are pretty cheap tbh and the modified sensor is improved apparently, its pretty easy to change and by just replacing the sensor rather than the ECU there is no coding to do just resetting the steering angle sensor.

Also worth noting if you have dealer service history its well worth checking factory goodwill as Skoda can at least make a contribution to the costs if asked.