ABS light on and Brake light blinking

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ABS light on and Brake light blinking

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ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 9/30/2005 10:23:31 PM

mig

Posts: 32
Joined: 9/15/2005
Status: offline

So I'm on the highway today and I take the car up to 80MPH, and all of a sudden the ABS light turns on (solid) and the BRAKE light next to it starts blinking. My rotors are being changed on monday (since the rotors the car has now are oxidated), this is from when I bought the car at the auction house. Anyway, I figured the ABS light being on means that the ABS is off, turning the car off, pumping the break and turning the car back on turns off the light, and so far its only happened twice while on the highway at around 80MPH. Is this something to worry about? I am going to be making a 100mile trip tomorrow, is it safe to take it and keep on driving with these lights on?

Awaiting a reply.

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Post #: 1

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/2/2005 7:28:04 AM

FootIntheGrille

Posts: 132
Joined: 4/10/2005
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Yes, its safe to drive with the light one. The ABS light is amber, so it means 'warning' and the blicking reb brake light means 'alert', something is wrong with your brakes. I have a blown ABS ECU that I have yet to get replaced. Its been blinking and beeping at me for weeks and 1000's of kms, I just haven't had time to take it in.

Basically, you have NO ABS. Not having ABS is never usually a problem, as you still have full braking capability without. You will notice a change IF you drive under slippery conditions, as you will have decreased control if you apply the brakes full on and continuous.

Legal Disclaimer: I don't advocate driving without ABS, I deffer to the owners manual. Do what it says.

(in reply to mig)

Post #: 2

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/2/2005 9:09:34 PM

karguy427

Posts: 857
Joined: 8/30/2004
From: Orange, California
Status: offline

My ABS light came on solid - was also a bad ECU - cost $1,000 to replace.

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Post #: 3

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/2/2005 10:04:42 PM

dclaw_fantum

Posts: 51
Joined: 8/14/2005
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HOLD UP!!! The blinking red "BRAKE" light means get into a shop ASAP. There is a serious fault which will adversely affect the operation of the brake system. You are playing Russian Roulette every time you hit the brakes, or drive the car at all. (EXAMPLE: Your fluid level could be too low to properly supply the system with pressure. It could have gotten low by low pads & rotors or a leak or both.) You SHOULD NOT drive the car unless you have absolutely no alternative. The solid amber "ABS" light does mean that you don't have ABS, which is not a big deal, you will still be able to stop. But the flashing BRAKE light is very serious.

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Post #: 4

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/3/2005 9:24:44 AM

FootIntheGrille

Posts: 132
Joined: 4/10/2005
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RTFM

Blink red is always on when ABS is out. You are not playing roulette. Have you any idea how these systems work and how much backup there is? Your car also has two seperate brake circuits, with two wheels on each so that if one fails, you have the other. If you are worried about fluid level, CHECK IT. If you have a leak in a brake line, trust me, you will know it, cause you will step on the brake the peddle will go to the floor. Worn pads and rotors i guess would cause a slow fluid drop (to a point) as the calibers require more as the pistons moved out, but the system is designed to have enough fluid operate the system with no pad left, and metal on metal.

You should also test you emergency brakes regularily as well. These systems are FULL MANUAL and independent and do not rely on and brake fluid.

< Message edited by FootIntheGrille -- 10/3/2005 11:58:13 AM >

(in reply to dclaw_fantum)

Post #: 5

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/3/2005 11:45:04 AM

israeli1

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Joined: 7/18/2005
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I too have the solid ABs light on and the blinking brake light, and "FootIntheGrille" is right it doesn't mean the brake is out it just means that you don't have ABS, just take it easy while driving under under slippery conditions.

(in reply to FootIntheGrille)

Post #: 6

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/3/2005 2:09:01 PM

dclaw_fantum

Posts: 51
Joined: 8/14/2005
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True, the BRAKE light comes on with ABS failure. But they should both come on solid if it is just an ABS failure, not flashing.

"Brake system warning lights illuminate to alert the driver to various brake system conditions and are usually located on the instument cluster.
Each time the vehicle is started, the ABS control module performs a diagnostic self-check of the ABS system. During this self-check the ABS warning light (K47) in the dash panel insert (J285) will illuminate for a short period of time (up to six seconds). After the self-check has completed the ABS warning light will go out.
If a malfunction is detected within the anti-lock braking system during the diagnostic self-check, the ABS warning light will illuminate and remain ON and ABS will be turned OFF, until the cause of the malfunction is repaired. How ever the conventional braking system will remain fully operational.
The brake warning light (K118) will illuminate if the brake fluid level becomes low or if the parking brake is engaged."

Information provided by:
Handling Control Systems Design and Function Self-Study Program - Audi of America
ESP Electronic Stability Program Design and Funtion Self-Study Program - Audi of America

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Post #: 7

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/3/2005 2:19:26 PM

FootIntheGrille

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Kewl, like the quote. But, it only mentions the Brake warning light for low fluid or emergency brake. It doesn't indicate under which conditions it flashes.

I suspect that the flashing brake light is tied to the ABS light. This, along with the audible 3 beep warning, gives redundancy to the ABS light. That is, you still know there is a serious problem in the event the ABS light bulb was burnt out.

(in reply to dclaw_fantum)

Post #: 8

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/4/2005 1:18:03 AM

dclaw_fantum

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At work, I had the chance to check two owner's manuals for A6's. One was a 1998, and the other was a 2000. Audi even said in both books that the BRAKE light and the beeps are indications of a serious problem. The ABS light indicates the ABS is not functioning, and that the rear wheels could lock up under harder braking, sending the car into a skid. To drive your vehicle safely and carefully to the nearest authorized repair center. If you feel unsafe driving, have it towed in. I believe it was page 133 for 1998, and page 135 for 2000.

There is a table in the ESP book that explains: ESP/ASR solid, ABS solid and BRAKE solid = ABS failure. The only light that they explain flashing is the ESP, which means ESP is active and intervening on your driving. ESP failure = ESP solid, ABS solid, BRAKE off.

I was always trained that the BRAKE light being solid meant that your brakes need service/parking brake is on, and flashing was a serious malfunction that needs immediate attention. The auto indusrty chose flashing to mean a serious fault because it catches your eye more easily.

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RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/5/2005 12:55:32 PM

gilee_8

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Joined: 9/28/2005
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When you guys got the ABS light on solid and the brake light blinking.
Do you guys pull a engine code and saying ABS failure or some sort?

I hae ABS light on, and brake light flashing, but when I check the engine light code, I get no code indicating the ABS is failed.

So is that still mean my ABS ECU is dead or seomthing?
Gil

(in reply to karguy427)

Post #: 10

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/5/2005 7:02:37 PM

FootIntheGrille

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Yes, when i connect up my OBD code reader, it tells me why the ABS light is on.

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Post #: 11

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/6/2005 1:46:28 PM

johnarmy

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Joined: 4/27/2005
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same thing with me . . . .cost me £300 for a second hand pump fitted . . . .inc new front pads..my air bag light is also on ...he said its a code to do with something with the rear seat . . any ideas.

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Post #: 12

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/6/2005 2:15:46 PM

gilee_8

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That's odd, so if my check engine light contains NOTHING related to the ABS, then why the ABS light is on?

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Post #: 13

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 2/10/2006 10:13:13 AM

PaulA4

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From: England
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quote:

ORIGINAL: gilee_8

That's odd, so if my check engine light contains NOTHING related to the ABS, then why the ABS light is on?

I know this is an old post but hey.....

My '98 A6 has just flashed up the ABS light, it's on all the time now and 3 beeps when i start along with fashing brake warninglight.

Plugged the car in and the ECU has no codes, the ABS ECU is "unreachable" either the ABS ECU or the pump has gone am i right? Or if the pump has gone would the ABS ECU still work? ie tell me the pump is broken.

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RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 2/11/2006 11:45:52 AM

mpw2.7T

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Joined: 2/11/2006
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As others have said, it's your ABS control module and it is OK to drive - just be aware you do not have ABS. You can buy a new part for ~$500, or you can remove the module and send it to Module Master, who will rebuild it for ~$250. Check out WWW.ModuleMaster.com. You may also want to check the AudiWorld forums - do a search for ModuleMaster - you'll find all sorts of info, including pictures of how these modules fail. This is an easy DIY.

< Message edited by mpw2.7T -- 2/11/2006 11:47:28 AM >

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Post #: 15

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 2/11/2006 11:56:08 AM

techbod

Posts: 12722
Joined: 11/4/2005
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Hints and Tips: Audi
ALTERNATOR WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER START
MODELS AFFECTED: Audi A8 from 05/94
FAULT: Alternator warning light stays on after the start. Goes off if a consumer is switched on or the engine
is restarted.
CAUSE: When starting the engine the ignition key is not turned far enough. The alternator is activated
through terminal 50b of the ignition switch and not through terminal 50 and/or charge warning light. Terminal
50b is only switched on 4 deg later than 50, so if the ignition is not turned far enough, it is possible to start
the engine without activating the alternator.
SOLUTION: Swap the wiring of the ignition switch for terminal 50 and 50b around. Now terminal 50b is
switched on first to activate the alternator and the alternator warning lamp goes off during the start.
WARNING LAMP FOR BRAKE SYSTEM
FAULT: Warning lamp for the brake system comes on after cold start.
CAUSE: In the ABS control unit is a poor recognition of low voltage and the acoustic and optical warning is
activated by unsatisfactory indication suppression in the instrument cluster.
SOLUTION: Fit the ABS unit with a low voltage relay.
FAULT ENTRY: DATA BUS DRIVE FAULTY
MODELS AFFECTED: Models from '98
FAULT: When performing self diagnosis the fault 01312- Data bus drive faulty, is indicated as sporadic fault
without ABS warning light flashing before.
CAUSE: The ABS system isn't defective if the fault is indicated as sporadic. The entry is caused by a
software fault. Only when a permanent fault is indicated, the system is defective.
SOLUTION: If the fault is sporadic just delete the fault entry, no further repair needed. If data bus defective,
fault entry is permanent. Recode ABS control unit, check for short circuit on date cable. There is no affect
on ABS function.
GEAR BOX CONTROL UNIT
MODELS AFFECTED: Audi V8 from '91 & A8 from '94
FAULT: 018 gearbox the ATF cooler pipe connection leaks at gearbox.
CAUSE: The ATF cooler pipe vibrates this causes the pipe adapter at the gear box to leak.
SOLUTION: Do not replace control unit. It is possible to code with VAG 1551 with a workshop code smaller
than 655 36.
AFTER COLD START DELAYED SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR
FAULT: 4 speed automatic 097 gearbox shifts uncontrolled or doesn't shift.
CAUSE: The battery voltage can drop as low as 6V when not sufficiently charged. Then an emergency
operation is indicated on the gearbox fault memory.
SOLUTION:
-Read fault memory - check and recharge battery if necessary - delete fault memory/set system to basic position - take car for test drive, read fault memory again and rectify, if any, faults
still existing.

this is also common to all Audi models not just the A8 and just a guide

< Message edited by avant80@2.6 -- 2/11/2006 11:58:52 AM >

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Post #: 16

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 2/12/2006 12:11:44 PM

steviejayvaughan

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Joined: 8/31/2005
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just remember that you dont need to replace the whole pump. the only failure is in the abs module part held by 6 torx screws. you can get new ones and do them yourself. a6's have a little more room to bend up the unit to access the screws while a4's are not as accessible. if you remove the lines you will need to have the abs system bled where someone can activate the pump to bleed it. and yes when these modules fail you cannot access them with the scan tool. they do leave 1 code for abs in the ecm usually for electrical fault in circuit pertaining to the abs module.

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RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 2/13/2006 4:43:01 AM

PaulA4

Posts: 424
Joined: 10/12/2004
From: England
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Thanks for the help guys, i'll pull the module out of it today and take a look. Think my local audi breakers has a few on the shelf so if it comes to it i'll get a second hand one to fit in there.

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RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 9/17/2007 3:07:37 AM

Skyhawk

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Joined: 9/17/2007
Status: offline

Hello,
My ABS light has come on solid (the amber light with the small circle inside the bigger one)....Do I need to go to the garage or is there anything I can do myself to rectify? (like topping up the brake fluid )
Thanks allot

(in reply to PaulA4)

Post #: 19

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/16/2007 8:22:44 AM

Skyhawk

Posts: 10
Joined: 9/17/2007
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Front brake pads required replacing.......problem rectified

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Post #: 20

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/16/2007 1:27:37 PM

dmayer75

Posts: 42
Joined: 4/27/2007
Status: offline

my problem is that only the red brake light on dash is flashing(and beeping). it only happens when i turn my steering wheel to the right, never left. it happens more when it is cold outside. it also doesn't happen every time the wheel is turned, it comes and goes. any ideas?

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Post #: 21

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 10/23/2007 8:15:37 PM

rmknox

Posts: 15
Joined: 10/17/2007
Status: offline

mpw2.7T has the answer. Based on that post last week I pulled my ABS module and sent it to Module Master, Gavin Curtis, and had it back in a week. It cost me $257.00 including module repair and postage both ways and about 3 hours of my time. Personally, I followed Gavin's instructions and dropped the windshield washer tank rather than "bending the pump up" to get access to the 6 torx screws. I installed the repaired module last night, the ABS system is operating perfectly and I saved about $1000.00.

(in reply to dmayer75)

Post #: 22

RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 11/24/2007 12:22:50 PM

magicfan

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Joined: 11/24/2007
Status: offline

I am having the same problem of the ABS yellow light and the red flashing light. The guy who sold me the car said that he had just changed the rear rotors at a non audi garage. The garage did not disconnect the battery to do this and thats why he thinks its flashing. Is this true? Sometimes when it is cold in the morning it would not flash and the computer does its diagonistics and would flash the OK sign. But when it gets warmer the lights come on. Any advice as I do not want to remove the ABS module if there is nothing wrong with it.
I had it checked at a non Audi garage but their code reader could not tell them if there was anything wrong with it.

(in reply to rmknox)

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RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 11/24/2007 12:46:35 PM

auditech79

Posts: 4995
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From: Sacramento, CA
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quote:

ORIGINAL: magicfan

I am having the same problem of the ABS yellow light and the red flashing light. The guy who sold me the car said that he had just changed the rear rotors at a non audi garage. The garage did not disconnect the battery to do this and thats why he thinks its flashing. Is this true? Sometimes when it is cold in the morning it would not flash and the computer does its diagonistics and would flash the OK sign. But when it gets warmer the lights come on. Any advice as I do not want to remove the ABS module if there is nothing wrong with it.
I had it checked at a non Audi garage but their code reader could not tell them if there was anything wrong with it.

No you got sold, thats what happened, its almost always the module. If you diagnose the ABS module and there is either no faults in it or you can't communicate with it, then thats the problem.
ABS lights don't flash and give no fault codes, there is something wrong with the module.

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RE: ABS light on and Brake light blinking - 4/28/2008 4:41:53 PM

domvr6

Posts: 31
Joined: 10/15/2006
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If i take the abs module off, can i still drive the car while its sent to get fixed?

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Post #: 25