VW Lupo ABS Warning Light & Traction Control Issues

Having dealt with a similar ABS issue on my 2002 VW Polo with somewhat comparable electronics, I can share my experience as a car owner with moderate technical knowledge. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, persistent ABS warning light and unreliable brake performance. The speedometer was also showing erratic readings occasionally, which was tied to the sensor input problems. After visiting my regular workshop, they performed a full diagnostic scan of the transmission and ABS systems. The root cause turned out to be a defective ABS control unit rather than just a sensor issue. The dashboard warning persisted even after sensor cleaning and testing. The complete repair included: Full diagnostic testing, Removal of old control unit, Installation of new ABS control unit, System calibration, Final testing Total cost was 1000€ including parts and labor. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you provide: Current mileage, Any recent brake work performed, Whether the speedometer shows any unusual behavior, If you notice any other warning lights on the dashboard This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or might be something different.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My odometer shows 93240km and my last service was just 2 months back. The speedometer works fine and no other malfunction lights appear on the dashboard. The diagnostic report from last week suggests a wheel speed sensor fault, but the repair quote seems much higher than I expected. Looking at your repair costs, I wonder if I should get a second opinion, since Im being quoted 1400€ for what might be just a sensor replacement. The transmission seems to work normally, its really just the ABS acting up during braking.

Thanks for the additional details. Based on your mileage and symptoms, your situation actually seems different from what I experienced, despite the similar ABS warning. The fact that your speedometer works correctly and the diagnostic points specifically to a wheel speed sensor is encouraging. In my case, the complete ABS control unit failure caused multiple issues. Your focused symptoms, just ABS problems during braking with normal speedometer function, strongly suggest a simpler sensor-related problem. 1400€ does sound excessive for a speed sensor replacement. In my post-repair research, I learned that individual ABS sensors typically cost between 80-150€, with labor usually adding another 100-200€ depending on sensor location and accessibility. While my ABS control unit replacement was justified by multiple system failures, your case sounds more straightforward. I would definitely recommend getting a second opinion since the symptoms and diagnostic results point to a simpler fix than what I needed. Before accepting the 1400€ quote, consider: Getting a detailed breakdown of parts and labor, Having another workshop scan the ABS system, Checking if the sensor can be cleaned before replacement The transmission and speedometer working normally are good signs that you likely wont need the extensive repairs I did.

Thanks for the thorough response and sharing your repair experience. Your input confirms my suspicion about the quote being too high. The normal speedometer readings and isolated ABS issues do suggest its likely just the sensor. I called another workshop and they quoted just 300€ for diagnostic testing and sensor replacement, which aligns more with the cost range you mentioned. They can check the ECM and run a full diagnostic scan to confirm its just the sensor input causing problems. Ill schedule the second opinion next week and hopefully avoid the costly repair the first shop suggested. Since the transmission and other systems are working fine, Im more confident now that this should be a straightforward fix. Will update once I get it sorted with the actual repair costs and solution. Good to know your control unit issue showed multiple symptoms, that helps distinguish my simpler case from a more serious ABS system failure. Really appreciate the detailed breakdown of potential costs and suggestions.