Don't think my ESP is working

[S3 Johnny]

Hi all, i don't know what is wrong with my esp but no lights come on when i push it, i've only had it since 5th oct so only just tryed it,
Anyone got any ideas?
Thanks for your time Johnny

 

[emery1990]

It might just be an electrical fault, go around some sharpish corners and roundabouts and try using your power, if you cant use your power then the esp's on, if you can use the power then its off.

 

[simch]

5th oct?

Try it on grass! First, seems an obvious question, but do you have esp? Should be a switch on dash to turn it off if so. What happens if you push the switch? A light should come on on the dash to warn you it's off. This is the same light that should flicker if on and it activates. BUt a stock car needs a bit of provoking to do so, best have a go on wet grass. A few quick starts should see it flicker away as will some attempts at donuts!

 

[S3 Johnny]

Hi simch, yeah it has got esp it a 2003 S3. but when i push it no lights to be seen. I'll try the wet grass

 

[SWAMP DONKEY]

S3 Johnny.

I think ive got the same problem.

just bought a 2003 s3

To be honest i think its just the lamp in the cluster that is faulty.

 

[lee111s]

Probably a silly question and sorry to hijack the thread.....but does turning off the ESP affect the quattro?

 

[<tuffty/>]

ESP is on by default, pressing the button turns it off in the first instance and a light should illuminate on the dash.

First thing to get done would be to use VAGCOM or equiv to see if you have any fault codes and go from there.

It could be something as simple as the bulb in the cluster gone but as this bulb is only illuminated when switched off then I have my doubts...

The Haldex system controlling the rear diff (quattro part) is unaffected by switching off ESP.

<tuffty/>

 

[Essflee]

Probably a silly question and sorry to hijack the thread.....but does turning off the ESP affect the quattro?

If anything it will allow the haldex to work as it should without having the power constantly took away...

 

[Dani_B19]

Like mine, no ESP

 

[Essflee]

Like mine, no ESP

And almost end up in a ditch...

 

[alijames]

The cynical side of me wonders if there is a fault in the ESP system and the person/dealer you bought the car off took the fuse out or disconnected the lamp to hide the fault.

Get the car on VAG-COM to check.

Cheers,

 

[Westy]

The ESP shouldn't stop the haldex from working, it just stops you from getting seriously out of shape by cutting the power while the haldex keeps you going in a straight line.

 

[jq_quint]

The cynical side of me wonders if there is a fault in the ESP system and the person/dealer you bought the car off took the fuse out or disconnected the lamp to hide the fault.

Get the car on VAG-COM to check.

Cheers,

Def get this checked, my last car (5 series) had same problem, seemed the unscrupulous dealer had blotted out the alarm on the dash to hide the problem..naughty naughty.... hopefully this isn't your problem though..

 

[bansheeboyo]

my a3 quattro has the same problem i think
when i first got my car back in oct last year it was snowing ,
being the imature young lad that i am 360's and handys was the way to go
but my car was not good ,power kept cutting out .no esp switch in my car
abs light kept cuming on.
was out the other night up the mighty backroads car was sliding every where .what gives??
not that im complaining,well i might when i end up in a field