VW Beetle ABS Warning: Speed Sensor Alert

Having dealt with a similar issue on my 2014 VW Golf TDI, I understand your concern about the ABS malfunction. With some experience working on VW systems, I can share what happened in my case. The symptoms were identical, ABS light illuminated and traction control acting up. After running a diagnostic scan, the workshop found the ECM was getting faulty input from the control unit. The ABS control module had failed completely and needed replacement. The total repair cost in my case was 1000€, including: Control unit replacement, System diagnostic, Programming and coding, Testing Before you head to the workshop, it would help to know: Are there any other warning lights active? Did you notice any unusual sounds before the malfunction? Has the odometer reading changed abnormally? Have you had any recent repairs done? While speed sensors can cause these symptoms, based on my experience with VW systems, this sounds more like a control unit issue. Getting a proper diagnostic scan would confirm the exact cause. Best to address this quickly since it affects critical safety systems. Would you mind sharing those additional details to help narrow down the problem?

Thanks for the detailed response. My speedometer and other dashboard readings are working normally with no unusual sounds. I had the regular service done at 85000km and everything was fine then. The ABS warning appeared without any prior symptoms or other repairs. Since posting, I checked the diagnostic codes using a basic scanner. Getting error code P0504 which seems to point toward the brake switch circuit. Given this reading and your experience with the control unit, I will have it properly checked at a workshop this week. Really hoping its not the full module replacement you mentioned for 1000€.

Thanks for the additional details about the error code. Your normal speedometer readings and lack of other symptoms actually make me lean away from my initial control unit theory. After seeing many cases of P0504 on our VW models, the brake switch is a much more common and less expensive culprit than a full ABS module replacement. The brake switch malfunction can trigger both the ABS and traction control warnings, creating similar symptoms to what I experienced, but through a different fault path. In my case, I wish I had checked the brake switch circuit first, as its a relatively simple fix compared to the module replacement I ended up needing. A brake switch replacement typically costs between 150-200€ including labor and programming. The circuit issue can also sometimes be resolved by cleaning the connections or adjusting the switch position. The workshop should be able to confirm if its just the switch rather than the more complex ABS system malfunction I dealt with. The clean diagnostic code readout pointing specifically to the brake circuit is actually encouraging news compared to the multiple error codes I saw with my failed control unit.

P0504 points to the brake switch circuit, that actually sounds less severe than the full control unit replacement mentioned. My speedometer and other dashboard readings work fine, with no unusual sounds noted. Everything was working perfectly at my last 85000km service. Given this feedback and running the basic scan, I feel more confident its not going to be a 1000€ repair. The malfunction seems isolated to just the brake switch area rather than widespread ABS system failure. Since the issue affects core safety features though, I will still get it properly diagnosed at the workshop this week. Will update once I know if its just the simpler brake switch replacement for 150-200€ or if they find something more complex with the input signals or control module. Really hoping its just the switch circuit given the clear error code. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely causes.