rolandstar1
VW Bora ABS Light On, Bad Speed Sensor Alert
4 comment(s)
rolandstar1 (Author)
Thanks for detailing your experience with the ABS sensor repair. My VW Bora had identical symptoms, ABS dashboard light on, traction issues, but normal speedometer readings. Finally got it fixed earlier this week. Did similar problems show up after your repair? My mechanic mentioned these transmission sensors sometimes fail in pairs, so I wonder if I should watch for the others going bad too. The diagnostic scan was really helpful in pinpointing exactly which sensor was faulty. Mind sharing what the total repair cost was for your sensor and wiring work? Just want to confirm I paid a fair price for mine.
majaroth1
After getting my Golf GTI repaired, the ABS system has worked flawlessly with no recurring issues. The speed signal fault was completely resolved after replacing the faulty control unit. Total cost was 1000€ for parts and labor, which included a thorough diagnostic scan and ECM reprogramming. Your mechanic makes a good point about sensor failures. While they can fail in pairs, my experience shows that a properly diagnosed and fixed ABS system should remain reliable. The input from the working sensors now correctly triggers the ABS when needed during braking. The odometer and speedometer stayed accurate throughout, as they operate independently. If your repair included a complete diagnostic scan and proper testing of the ABS functionality, you can be confident in the fix. Just keep an eye on your dashboard for any warning lights, but a properly repaired system should give you years of trouble-free operation. The repair costs can vary based on which components needed replacement, but having a functional ABS system is crucial for safe braking performance.
rolandstar1 (Author)
After getting all this helpful advice, I took my Bora to a new mechanic who specializes in VW diagnostics. The malfunction turned out to be exactly what was suggested, a faulty wheel speed sensor plus some corroded wiring. The diagnostic scan showed the rear left sensor was sending incorrect signals to the ECM. Total repair came to 850€, including parts, labor, and system testing. The mechanic was thorough and showed me the damaged parts. The speedometer and odometer stayed accurate the whole time, just as mentioned. Now the ABS works perfectly during braking and the warning light is finally off. Really glad I got a proper diagnosis instead of trying unusual fixes. For anyone else with similar ABS issues, getting that complete diagnostic scan first definitely saved time and possibly unnecessary repairs. The braking feels much more confident now, especially on wet roads.
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majaroth1
Last month my 2003 VW Golf GTI had similar symptoms. The dashboard lit up with the ABS warning and traction control stopped working while the speedometer remained functional. After inspection, the issue was traced to a faulty wheel speed sensor and damaged wiring harness. The ECM was receiving incorrect signals, causing the ABS module to deactivate. The sensor deterioration was causing intermittent communication failures with the control unit. The repair required: Complete diagnostics scan, Replacement of front right wheel speed sensor, Repair of corroded wiring harness, Clearing fault codes from ABS module, Testing ABS functionality on all wheels This was a serious safety concern since ABS and traction control are critical systems. Without proper ABS function, the braking distance increases significantly, especially on wet surfaces. The odometer readings remain accurate in these cases since they operate on a separate system from the ABS sensors. Recommend getting this checked soon, as driving without ABS increases risk during emergency braking situations. A proper diagnosis using an ABS-capable scanner will quickly identify which sensor is failing and if there are additional control unit issues.