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johannaweber86

VW Arteon ABS Light On + Traction Control Failure

My ABS light is permanently on and traction control stopped working on my 2019 VW Arteon (gasoline, 113289km). The speedometer still works fine but the car feels unsafe during braking. Looks like a speed sensor issue to me, but my last mechanic visit was pretty disappointing. Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms? Really need reliable feedback before picking my next repair shop.

4 comment(s)

hansice1

Had the same issue on my 2016 VW Passat TSI. The ABS malfunction and traction control failure initially pointed to a wheel speed sensor, but diagnostics revealed a more complex problem with the ABS control unit. The input from multiple sensors was getting corrupted before reaching the control module. The odometer worked because it uses a separate circuit, but the ABS system was receiving faulty signals. This created unsafe braking conditions, especially on wet surfaces. The repair required a complete control unit replacement, plus recalibration of the entire ABS system. Not a quick fix, the car stayed at the shop for 3 days due to extensive testing needed after installation. This was definitely a serious issue that affected vehicle safety. Key advice: Make sure the shop has proper VW diagnostic equipment. Generic scanners often miss the root cause of these sensor communication problems. The repair should include a complete system check after replacement to verify all ABS functions are restored.

johannaweber86 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the ABS control unit replacement. My dashboard started showing similar warning lights last month, and the symptoms match exactly what you described. The ECM seems fine but the ABS and traction systems are completely offline. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was? My transmission shop quoted me 1200€ just for diagnostics and basic repairs, which seems excessive. Also curious if youve had any recurring issues since the fix? Planning to take my Arteon in next week and want to be prepared for what to expect.

hansice1

After getting the ABS control unit replaced and properly calibrated, my Passat has been running perfectly. The speed signal fault was completely resolved and all warning lights cleared from the dashboard. The total repair came to 1000€, which covered the control unit replacement, diagnostic testing, and system recalibration. Your quote of 1200€ actually seems in line with current prices, especially since VW parts costs have increased lately. No recurring issues in the 8 months since the repair. The ABS and traction control systems work flawlessly now. Just make sure your shop uses VW-specific diagnostic equipment to properly interface with the ECM and other control modules. This will ensure they can accurately pinpoint the problem and verify the fix. Worth every cent for the peace of mind of having properly functioning safety systems. The braking performance difference is very noticeable, especially when road conditions are less than ideal.

johannaweber86 (Author)

After dealing with constant ABS warning lights and sketchy braking, I finally got the repair done last week. Found a shop that specializes in VW diagnostics, and they immediately spotted the failing control unit their advanced diagnostic system. Glad I didnt waste time with generic scanners at other places. The dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree during the initial test, but theyaged to isolate the speed sensor malfunction to the ABS module itself. The mechanic showed me how the input signals were getting scrambled before reaching the main computer. Total bill came to 950€, slightly better than expected. Took them 2 days to complete everything, including full system testing and calibration. The traction control and ABS are working perfectly now. Such a relief to have proper braking response again, especially since winter is coming. Really appreciate the advice about finding a shop with proper VW diagnostic equipment. Saved me from throwing parts at the problem like my previous mechanic wanted to do. Sometimes paying a bit more for specialized knowledge is worth it.

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