luisestern1
RS3 ABS Failure Points to Faulty Speed Sensors
4 comment(s)
luisestern1 (Author)
Thanks for sharing your experience with the ABS unit replacement. My transmission started showing similar dashboard warnings last month. The diagnostic scan revealed speed sensor issues too, but luckily it was just loose wiring rather than a complete module failure. How did the repair work out for you in the long run? Did you notice any other issues popping up afterward? Also wondering about the final cost since these ABS repairs can range quite a bit.
benfrost4
Really glad to provide an update on my ABS repair situation. After getting it fixed, all the speed signal errors were completely resolved and the transmission warning lights cleared up. The repair has held up perfectly for over a year now with zero dashboard warnings or ABS malfunctions. The total cost came to 1000 Euro for the control unit replacement and programming. While expensive, it was worth every cent considering the safety implications. The diagnostic process was thorough and caught all related issues, no unexpected problems have surfaced since. The odometer and all speed-related functions are working flawlessly now. No more intermittent sensor readings or false warnings. Unlike your situation with loose wiring, my control unit definitely needed full replacement, but I am glad your fix was less complex. One key learning: having a qualified tech who can properly program these modern control units is crucial. The integration with other vehicle systems needs to be spot-on for everything to work correctly.
luisestern1 (Author)
Thanks everyone for the insights. Just wanted to close this thread with my experience. After reading the responses, I took my RS3 to a certified shop last week. The speedometer was acting up too, which I hadnt mentioned earlier. The diagnostic testing showed a faulty wheel speed sensor and some corroded wiring harness connections. Total repair came to 380 Euro, mostly labor costs since they had to remove several components to access the wiring. The transmission and ABS warnings cleared up immediately after the fix. The mechanic showed me the old sensor, it was completely gunked up with road debris. They also cleaned all the connector pins while everything was apart. The odometer and ABS are working perfectly now, and the car feels much more stable during braking. Big relief it wasnt the complete ABS module like some others experienced. Definitely worth getting it checked out early before it turned into a bigger issue.
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benfrost4
Experienced similar issues on my S3 2016 with comparable symptoms. The ABS malfunction warning appeared alongside inconsistent brake response. Initial diagnostic tests pointed to a faulty ECM input from the wheel speed sensors, but the root cause was actually a defective ABS control unit. The repair required complete replacement of the ABS module since internal circuit failure meant repairs were not possible. This turned out to be a serious issue requiring specialized tools and programming to integrate the new unit with the vehicle systems. The symptoms match exactly what you describe, intermittent ABS activation, traction control issues, and warning lights. Postponing the repair would have compromised vehicle safety, especially in emergency braking situations. Important: The replacement ABS control unit needs proper coding to work with your specific vehicle configuration. This job requires dealer-level diagnostic equipment to ensure correct integration with other vehicle systems. Would recommend having a certified specialist handle this repair due to the complexity of modern ABS systems and the programming requirements involved.