VW Transporter ABS Light Points to Faulty Sensor

Had almost the same problem with my 2006 VW Caravelle. As someone with moderate experience in car repairs, I initially thought it might be a simple sensor calibration issue, but it turned out to be more complex. The symptoms were identical, persistent ABS light and the electronic stability system acting up. The traction control would out of nowhere engage even on dry roads. After getting a proper diagnostic, it revealed issues with both the lateral sensor and the control unit responsible for the ABS system. Took it to a specialized workshop where they confirmed the control unit was defective. They explained how the steering angle sensor and yaw rate measurements were giving incorrect readings due to the faulty unit. The total repair came to 1000€, which included the new control unit, programming, and system calibration. What helped narrow down the diagnosis was having detailed vehicle information. Could you share: Exact engine type, Current mileage, Any recent repairs or modifications, Whether the issue started suddenly or developed gradually This would help determine if your case is similar and if the same solution might work for you. After the repair, all systems worked perfectly again, including the electronic stability and traction control. Just make sure to get it properly diagnosed before replacing any parts.

With 67235km on the clock, I faced this exact issue. The lateral sensor was indeed faulty, but the workshop found water damage to the ABS control module wiring harness was the root cause. Vehicle stability systems are critical safety components, so I opted for professional repair. The entire fix including parts and labor came to 850€. The yaw rate readings are now stable and all safety systems function properly. No recurring issues after the most recent service three months ago. Would recommend checking the wiring before jumping straight to sensor replacement. Water intrusion often causes these types of electronic stability system faults in these models.

Thanks for the follow-up about your repair experience. The water damage to the wiring harness matches what I encountered on my Caravelle as well. After your post, I had the workshop do a thorough inspection of all ABS-related wiring, and they found similar moisture issues near the control module. A safety warning for others with similar symptoms: faulty wiring can cause inconsistent traction control behavior, which is more dangerous than having the system fully disabled. The yaw rate sensor readings become unreliable, leading to unexpected electronic control interventions. The 850€ repair cost you mentioned is quite reasonable. My initial 1000€ fix could have been less if we had identified the wiring issue sooner instead of replacing components unnecessarily. A proper diagnostic scan focusing on the wiring harness integrity is crucial before changing any sensors. For preventive maintenance, I now regularly check the ABS module area for signs of water ingress, especially during the wet season. It helps catch potential issues before they affect the electronic stability systems.

I appreciate the detailed information about the wiring harness inspection. My mechanic followed a similar diagnostic scan process and found those exact moisture-related issues. The repair has been solid and my traction control now works flawlessly. Just checked my service records, total repair time was about 6 hours, which included drying out the control module area and applying protective coating to prevent future water damage. The electronic stability system has performed perfectly since then, confirming it was definitely the wiring rather than just a sensor issue. The vehicle stability system warning lights have stayed off and the steering angle sensor readings remain consistently accurate. For anyone else facing similar problems, requesting a comprehensive wiring inspection as part of the diagnostic process could save both time and money compared to simply replacing sensors.