Hi guys I have a 4x4 it's in the back entry ATM, since we had the snow I thought I would try the 4x4 so I tried to get up a slight incline,( very small one) and it just seemed like a 2wd car, could get up easy at all! The ESP light is on? Could this be due to it? I ask where the fuse is to the haldex as I was messing around with fuses with stereo and maybe put in the wrong one

Like I said I could not see any back wheels spinning or nothing! My misses ka would of hot out better :S

Edited 24 March, 201313 yr by Gsaiev1

Turn the traction off, it's the same in the Mk1 TT's. As soon as you turn it of they move a lot better in the snow.

if the ESP light is on as soon as you start the car then you have a fault which will disable the system.

As mannyo says, permanent illuminated ESP light is a fault.

Flashing ESP light is specifically the ASR system working.

You need to get the car on a two post ramp, or one with a axle jacks - eg all 4 wheels hanging free.

Then run engine and engage 1st gear. With no resistance on the front wheels the haldex clutch should engage and rear wheels rotate.

If nothing happens, then 1st thing to check would be basic communication to the haldex unit via its loom connector.

Water damage to the connector plug is a known issue.

I assume that you haven't had a diagnostic scan done for any fault codes. This would be a good starting point. In the meantime the threads below may be of some help.

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-forum-8l-chassis/145062-best-way-diagnosing-haldex-fault.html

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-forum-8l-chassis/142194-haldex-not-working-no-communication-etc-look-inside.html

Thanks you guys I will have a look after work, i will do i scan first, it has been stood still for 6 months in back garden so im guessing it could be water in connector , i regually start the car but atill couls be damp, I will also get all wheels off the floor and see what happens

Earth strap it was , it fell of soon as I touched it ha ha

if the ESP light is on as soon as you start the car then you have a fault which will disable the system.

not neceaasirly no, in quite a few fault conditions such as a dodgy ESP acceleration sensor failure it will bring on the light but th4x4 system will still function normally...

the other thing to bear in mind is that the 4x4 will not engage if the hand brake is on, it's kind of counter-intuitive because the time you need the most tractive force is when moving off from a standing start on an incline, but it does make sense why it's done mind you. I didn't realise this till I read the workshop manual for the L2 haldex from cover to cover, there is some interesting stuff in there if you are ever lucky enough to put your hands on a copy of it

sounds like the op has fixed it anyway.

A good result.