1999 Audi A4: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Apr 26, 2012 · Brakes · MN

My audi, along with thousands of others have had their ABS control unit malfunction because of design. This malfunction causes the ABS to not work on the affected vehicle. Volkswagen, the company that produces audis and vws actually recalled this exact part on their vw vehicles, but for some reason refuses to correct the problem for their audi customers. The cost to replace this control unit is $1,400 - $1,700, and as such I have been driving my vehicle without its ABS functioning. Below is a description of the recall for this exact part, but on the vw jetta: "2002 volkswagen jetta gls the federal safety agency recall id number: 02v031000 recall date: jan 31, 2002 component: service brakes, hydraulic:antilock potential units affected: 55000 summary: on some passenger vehicles, short circuits can occur within the electronic control unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Consequence: this can result in a fire. Remedy: dealers will replace the ABS control unit. Owner notification began march 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑822‑8987. Notes: volkswagen of america,inc," please look into this issue and help vw to make the right choice for the safety of their customers and others on the road. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter!

Filed Apr 8, 2011 · Electrical · 110,134 miles · VA

Bosch ABS control unit has failed causing a flashing ABS indicator and a solid brake light. Cause is electronic. Many documented cases found on line. Abs will not engage. Audi will not recall, but vw has recalled for the same problem.

Filed Apr 5, 2011 · Brakes · 106,100 miles · CA

I bought an audi a4 1999 1.8t fwd. The next day I bought it the ABS orange light came on & brake light flashing non-stop with three beeps when I start the car its been like that for more than a week. Yesterday I took the car to the closest audi dealer and they quote me 1,200 that's a lot since this problems with the ABS unit is poor manufacture problem.

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Brakes, Fuel system · CA

1999 audi q4. Consumer writes in regards to the repair of ABS light/brake light problem *tgw the consumer stated he noticed a solid orange ABS light on the dashboard and a red light that was blinking intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for repairs. However, while driving, it was noticed that the ABS and brake lights had illuminated again after paying over $2,000 in repairs. Another dealer recommended replacing the ABS module. The consumer also stated the vehicle had lost power. The dealer informed the consumer it was due to a bad fuel pump. (the consumer wrote in on behalf of his father)

Filed Mar 4, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 75,000 miles · CO

My brake light started beeping and flashing one day while driving. The beeping and flashing continued through the next couple of weeks. I took my car to my mechanic and he said I would have to take it to the dealer because audi won't release their service codes. I called the dealer and asked what was going on. The mechanic asked me "were you driving your car in the rain?" I had quite a few sarcastic responses to the stupid question but I just said, yeah. I assume a car is engineered to be driven in all climates including, rain. A product should be designed to perform its intended use. Not the a4. Who needs an all wheel drive car if they don't plan on driving it through rain and snow? The mechanic told me that my ABS control module needs to be replaced and it would cost me $1500. He told me that my ABS and all wheel drive would not work properly until I fix it. I live in colorado and I frequently drive through the snow. I drive through the rocky mountains in icy and dangerous conditions. Luckily, it was summer time when my module went out. I take my little sisters, little brothers, and nephews snowboarding. I could have been seriously injured or killed or I could have seriously injured or killed someone else because I was driving a vehicle that I thought had ABS, but didn't. There is a slim margin for error when you are driving on snowy curves through the mountains. I could be at the bottom of the cliff by the time I realize my ABS wasn't working. Or I could slide over a group of pedestrians. Even if audi doesn't want to pay for the repairs, they should at least notify their owners that this is a very common problem that drivers should be aware of. I went online and I was not surprised to see that thousands of other people had the same problem. Audi did absolutely nothing except offer to repair the broken module for full price.

Filed Dec 29, 2009 · Brakes · 166,000 miles · WA

Abs control module light flashing and beeping ona 1 999 audi a4. Although I thought it was only a warning, on down hill driving the brakes are effected and seem to lock up and make a noise. The feel of the pedal is also effected.

Filed Jun 16, 2009 · Brakes · 73,000 miles · NY

Abs kicks in during low speed braking for no ABS-related reason.

Filed Apr 16, 2009 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 audi a4. The vehicle was repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign id number 99v131001 (service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). After the repair, the contact noticed that insufficient vacuum is provided to the brake booster in cold weather conditions. In addition, he noticed that the ABS and brake warning indicators were illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer stated that he was only entitled to one repair according to the recall law. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 113,000.

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Brakes · 136,000 miles · CA

The ABS module on my vehicle has failed. This problem seems to be quite prevalent amongst audi and vw vehicles. An ABS failure could cause accidents and deaths. This module should be recalled. The problem begins with three beeps, a solid yellow ABS light and a flashing red brake light. The warning may come on momentarily while I am driving and go away, but in most cases will become more prevalent as time goes on. Sometimes the ABS and brake light remain on. Occasionally the ABS activated (in other words ABS braking has activated) while the car is in motion. From researching this problem, it seems to be common with audi a4 and vw passat b5 models. The ABS warning light will come on each time the vehicle is operated. The sudden ABS activation will occur rarely. The consequences of sudden ABS activation is obvious; braking when not expecting it can cause tragic results. Losing the ABS functionality while driving and when it is needed can also cause tragic results. I took my car into the shop. A vag was hooked up and the following code appeared: "01203 - electrical connection between ABS and instrument cluster" replacing the electrical connection between the ABS and instrument cluster will not solve the problem. The only resolution for this issue is to buy a new ABS unit, buy a used ABS unit, or have the current control module rebuilt. Again, systematic and widespread failures of the ABS control module are occurring. Numerous owners have filed complaints with regard to this issue. Please look into the issue and consider recalling the module before it tragic results do occur.

Filed Sep 18, 2008 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · FL

Abs module failed at only 70k miles.

Filed Aug 13, 2008 · Brakes · 102,000 miles · TX

Premature ABS (antilock braking system) module failure.

Filed Mar 11, 2008 · Brakes · 109,000 miles · OH

Abs module failure @ 108,000 mi. Unit rebuilt at approx cost of $1,000.