My ESP has gone insane.
 

This has happened 3 times to me over the last month. And the last time, I almost got t-boned in an intersection.

It only seems to happen within the first few minutes of driving, but maybe that's a co-incidence.

I'm driving along, like I normally do, and for a second or two, I have no power. I hit the gas and nothing happens at all. The power cut feels like the traction control kicking in, but this has happened on dry roads, with only 15-20% of the throttle down. Also, I get no flashing ESP light (which should come on when ESP is engaged).

I suspected that it's a traction control issue. Yesterday, I was making a left turn (there were cars's coming through the intersection but I had a nice clear spot to make my turn). I hit the gas my car went forward slightly and then nothing, no power. I was rolling into the path of oncoming cars. I reached up, hit the ESP button to turn ESP off, and my car took off like it should and I saved my bacon...

Any ideas, has my ESP computer gone mad. I have yet to get any warning lights, signals or anything like that.

Re: My ESP has gone insane.
 

Do you know if your cruise control and brake lights are behaving normally or is there weirdness going on there too?

Re: My ESP has gone insane.
 

I have never used my Cruise Control so I can't comment. About 1 month ago, I had my car parked on the driveway over night. My neighbour knocked on my door at 8:30 am and said "Dude, your brake lights are on". I went out to my car and sure enough, my car was there no key in the ignition with the brake lights on. Never happened again after that.

Do you think the problem is related?

Re: My ESP has gone insane.
 

My guess is your car is in limp mode for a reason, that will be cause your lack of power, but the car is still running.

Sounds like the brake light switch is malfunctioning. That is why you are in limp mode, with an ESP light on (meaning it is deactivated). Makes sense as you said your brake lights were on when the car was not occupied.

Also could be a wheel speed sensor. Getting someone to check the error codes in the only way to be sure. If it is the brake light switch, it is easy to do and not costly. The part even comes with instructions (mine did).

Re: My ESP has gone insane.
 

Absolutely, replace the brake light switch, it is a plunger switch mounted at the backside of the brake pedal. The symptoms you listed are a perfect match for a faulty switch;)

Re: My ESP has gone insane.
 

switch, switch, switch...I come out of the dealer and my ABS and ESP lights are on (dashboard).
I go back right away and they say the switch could malfunction cause of the wires that could bump into each other (remote starter and ESP/ABS). Im like what the hell, I actually lost power when trying to hit the gas, well he explained that my system was going nuts trying to stop the car when im trying to press the gas paddle.

SWITCH SWITCH SWITCH....audi #1 problem: Electronic switches.