The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

ABS and ESC Warning Lights ON - 2017 Audi A6

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Audi A6 3.0T

Hello Audi community, I'm having a problem with my 2017 Audi A6 3.0T. This morning, while driving, both the ABS warning light and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light suddenly illuminated on my dashboard.

I haven't noticed any immediate changes in braking performance, but the pedal does feel a little different, maybe slightly firmer, and I'm definitely concerned about these critical safety systems being offline. I tried turning the car off and on again, but the lights stayed on.

Has anyone experienced this with their A6 or other Audi models? What could be the potential causes? Is it safe to drive, or should I get it to a shop immediately? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:13 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer: When the ABS and ESC warning lights illuminate simultaneously, it indicates a fault within the vehicle's anti-lock braking system or stability control system. This is a critical safety concern.

  1. Common Causes & OBD Codes:

    • Wheel Speed Sensor Failure: This is the most frequent cause. A faulty or dirty wheel speed sensor (also known as an ABS sensor) at one of the wheels can send incorrect data to the ABS/ESC module, triggering the lights. Common OBD II codes associated with this include:
      • C0031 - Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor
      • C0034 - Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor
      • C0037 - Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor
      • C0040 - Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor
    • Damaged Wiring: The wiring harness to a wheel speed sensor can become damaged (frayed, cut) or corroded, interrupting the signal.
    • ABS Module Failure: Less common, but the ABS control module itself can fail. This is a more expensive repair.
    • Low Brake Fluid: Extremely low brake fluid can sometimes trigger brake-related warnings, but typically not ABS/ESC specifically without other brake warnings.
    • Steering Angle Sensor: A fault with the steering angle sensor can also affect ESC.

  2. What You Should Do:

    • Check Brake Fluid: Ensure your brake fluid level is adequate.
    • Scan for Codes: The most important step is to get the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). A standard OBD-II scanner might read generic powertrain codes, but an Audi-specific scanner (like VCDS or a professional diagnostic tool) will be able to read ABS/ESC module codes, which are crucial for pinpointing the exact issue.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Immediately. While the car may still brake, the ABS and ESC systems are disabled, meaning you lose critical safety features that prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking and help maintain control during skids. Driving with these lights on, especially in adverse conditions, is not recommended. A professional technician can accurately diagnose the specific fault code, inspect the sensors and wiring, and perform necessary repairs or replacements.
Menu

Help & account