Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

hey guys, new to the forums, but long time reader. I recently privately bought a 1998 2.8L V6 quattro. I really enjoy the car, it is a quite potent upgrade from a 96 civic. Anyways, I should of done my research before I bought the car. But I have a solid ABS light on with the e light brake flashing. I have come to the conclusion that I need a new abs module or send it out to be rebuilt. My main problem is that I need a safety and e test done, as I only have the ten day tempeory sticker I need it done soon. I plan to replace the module soon, but I doubt I can do it in ten days. Will this light prevent me from getting a safety? Anyone know of any other options or know a mecanic that could get me safety, the car brakes great, and the engine runs awesome. Damn ABS computer!!!!!!
cheers guys!

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

your car will fail like that. you should fix it, not try to get a mechanic to lie on a safety inspection.

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

Why would it fail the safety? Is the ABS mandatory ?

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

Yeah, I agree... ABS is not part of the safety check.
You need brakes - thats for sure.

I have the exact same car that I bought in November - same problem with the ABS module - I had no problems with the safety.

found this with a quick serach online (not sure if it is accurate)

a) any fluid or vacuum leakage is present in the braking system;
b) the brake fluid in the brake master cylinder is below the manufacturer's recommended minimum level;
c) any brake tubing has heavy corrosion scaling;
d) any vacuum or hydraulic hose or tube is damaged, insecure, missing or chafes against any part of the vehicle;
e) with the foot brake applied, the brake pedal moves toward the floor;
f) the brakes, including the parking brake, are not adjusted properly;
g) any brake, including the parking brake, fails to release immediately when the pedal or lever is released;
h) any mechanical, vacuum or hydraulic component is missing, cracked, loose, badly worn, seized or damaged so as to affect
its operation;
i) any hydraulic component is leaking fluid;
j) with the motor running and the brake pedal applied, the brake failure warning light comes on;
k) with the vacuum depleted from the power brake (by depressing the brake pedal three or four times), the motor shut off and
the brake pedal depressed, the pedal fails to move momentarily towards the floor when the motor is started;
I) any brake drum or rotor is worn beyond the manufacturer's limits, or the friction surfaces
are damaged mechanically other than from normal wear;
m) any brake rotor cooling fin is cracked or broken;
n) any bonded brake lining is thinner than 1.5 millimeters (1/16 inch) at its thinnest point;
o) any riveted brake lining is thinner than 0.8 millimeters (1/32 inch) at its thinnest point;
p) any brake lining is broken or loose on its shoe or pad;
q) any brake lining is contaminated;
r) any wheel hub seal, axle seal or oil retainer is missing or leaking;
s) the parking brake does not hold properly and release fully;
t) where originally fitted, the dual-circuit brake warning lamp fails to operate as intended; or,
u) on the road test, the braking system does not brake evenly or stop the vehicle within the required distance.

Chad

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

Perhaps it is not part of the safety in Ontario then.... It is part of safety here.
Here, if your vehicle is equipped with ABS, then it must be functioning correctly. Just like side airbags- although not all vehicles have them, if yours does and an airbag light is illuminated due to a malfunction, you will fail safety. I find it hard to believe that in Ontario they wouldn't care if the brake system is functioning properly.

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

The brakes can still function properly without ABS...
If the light wasnt on and they werent working right - how would you even test them? obviously in the winter thats easier if there is some snow... but in the summer?

I really dont think you would have an issue getting the safety done...
If someone looks that far into it and says that needs to be done to pass, they are likely just looking for some work to be done...

Chad

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

that is exactly why a light illuminates. so that you don't need to test them to know that there is a problem. here if you have that light, or even a CEL illuminated, you fail inspection.
also, it wouldn't require them testing to see if it is working, it would just require looking at the dash cluster and seeing that the light is illuminated.
i know that the brakes will still function without ABS, that is not what i am saying. what i am saying is that they are not functioning PROPERLY (ie as the manufacturer intended).
let's also keep in mind here that the ABS is an essential part of the ESP/traction/stability control system, and that it is winter. why would you not simply fix something if it is so cheap and easy to fix?
like i said, perhaps in ontario it is different, but if i lived in a province where mandatory safety inspections were so flippant and incomplete, i would be screaming "money grab" at the top of my lungs!

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

Voodocaa I sure hope your right

Re: Bought an A4 on thursday, HELP
 

Like many things that happen government related they are money grabs...
I quickly read about the Saskatchewan requirements and it seems like you get a 4 wheel alignment done as part of your inspection... not the case here.

I was trying to find the "purpose" of having the safety inspection done... and didnt really come up with anything concrete. If you are going to have it done on vehicle transfer - why not keep all cars safe on a regular basis? I can drive a car for 20 years and it can be the most unsafe POS - no safety required.

I think that lights and codes are certainly not something that you can rely on when it comes to vehicles... so to me, just because a light is on doesnt mean that something doesnt work - should be tested to verify it doesnt work (or does)

I dont think you will have issues DEWAI - but just stop in and ask a shop - they will tell you.

Chad