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rolandbraun89

VW Virtus: ABS Light Plus Steering Issues Puzzle Owner

My VW Virtus 2019 is showing multiple symptoms that started recently, ABS warning light, heavy steering, and vibrations through the wheel. The tire monitoring system shows a pressure loss warning. While checking tire pressure seems like an obvious first step, I wonder if these issues might be connected to something more serious. Has anyone experienced similar symptoms occurring together? What was the root cause in your case and how did your mechanic resolve it? Looking for real experiences before taking it to the workshop to avoid unnecessary repairs.

4 comment(s)

michael_thunder1

I had a similar situation with my VW Jetta 2021 a few months back. As someone with some hands-on experience working on cars, those symptoms sounded very familiar. The tire monitoring system was showing pressure loss warnings, and I initially thought it was just a standard flat tire situation. After noticing the ABS light and steering issues, I knew something more complex was happening. Took it to my regular workshop where they diagnosed a faulty tire valve that was causing inconsistent pressure readings. The valve was allowing air to escape gradually, triggering the tire monitoring system. This pressure instability was affecting the ABS sensors and power steering system. The repair cost me 280€ total, including diagnostics and replacement parts. Since the fix, all warning lights cleared up and the steering returned to normal. Before suggesting specific solutions for your case, could you share: Current tire pressure readings for all wheels, Whether the symptoms get worse at higher speeds, If you notice any punctured tire or visible damage, How long the ABS warning has been active This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my Jetta or if its something different.

rolandbraun89 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed experience. My tire monitoring system just started showing alerts yesterday. I used a tire gauge to check, and readings vary between wheels, front right showing significantly lower pressure at 1.8 bar. The ABS warning appeared around the same time. The symptoms worsen above 80km/h, especially the vibrations. No visible punctured tire or damage that I can spot, but I have not had time for a thorough inspection yet. For reference, my last service was at 55000km, about 4 months ago. I will try getting the tire properly inflated first to see if it resolves the warning lights before considering more complex repairs.

michael_thunder1

This sounds exactly like what happened with my Jetta. The uneven tire pressure readings, especially that 1.8 bar on the front right, closely match my experience before discovering the faulty valve issue. The increased vibrations at higher speeds are a clear indicator that the tire pressure imbalance is affecting your vehicle stability. When tire pressure is inconsistent, it can trigger both the tire monitoring system and ABS warnings, as the wheel speed sensors detect irregular rotation patterns. Based on your mileage and service history, Id recommend: 1. Get all tires properly inflated to manufacturer specs 2. Have the tire valves inspected for damage or wear 3. Request a calibration of the tire pressure monitoring system In my case, simply inflating the tires temporarily fixed the warnings, but they returned within days due to the failing valve. The complete valve replacement solved all symptoms permanently. Given the matching symptoms and recent service timing, you might be dealing with the same root cause. The repair should be straightforward and significantly less expensive than major steering or ABS system work. Would you mind checking if the tire pressure drops again after inflation? This would confirm if you have a slow leak similar to what I experienced.

rolandbraun89 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the valve issue. I checked the tire pressure again this morning after inflating yesterday, and the front right has already dropped to 2.0 bar from the recommended 2.4 bar. The other tires maintained their correct pressure. This does seem similar to your situation. The vibrations are less noticeable now with proper inflation in three tires, but the ABS light remains on. The low tire pressure warning keeps coming back for that problematic front wheel. Since the tire pressure is clearly unstable in that specific wheel and the symptoms match your experience, I will book an appointment to have the valve checked. It makes sense to start with this simpler fix before investigating more complex ABS or steering issues. A 280€ repair would be much better than major system work. I will update once I get it checked. The fact that the pressure drops within 24 hours while other tires stay stable strongly suggests a valve problem rather than a standard punctured tire situation.

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