VW Golf traction control light

[diesel=ambrosia]

Just spent a small fortune on having a new clutch, flywheel (solid conversion) cambelt, full service and even a wash! Of course it's broken now though. The traction control light (not abs) now lights up intermittently. I've tried changing the switch on the dash to now avail. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

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[bigfella2]

Is the abs system working correctly? Because the traction control works using the same abs sensors. So one of those could be dodgy or gunged up or broken abs ring. Will need to have codes read to find out which if any sensor kaput.

[Pillock]

I've got a feeling the TC light on my Leon was actually indicative of a MAF fault. I know, bonkers. I'll check it was TC but I remember it was definitely an unrelated lamp that made me go "what the....?" when I found out.

[cort16]

Is it a MK5 as they're well known for shitting their pants in the ABS pump department?

[scaryoldcortina]

Just the TC light, not ABS as well or the orange (!) warning? I bet it's the steering angle sensor, it needs recalibrating every time you disconnect the battery.

 

Thankfully, it isn't hard to do. Engine on, full lock both ways while stationary. Drive forwards slowly (10-15mph) until the light goes out. That should* fix it.

[Pillock]

I just checked back through my Facebook moans from four years ago when the Leon was breaking down every other week. It was the TC light, it used to come on after about half an hour of driving and it was sorted by fitting a new MAF to the inlet. 

 

And no, I have no idea why they used the TC light as a generic fault indicator. Someone once told me it's because diesels didn't have an EML, but I'm sure mine did.

 

Anyway, what you probably need to do is read the fault codes, since each answer you're going to get is likely to be a genuine possibility of what's wrong.

[Ghosty]

Same with EPC on a Polo (no traction control) - that meant anything from a dodgy brake light switch to MAF, exhaust, or limp home mode. Could well be an engine management light substitute.

Verdict: stick a diagnostic tool on it

[twosmoke300]

Exactly , no point guessing , read codes and get some live data

[MarvinsMom]

can that be done via the use of matches and fire?

 

i think that real live fire will cure it.

[EssDeeWon]

Plug it in and read codes...

 

Code 162867 = Tis a VAG, never goes wrong, stop making things up Mr owner, now go away and start saving for the deposit on a new Golf mk 14.

 

There you go, Code read and cured.

[saucedoctor]

I think it was the mark 5 Goof that could throw a shit fit if there was no CD in the player. The CD players were rubbish, and corrosion within would cause the thing to remain turned on if there was no disc in it, running down the battery and making weird stuff happen.

[diesel=ambrosia]

Forgot to mention, its a mk4 tdi. I got my mate to plug his gizmo in and it showed to fault codes! Which is what pointed us towards the switch being the problem. I'll have a crack to the steering angle sensor re cal and see if that helps. Thanks for the suggestions

[diesel=ambrosia]

*no fault codes!

[Dave_Q]

Yo, depending what gizmo your mate used it may not have access to all the relevant modules.

 

A generic OBD type thing would probably only read engine codes.

 

You need a scan with a VAG-COM which can read all modules including ABS etc.

 

Of course, if it was a VAG-COM you had it scanned with then as you were.

[diesel=ambrosia]

Nah was a generic bluepoint reader cost me nowt to have it done. I'll have to bite the bullet and go to a VAG dealer/independent. I just really begrudge having to pay them so much to plug a cable it.

[oldcars]

I had a mk4 golf. Mine was horrible. I scanned a fault code once and the answer was. SELL0NGUMTR334N0THING.

[saucedoctor]

Nah was a generic bluepoint reader cost me nowt to have it done. I'll have to bite the bullet and go to a VAG dealer/independent. I just really begrudge having to pay them so much to plug a cable it.

 

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAG-505-PRO-AUDI-VW-OBD2-EOBD-CAR-VAGCOM-DIAGNOSTIC-FAULT-CODE-SCANNER-UK-/261962333419?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cfe2bfceb

 

Or you can buy a VAGINACOM lead for as little as a fiver. BitTorrent is your friend for the software.

[diesel=ambrosia]

Not into torrenting, not because I have anything morally against it. I just don't know enough about computers to do it safely. Had bad time with it year ago ruined my laptop. Could be a worth while investment buying a reader. I suppose they retain there resale value quite well if I get rid of it one day. 

[Dave_Q]

Only £5 investment required for a mk4.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-Cable-KKL-VAG-COM-409-1-OBD2-II-OBD-Diagnostic-Scanner-VW-Audi-Seat-VCDS-/161717467805?hash=item25a71cba9d

 

Claims to come with software and install guides, but the software I've with that type of thing before has been useless.

I've got that same wire working on windows xp in the past so can help you out if that's what you're using.

 

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[Dave_Q]

Update: I can exclusively reveal that I have just found out how to get my old version of VAGCOM 311.2 working on WIndows 8 64 bit.

 

£4.41 posted is currently the cheapest UK based seller on ebay.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OBD2-409-1-USB-Cable-KKL-VAG-COM-OBD-Diagnostic-Scanner-VW-Audi-Seat-VCDS-/181792604553?hash=item2a53af0189

 

If you get one of those I can provide virus and porn free software to get it working for you.

[diesel=ambrosia]

I've bought the cable/software worked out how to use it successfully connected to the mainframe. Fault codes found told me steering angle sensor/mechanical failure. It allows me to clear the fault, but after a short drive it comes back. I take this to mean that it's genuine in what its saying and the sensor is mechanically fooked. Can anyone explain what it does and what I need it for? Just had a quick scout on the bay and they vary from £40 to £90. Got a big EU road trip coming up and just what to know is it worth fixing? 

[scaryoldcortina]

Before replacing the steering sensor have a good look at your hubs and lower arms. A fooked bush or balljoint can send the sensor into a hissy fit, and you just had a clutch changed....

[diesel=ambrosia]

I've also had the ball joints changed as well. What exactly am I looking for? A bad electrical connection or something?

[scaryoldcortina]

No, nothing electrical. Check for play in the back bush on the front arms, TRE ball joints, wheelbearings and have the tracking checked somewhere before condemning the steering angle sensor.

[MarvinsMom]

fire, lovely, lovely fire

 

started using a match/petrol interface.

 

this is guaranteed* to clear all known shitty vag shit fault codes.

[scaryoldcortina]

fire, lovely, lovely fire

 

started using a match/petrol interface.

 

this is guaranteed* to clear all known shitty vag shit fault codes.

 

Don't say things like that, Autofive is driving a mk4 golf at the moment.

 

 

(old timers here will know what I mean....)

[Dave_Q]

May not mean sensor is faulty, have a try of the G85 basic settings bit on here. http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/VW_Golf_(1J)_Brake_Electronics_(MK60)

 

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[scaryoldcortina]

This bit?

 

 

  Sensor for Steering Angle (G85)

Prerequisites:

• Start the vehicle.
• Turn the steering wheel one turn to the right and one turn to the left.
• Drive in a short distance straight line on a level surface at a speed not higher than 20 km/h.
• If the steering wheel is straight during the test drive then stop the vehicle with the wheels pointed straight.
• Ensure that the steering wheel is not moved again.
• Keep the engine running and do not switch off the ignition.
• System voltage at least 12.0 V.
   

[select]
[03 - Brake Electronics]
[Coding-II - 11]
Enter 40168, to enable the basic setting.
[Do it!]
[basic Settings - 04]
Group 060
[Go!]
Activate the Basic Setting.
[ON/OFF/Next]
After a successful basic setting, field 2 should say "OK".
[Done, Go Back]
To make sure the basic setting was succesful, check the sensor again.
[Measuring Blocks - 08]
Group 004
[Go!]
Check field 1, the value has to be between -4.5 and +4.5 °.
[Done, Go Back]
[Close Controller, Go Back - 06]

 

That will probably work until you drive it.

[diesel=ambrosia]

FIXED IT!!! Very happy, just been fist bumping in the car and everything! Feels great to fix something myself, my first ever techno type fix but got there in the end. Cost me the princely some of £5 and huge amount of very patient help from 'dink' which I'm very grateful for. Really is good to beat the system and get it sorted myself. 

[beko1987]

Well done! I've had bad experience with a lexia clone off ebay! Ended up taking it to a (very cool) man who ran a 1993 lexia unit over it and cleared shit loads of crap out!