S5 ABS Light On: Failed Lateral Sensor Affects Stability

Had a similar issue on my 2010 A5 3.2 FSI. The ABS warning light came on along with stability control warnings. The lateral sensor malfunction was affecting the yaw rate calculations, causing incorrect wheel speed readings. This is a serious safety issue requiring immediate attention. When the lateral sensor fails, the car cannot properly determine vehicle position and movement, which directly impacts the stability control system. The steering angle sensors also showed inconsistent readings due to this fault. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan of affected control unit, Replacement of faulty G200 lateral sensor, Wheel alignment verification, System recalibration After repair, all safety systems returned to normal operation. This is not something to postpone as it affects critical functions like ABS, ESP, and traction control. The symptoms match perfectly with what happens when the lateral sensor degrades, inconsistent ABS engagement and stability control interference. Without proper lateral acceleration readings, the car cannot determine if it is starting to skid or lose control. Would strongly advise against driving with these symptoms, as the safety systems may not engage when needed. A certified Audi specialist with the right diagnostic equipment should handle this repair to ensure proper calibration of all related systems.

Thanks for sharing that detailed experience. Dealing with similar ABS and vehicle stability issues on my S5 right now. The safety warning lights and malfunctioning lateral sensor are causing the same problems you described. Good to know about the full diagnostic scan and recalibration needed. Did you remember roughly what the total repair cost was? Also wondering if you had any recurring electronic control problems since getting it fixed?

After getting the lateral sensor fault fixed last month, everything has been working perfectly. The ABS and vehicle stability systems are now functioning as they should. The traction control and all safety warning lights cleared up immediately after the repair. The total cost came to 1000 Euro for diagnosing and replacing the affected control unit. This included the full system recalibration and testing to ensure all electronic systems were communicating properly. The wheel alignment was also checked as part of the complete diagnosis. Have not experienced any recurring electronic issues since the repair. The car feels much more stable and secure now that the lateral acceleration sensor is working correctly. It was definitely worth addressing promptly given how it impacts critical safety systems.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. I finally got my S5 fixed last week. The diagnostic scan confirmed the lateral sensor problem, and the mechanics found some additional wiring issues during inspection. Total repair came to 1200 Euro including parts and labor. They replaced the faulty sensor, fixed the wiring, and did a complete system recalibration. The traction control and steering angle sensors are now working perfectly. The safety warning lights cleared right after repair. No more ABS issues and the vehicle stability is back to normal. Definitely feels safer driving now that all systems are functioning properly. Only wish I had addressed it sooner instead of wondering if it could wait. Worth every cent to have those critical safety systems working correctly again.