Skoda Octavia MKII, estate, L&K spec. 2010.

 

Last couple of days the ABS warning light on the dash has been acting up. Sometimes it comes on soon after moving away, sometimes it does not come on at all. How can one tell if this is really a fault in the ABS system or just a dodgy connection? I ask that because there is an intermittent warning light that comes on and off relating to the rear brake light set above the window in the tailgate. That can be on or mainly off, depending on how the tail gate is closed, indicating a loose connection.

When the ABS light is on, the Traction Control System light also comes on, but according to the handbook this is to be expected as both of these feed into the Electronic Stability Programme (EPS).

And then there is the unusual factor of extreme heat of late in the southeast of England. The car sits in it all day long.

Any advice gratefully received.

All tyre pressures have been checked?

 

Sorry if you've already done this.

14 minutes ago, engineertk said:

How can one tell if this is really a fault in the ABS system or just a dodgy connection?

1. Read the fault codes.
2. Read the fault codes again, and confirm which corner they report a fault at.
3. Continuity check the wires on the ABS sensor at that corner.
4. If you find a wiring fault fix it; if you don't, clean the ABS chopper disc, clear the codes and repeat stages 1 and 2. If you no longer have a fault, job's a good 'un. Else goto stage 5.
5. Replace that ABS sensor.

Varoom, thanks for replying. Tyre pressures are OK.

 

Ken - many thanks for your input. I assume I can only get the codes by taking the car to a Skoda dealer, and paying lots?  Or is there software I can buy to do this myself?

 

The fault is intermitent. First trip out today (20 miles) - ABS warning light on.  Turned engine off. Made the return journey almost right away. No ABS light. Does this tell us anything?

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/262215-list-of-vcds-owners-previously-known-as-vag-com-vcp-owners/

 

You might be able to find someone local to you with VCDS or VCP that can scan you car for free / few beer tokens.

Many thanks Varoom. I have just messaged a possible helper about 15 miles from me in Surrey. Fingers crossed.

Ken - sorry to ask, but what do you mean by the ABS chopper disc?

Reluctor ring perhaps

They don't have them,they use a magnet in the CV end. 

 

The fact it comes up after the car has moved makes me think it's a fault at a wheel, rather than the controller.

 

More often than not, it's going to be a damaged flexi cable. If you can't scan it, go round these, check them for splits, use some contact cleaner in the plugs and check the sensors for dirt and damage. A scan will at least tell you which wheel to look at. 

I have experienced something very similar to the OP, ie, an intermittent fault with the dashboard warning lights.

Two weeks ago, the yellow tire pressure warning light came on. I checked all pressures and tried to reset the warning light using the button at the bottom of the console. This is meant to 'beep' after being pressed for a few seconds and the light goes out. No beep, light stays on.

A few days later the yellow power steering/steering lock, stability control/traction control and ABS lights stayed on as I drove off, but went out after 2 or 3 minutes. However, they now stay on permanently (as well as the tyre pressure light).

All systems appear to be working fine - power steering is fine, ABS kicks in (having tried a few practice emergency stops when the road is clear) and tyre pressures are spot on.