eliasberger5
VW Scirocco ABS Light: Lateral Sensor Issues & Fixes
4 comment(s)
eliasberger5 (Author)
Last serviced 2 months ago, but this issue just started recently after hitting 99533km. The error code specifically shows P0573, which points to the lateral acceleration sensor. The warning lights appear mostly during sharp turns or when the road is wet. No unusual sounds from the ABS, but the vehicle stability system seems to disengage completely when the warning appears. The diagnostic scan showed potential communication errors between the sensor and the electronic control unit. This makes me think it might be a wiring issue rather than a complete sensor failure, which hopefully means a less expensive fix than a full unit replacement. Really appreciate the detailed response about the control unit replacement. Hoping my issue might be resolved with just a sensor or wiring repair, but will have the workshop check the entire electronic stability system to be sure.
lisa_wilson10
Thanks for providing those additional details about the P0573 code and driving conditions. Your situation sounds slightly different from what I experienced with my GTI, and theres good news, it might be less costly than my repair. The error pattern during turns and wet conditions, combined with the specific code, strongly suggests a wiring or connection issue rather than a complete control unit failure like I had. The steering angle and yaw rate readings are likely getting interrupted, causing the traction control system to disengage as a safety measure. In my case, before the complete unit replacement, we first checked: Wiring harness connections (found corroded), Sensor mounting points, Ground connections, Circuit resistance values A thorough inspection of these areas costs around 150€ diagnostics fee at most workshops, significantly less than the 1000€ I ended up paying for the full control unit replacement. Since your vehicle was recently serviced, perhaps some connections got disturbed during maintenance. Based on both our experiences with these VW platforms, I suggest having the workshop focus on: 1. Checking connector pins for corrosion 2. Testing the wiring harness continuity 3. Verifying sensor mounting integrity 4. Scanning for any additional codes that might have appeared Keep us updated on what the workshop finds. This could help other VW owners facing similar stability control issues.
eliasberger5 (Author)
Thanks for all the insights. Just got back from the workshop and wanted to share what they found, in case others run into similar issues. The diagnostic scan confirmed it was indeed a wiring problem. They found a partially damaged wire harness near the lateral acceleration sensor, likely from water exposure. The vehicle stability warning was triggering because of inconsistent signals. Total repair cost came to 280€: Wire harness repair, System recalibration, Electronic stability system testing The wheel alignment was checked but didnt need adjustment. All safety warning lights are now off and the ABS is functioning normally. The traction control engages properly even in wet conditions. Much better outcome than a full control unit replacement. For anyone else getting P0573 codes, definitely worth having the wiring checked first before assuming worst-case scenarios. The whole repair took about 3 hours and the car feels completely back to normal now. Good to have confirmation that going to the workshop early when these issues appear can prevent more expensive repairs later.
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lisa_wilson10
Having some experience with similar issues, I can share what happened with my 2015 VW Golf GTI. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, especially regarding the traction control and ABS warnings. After multiple error scans, it turned out the control unit governing both the ABS and yaw rate sensors was defective. The electronic control module needed complete replacement, as simple repairs werent possible. The wheel alignment also needed adjustment after the new unit was installed to ensure proper calibration. The total repair cost was 1000€, which included: New control unit, Programming and coding, System calibration, Safety warning system check The workshop needed about 6 hours to complete everything. After the fix, all systems worked perfectly again and no warning lights have appeared since. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you provide: Exact error codes from the scan, Whether the issue occurs more during specific conditions (wet roads, cold starts), If you notice any unusual sounds when the ABS activates, Current mileage on your Scirocco This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced or if it might be something different.