I have read lots of stories of when your ESP light illuminates permanently it could mean the ABS sensor module has failed and needs replacing or fixing at a cost up to £1200.

This has happened to my 57 plate VRS diesel which has only done 55K. I saidv to the service dept that I have read up on the problem already and have heard that because this is a common fault that VAG will foot the bill. They have apparently sent off applying to VAG for a contribution.

If this s a common fault, why are they not automatically saying it will be repaired by SKODA at no cost? As previous people have stated it is clearly insufficiently durable and owners of any VAG car should not have to pay for something that just fails after a certain amount of time. It's hardly wear and tear.

Does anyone know the best way to go about disputing the costs if I am left with a hefty bill. I personally don't think I should pay anything if it is a known fault and if many people have had this repaired for nothing it should be the same for everyone in my eyes. Anybody had a similar issue and resolved it with little cost?

Skoda have not acknowledged it as a known fault. To do so would mean a recall and that percentage that wouldn't fail would also have to be replaced.

Many people have had goodwill from Skoda on this issue, however in the majority of cases they have needed to show some kind of "loyalty" - so a full Skoda service history or the fact this is your third Skoda for example.

Start at the garage, remember that the cost now is around the £200 - £250 mark as there is a "fix kit" that will sort this issue out - if you like that was Skoda's response to the issue, no recall but make the fix "affordable" which £250 is to most people who will experience the issue.

The garge will almost certainly offer you nothing, they aren't allowed, so Skoda UK is your next port of call. All I will say is if you don't have evidence of "loyalty" I wouldn't hold my breath.

If it only illuminates after 10 minutes, but does so each time, at the same time and then stays on, there is a break in the Load Signal Cable leading from the alternator.

Otherwise, the problem is likely to be as you've identified already. Good luck getting a contribution.

Ring 08457 745745, option 4.

Be polite, have your service book to hand for proof of service history / brand loyalty and be prepared to grovel!

Let them know that you are aware that this is a common failure and that you are skint and you might be suprised.

I had a mate who's VW Touran was bought outside of VW's used car network, was out of warranty (both time and mileage) and he got a 100% contribution.

Common fault across the whole VAG group. I got mine done after it failed on my 06 Octavia. Had to push hard but got it done 3 months ago with Skoda footing the complete bill. Good luck.

Thanks for all the advice. Will wait and see what they say but I think it's very harsh if it's a common fault that they wouldn't foot the bill. May lose a customer if they don't. Even a £250 fix kit isn't really a good will gesture in my eyes, it's got full skoda service history so fingers crossed.

Bought my 07 2.0 Octavia vrs from new never had it serviced by Skoda last month dreaded ESP light came on (25K milage) took it to my local dealer Robert Eardley (Crewe) they confirmed ABS module sensor had failed they said they would get in touch with Skoda to see about a good will gesture, phoned me up at work same day and said Skoda had agreed to foot the whole bill so as you can imagine seeing I never had the car serviced by Skoda I was very

Good news they are footing the whole bill.

We're upgrading to a facelift model next month in black, was time for a change anyway, but this has restored some much needed faith in skoda so thanks for the replies.

Just hope everyone gets treated the same when they come across the same problem.

Mine has just come on today when i returned to the car after work today.....im hoping its gone in the morning as i have just spent £2000 on the car-all routine stuff (insurance, MOT, Tax) and maintenance (service, breaks and cam belt).

If not looks like i will try for the grovel approach.

An update on the above.........had the problem diagnosed at clay bank. It was ABS brake pressure sender fault. Had already discussed with soda uk who set up a case. When I spoke to Claybank about it they contacted soda uk and by the next day they had agreed to foot the whole bill even though I don't have full soda service history and havn't owned the car from new! Claybank had quoted £175 for the part alone. Skoda said that it was a fault which required no FSSH, apparently very uncommon. Well chuffed and glad I checked it out on Brisky 1st!

On a sobering note, my battery is dead this morning and needs a new one...ho hum