2002 Audi A3 1.9 TDI traction issue and fault codes

[lekant]

Hi everyone,

Newbie here... new on the forum and new to Audi. I just picked myself up a lowered Audi A3 1.9 TDI 130BHP (2002) and I love it already.

Drives well and I've fixed a few bits and pieces of cosmetic stuff and fitted a new radio.

Only 1 thing bothers me - the traction light comes on after driving with a bit of speed and stays on until the ignition is switched off and back on again. The ABS light does not come on (I've noticed the two can sometimes come together from other threads I've read). I also get some wheel spin if I take off too fast, and it can get a little wobbly on corners (is this maybe just a result of the lowering).I bought a VAGCOM kit online and did a quick scan, the results are below.

Engine

17911 - Load signal from Alternator Term. DF: Range/Performance / Implausible Signal
17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer (I think I know why this has come up!)
18057 - Powertrain Data Bus: Missing Message from ABS Controller

A/T

Couldn't get codes from this - it gave a linking error.

SRS

No codes

ABS

01435 - Brake Pressure Sensor 1 (G201): No or Incorrect Basic Setting / Adaptation

Do you reckon I've much to worry about? Any ideas from the codes and the traction light?

There's one other thing too. I'm not sure when the cambelt was last changed - how much does this usually cost? I read that VCDS can indicate the cambelt condition by running some tests - is this the case? I'd be interested to know how to do that (I bought a VAGCOM USB cable too and downloaded VCDS lite).

I haven't done any car repairs before - but knowing what might be wrong will help me find the right person to sort it, or maybe I can start to learn how to do it myself....

Oh - and the fuel gauge gets stuck at halfway too!

Apart from all that though - it's a dream machine

Cheers!

 

[JimS3]

I would clear all the codes and see which ones come back after a few days. Traction light could be caused by both of those brake codes.

You could possibly get an indication of timing belt stretch with the torsion measuring block in VCDS, but i certainly wouldn't take this as an indication of timing belt condition.

Fuel gauge could be either the gauge itself or more likely the sender in the tank.

 

[lekant]

Cheers Jim.

I'll clear the codes in the morning and take it for a spin to see what comes up. I did read in another thread that the issue might be a faulty brake sensor... I'll come back about that one.

You know how much a timing belt replacement would be? The nearest Audi garage is quoting nearly £400!

Not too worried about the fuel gauge - still have the low fuel indicator!

 

[JimS3]

Timing belt is a little easier on the TDI than the petrol, both the cam and crank lock.

Parts should be around £110 and around 3 hours labour. £400 sounds a bit steep to me.

Probably a good idea to do the water pump at the same time if it's not been done before.

Have a ring round a few independent VAG specialists.

 

[lekant]

Great Jim - thanks for the tips. I'll do that...

This is the Audi 'offer': A belting great offer... - Isaac Agnew, Agnew Group, New Cars, Used Cars, Northern Ireland, Car Dealer, BMW - New and Used BMW cars for sale in Northern Ireland at Agnew Group

Any independent VAG specialists near Derry - give me a shout!