Abs module appears to be faulty. Abs and brake light remain on/flashing. Loss of ABS could cause collision, dealer wants $1000+ for the part and does not guarantee it will fix the problem.
1998 Volkswagen Passat: ABS light or ABS activating
75 of the 331 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 75
- of this car's complaints
- 23%
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 83,730
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 6 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
The ABS light stays on, the brake light flashes, the engine oil light comes on and the tachometer goes to 0 and stops working even though I am accelerating. The control module was the culprit and it would cost $1450.00 and there was no used part available and it is a dealer only part.
The ABS light comes on,followed by the brake light blinking the engine oil light comes on and the tachometer goes to 0 and stops working even though I am accelerating. There are many others with this same issue it can be researched on http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?threadid=2447&tstart=0.
Abs module failure. Was driving shortly after having front end work done and light when on. This happens intermittently while driving. Braking is affected.
Abs module in operative ABS system.
The ABS module in my 1998 volkswagen passat 1.8t has gone bad. This fault came without notice of any symptoms and completely unprovoked. The warning lamp and tone appear every time I start the vehicle. This is a known issue with many independent volkswagen mechanics and many passat owners.
As an oem safety feature, now I believe required, the ABS control module on my 1998 volkswagen passat, has failed, leaving this feature inoperative. Luckily for my self this has not become a burden or caused injury, but I'm sure that others are not as lucky as I have been.
My ABS computer failed on my 1998 v6 passat. This seems to be a common occurrence and there should have been a recall on this defective part. It is dangerous and causes irregular braking and flashing dashboard lights.
My 1998 vw passat glx began exhibiting a flashing/beeping red light to indicate a failure in the ABS system. Upon further research with other owners of this vehicle, it has come to my attention that this failure is fairly common on 1998-2001 passats, but no action has ever been taken by the manufacturer. I had the ABS module rebuilt and did the removal and installation work myself; the result was $220 out of pocket. However, many people who have sought dealership service work for this same problem have spent well in excess of $1,000. Given the apparent failure rate of this module and the fact that it is a core safety feature of the car, it is my opinion that it should be considered for recall (including compensation for those who have already made the repair). Thank you.
Abs/ brake light are on, chimes sound when vehicle is turned on and won't turn off.
Abs computer failure 98 vw passat... Complete absfailure all the time.
Abs brakes ceased to function after approx 60k miles. Because of the expense to fix (dealer quoted $2400, indie mechs about $1400), they remain non-functional (my car is now 95k miles).
Service bulletins that may apply
- To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from...
- Volkswagen: update to information
- Summary to be provided on a future date.
- Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables):
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module warranty repair process
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
- Risk
- This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Recall number 99V131001 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
75 of 331 owner complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat (23%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 39 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
There is 1 recall and 6 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
Ball joint 82Grinding brakes 14Engine failure 6Loss of power 6Power steering loss 6Stalling 6Door locks 5Fire or smoke 5
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