Reprogramming ABS Module - A4 Avant B9

[ian.f]

Ive been a victim
Of the ABS pump

pressure sensor replaced - stop start working.

the Brake faulty exist and the code does also: c123efo

Seems like a recurring issue Audi need to solve!

Mine has recently been sorted by ECU testing. My local garage sorted the removal and replace. £420 all in.
Crap that we have to do it, but better than £2500+

 

[InvincibleA3]

Seems like a recurring issue Audi need to solve!

Mine has recently been sorted by ECU testing. My local garage sorted the removal and replace. £420 all in.
**** that we have to do it, but better than £2500+

Absolute fuming

is it easy to remove ? I assume car will have to be off road too.

is it reccomended for it to be removed by a specialist ?

 

[ian.f]

Absolute fuming

is it easy to remove ? I assume car will have to be off road too.

is it reccomended for it to be removed by a specialist ?

Easy to remove, I don’t really know. I’ve taken them off on older cars, but didn’t look into this time.
Yes the car needs to be off the road whilst it’s done.
My preference was to have a pro do it. It was ‘only’ a couple of hours labour for a garage to do it, them being the experts.

 

[InvincibleA3]

ECU Tuning - Excellent service - All Good with the ABS module and no more warning light.

the bad news

brake pedal creaking when pressed , can anyone help with this ?

car still in the garage so they can figure it out , but all they did was bleed the brakes.

any advice would be great

 

[ian.f]

ECU Tuning - Excellent service - All Good with the ABS module and no more warning light.

the bad news

brake pedal creaking when pressed , can anyone help with this ?

car still in the garage so they can figure it out , but all they did was bleed the brakes.

any advice would be great

I have EXACTLY the same issue. It’s off to the garage on Monday for diagnosis...but interested if anyone can shed any light on this.
Have tried lubricant on the pedal bushes etc, but no joy.

 

[InvincibleA3]

I have EXACTLY the same issue. It’s off to the garage on Monday for diagnosis...but interested if anyone can shed any light on this.
Have tried lubricant on the pedal bushes etc, but no joy.

let me know if you find the solution and il be sure to update further on here.

 

[InvincibleA3]

I have EXACTLY the same issue. It’s off to the garage on Monday for diagnosis...but interested if anyone can shed any light on this.
Have tried lubricant on the pedal bushes etc, but no joy.

have you had any luck mate ?

 

[ian.f]

have you had any luck mate ?

Sorry for late reply.
Car has been back and forward to the garage.

This issue has been traced to the master cylinder. The mechanic believes the issue is down to the brake fluid renewal process, whilst bleeding the brake system and brake pedal. We agreed that it was unlikely the abs unit removal/fix was the main cause, but contributed.

So, on to the replacement of said master cylinder. It’s a specialist part that is yet to be “copied” on the after-market. So it has to be Audi-direct order. Audi need to source it from factory, which is outside the UK and now subject to Brexit related delays and costs!
Also, the cost is £300 plus, with the fitting/garage costs on top.

I’ve got the part on order from today, but it’s likely to be 10ish (working) days before it arrives.

I’ll update once the work has been done, and I’m hoping that this will solve the issue, but I’m sure there’ll be a knock on issue somewhere!

In case anyone’s interested, I believe the master cylinder part number is 8W0611021.

 

[InvincibleA3]

Sorry for late reply.
Car has been back and forward to the garage.

This issue has been traced to the master cylinder. The mechanic believes the issue is down to the brake fluid renewal process, whilst bleeding the brake system and brake pedal. We agreed that it was unlikely the abs unit removal/fix was the main cause, but contributed.

So, on to the replacement of said master cylinder. It’s a specialist part that is yet to be “copied” on the after-market. So it has to be Audi-direct order. Audi need to source it from factory, which is outside the UK and now subject to Brexit related delays and costs!
Also, the cost is £300 plus, with the fitting/garage costs on top.

I’ve got the part on order from today, but it’s likely to be 10ish (working) days before it arrives.

I’ll update once the work has been done, and I’m hoping that this will solve the issue, but I’m sure there’ll be a knock on issue somewhere!

In case anyone’s interested, I believe the master cylinder part number is 8W0611021.

ahh man - gutted.

mine is booked for May as i need my car for work and thanks for the part number.

i wont give the garage the answer but i guess it more than likely will be the same issue you have

let me know how you get on mate

 

[InvincibleA3]

Sorry for late reply.
Car has been back and forward to the garage.

This issue has been traced to the master cylinder. The mechanic believes the issue is down to the brake fluid renewal process, whilst bleeding the brake system and brake pedal. We agreed that it was unlikely the abs unit removal/fix was the main cause, but contributed.

So, on to the replacement of said master cylinder. It’s a specialist part that is yet to be “copied” on the after-market. So it has to be Audi-direct order. Audi need to source it from factory, which is outside the UK and now subject to Brexit related delays and costs!
Also, the cost is £300 plus, with the fitting/garage costs on top.

I’ve got the part on order from today, but it’s likely to be 10ish (working) days before it arrives.

I’ll update once the work has been done, and I’m hoping that this will solve the issue, but I’m sure there’ll be a knock on issue somewhere!

In case anyone’s interested, I believe the master cylinder part number is 8W0611021.

I forgot to ask , have you got the car back and driving it ?

 

[whiteviera]

ahh man - gutted.

mine is booked for May as i need my car for work and thanks for the part number.

i wont give the garage the answer but i guess it more than likely will be the same issue you have

let me know how you get on mate

Hi Ian,
Reading through all late in the day, I seem to have jumped through same hoops as yourself. Garage changed sensors but brake fault remains, reckon they need to replace ECU.
Did you ever get the car fully fixed to your satisfaction?

 

[ian.f]

Sorry, been off here for ages!

Car been back abs forward to garage, again!
Been lots of fun!

Very long story short, the new Master cylinder arrived and was fitted. But the juddery braking remained.
The mechanic spoke to Audi to try and figure the issue and it transpired that there’s been a run of defective parts. The end character changes when a new part line is created, and the “A” and “B” variants are defective under certain circumstances.
We need 8W0611021C.
So I now have C on order and hopefully that’ll sort the issue.
I’ll report back as soon as I know!!

 

[InvincibleA3]

Sorry, been off here for ages!

Car been back abs forward to garage, again!
Been lots of fun!

Very long story short, the new Master cylinder arrived and was fitted. But the juddery braking remained.
The mechanic spoke to Audi to try and figure the issue and it transpired that there’s been a run of defective parts. The end character changes when a new part line is created, and the “A” and “B” variants are defective under certain circumstances.
We need 8W0611021C.
So I now have C on order and hopefully that’ll sort the issue.
I’ll report back as soon as I know!!

Hi Mate

glad to hear your hopefully going to conclude this off with the car.

my car is going into Audi end of June to investigate but il be sure to keep in mind about the master cylinder part number..

thanka for the update, il update as soon as i get to the bottom it.

im used to the brake creaking lol

 

[Zocko]

Audi A4 2.0 TDI 190ps manual here car is in with same problem and chain of failures that led to the apparently same faulty master brake cylinder.. after they replaced the servo pressure sensor the abs pump and after that the pedal started creaking .. they got the master cylinder on order and I’ll hopefully pick up the car on Wednesday!Thankfully this is done under warranty! I’ll keep you updated cheers!

 

[InvincibleA3]

Audi A4 2.0 TDI 190ps manual here car is in with same problem and chain of failures that led to the apparently same faulty master brake cylinder.. after they replaced the servo pressure sensor the abs pump and after that the pedal started creaking .. they got the master cylinder on order and I’ll hopefully pick up the car on Wednesday!Thankfully this is done under warranty! I’ll keep you updated cheers!

Gutted to hear and glad your getting it sorted.

not long till mine goes in but il assume
Its the master cylinder too.

do you have the part number for the servo ?

 

[Zocko]

Gutted to hear and glad your getting it sorted.

not long till mine goes in but il assume
Its the master cylinder too.

do you have the part number for the servo ?

I don’t,soz

 

[Campion67]

Hi, my unit also fixed by ecutesting, no faults but have problem with brake pedal, bleeding brakes done with vcds at 03abs, security access 40168 then basic settings and preparation (all systems off) then front brakes, rear brakes, end (all systems on) brake pedal hard but when engine start pedal goes down and it's soft, brakes works and no errors but don't know how to make brake pedal go up and stay hard. Any suggestions?

I seen your based in Scotland I’m having the same issue Audi A4 16 plate sline and I’m wondering who carried out your repair!

 

[Awais166]

Hi everyone,

Finally got my car back. I confirm that ECUTesting have managed to clear all faults on the ABS unit for a pleasant £250.00.

My total bill was £765.00, which include the pump unit repair, 3rd party pump testing, brake fluid replace, pressure sensor replacement (which was the initial root cause of all problems) and garage labour to carry out all work.

Audi quote was £3100.00 (without replacing pressure sensor)

My garage quoted initially against Audi and came @ £2750.00 before accepting to go down the route of ECUTesting

For a total saving of about £2k.
Big thank you to ECUTesting and also my garage David Lees Motor Engineering (VW Audi independent specialist).

Hope you all get the same result.
Good luck!

Hi Matt

I got exactly the same problem as your with my Audi A4 - car has done only 18000 miles but unfortunately car just came out of warranty. Audi refused to do any Goodwill.

I am going to go the same route as yours via ECF testing company.

My question from you is : you said pressure sensors were also replaced. My garage person who took the ABS pump out said pressure sensors are within the ABS pump.
when you say pressure sensor were replaced - what do you exactly mean by that ? can you tell me is it a different part outside of ABS pump ?

what do you mean by the cost - third party ABS pump testing ? was pump not already tested by ECF testing when they repaired it ?

Awais

 

[Matt S35S]

Hi Matt

I got exactly the same problem as your with my Audi A4 - car has done only 18000 miles but unfortunately car just came out of warranty. Audi refused to do any Goodwill.

I am going to go the same route as yours via ECF testing company.

My question from you is : you said pressure sensors were also replaced. My garage person who took the ABS pump out said pressure sensors are within the ABS pump.
when you say pressure sensor were replaced - what do you exactly mean by that ? can you tell me is it a different part outside of ABS pump ?

what do you mean by the cost - third party ABS pump testing ? was pump not already tested by ECF testing when they repaired it ?

Awais

Hi ya,

Not sure where is thebpressure sensor. Either ways, this needs replacing as it is that sensor that stops working and generate the fatal error code in the pump. The fatal error code in the pump is generated when that sensor fault comes up more than 20 times, if I remember. I believe there is only 1 pressure sensor, at least in my 2016 2.0 TDI Sline.

The 3rd party pump test was just an agreement between the garage and I. This was to ascertain that ECU Testing were not damaging anything during the process. At that stage, not many garages knew ECU testing.

It looks like this pump issue is going viral. Quite disappointed from Audi tbh.

Mine has been fixed since 6-7 months and all good, beside the pedal creaking like the other guys say. Didn't make much of it and will see how the other guys come to conclusion as I have no time for this at the moment.

Good luck bud.

 

[Awais166]

Hi
Just an Update

I have got my car fixed

ABS pump repaired by ECU testing - Total cost including delivery 290 £

The Servo brake Pressure sensor - I bought directly from Audi dealership - £ 76 ( 2 years warranty)
Here is the link to Servo Brake Pressure sensor - But I would recommend not to buy from this website - It takes ages for their delivery - I placed the order then have to cancel the order after 1 week as order did not arrive.

https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/vemo/13479664

Garage Cost including Brake fluid oil , removal and fitting of ABS , bleeding brakes etc 250 £
My Garage technician recommended getting servo brake sensor replaced every 2 years before it goes into fault again and destroys the ABS pump.

Total cost 616 £

All warning signs disappeared. No pedal creaking so far.

 

[Charlie in London]

I have the same problem. £2,000+vat for the new unit and £500+vat for removal/replacement. Audi said "Tough" even though the original (non-amber) message said "Brake servo: restricted. You can continue driving. Please contact workshop", then went to a red STOP warning with no further notice. I presume this is happening to me and others because we have driven our cars so little over the last year. My unit is currently with www.ecutesting.com, and I'm hoping they can fix it more cheaply.
Audi said I should go to the Motor Ombudsman if I thought I they have made a bad decision, but then I reported it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) here: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-recalls-and-faults/report-a-serious-safety-defect on the basis that ABS units are for safety and the messages were misleading. I could have been on the motorway when the red light showed!!
Maybe if other affected did the same, Audi might recall all 2017 B9s??

 

[Awais166]

I have the same problem. £2,000+vat for the new unit and £500+vat for removal/replacement. Audi said "Tough" even though the original (non-amber) message said "Brake servo: restricted. You can continue driving. Please contact workshop", then went to a red STOP warning with no further notice. I presume this is happening to me and others because we have driven our cars so little over the last year. My unit is currently with www.ecutesting.com, and I'm hoping they can fix it more cheaply.
Audi said I should go to the Motor Ombudsman if I thought I they have made a bad decision, but then I reported it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) here: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-recalls-and-faults/report-a-serious-safety-defect on the basis that ABS units are for safety and the messages were misleading. I could have been on the motorway when the red light showed!!
Maybe if other affected did the same, Audi might recall all 2017 B9s??

Hi Charlie , Sorry to hear this happened to you as well. my car was 2017 as well. only driven 18000 miles. I do not think this problem is due to not driving the car because I am doing exactly the same mileage for last 3 years 5000-6000 / year.

The problem comes with the Servo pressure sensor first which only last 2 year approx.

I raised the complaint with the Audi as well and they told to contact Motor Ombudsman but they can take upto 6 month to solve the case. I have not heard from motor ombudsman so far. its been 3 weeks so far. Many Audi owners are facing the same issue.

I think some one need to consult a solicitor and just like Mercedes - Audi need to recall it and pay a compensation due to poor manufacturing quality of ABS pump.

 

[Charlie in London]

Hi Charlie , Sorry to hear this happened to you as well. my car was 2017 as well. only driven 18000 miles. I do not think this problem is due to not driving the car because I am doing exactly the same mileage for last 3 years 5000-6000 / year.

The problem comes with the Servo pressure sensor first which only last 2 year approx.

I raised the complaint with the Audi as well and they told to contact Motor Ombudsman but they can take upto 6 month to solve the case. I have not heard from motor ombudsman so far. its been 3 weeks so far. Many Audi owners are facing the same issue.

I think some one need to consult a solicitor and just like Mercedes - Audi need to recall it and pay a compensation due to poor manufacturing quality of ABS pump.

So perhaps the more of us who report it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) , the better.

 

[Newk]

I have some questions I hope someone can help answer. We are currently still on holiday waiting for the car and caravan to be recovered by Audi assist, with the stop/start faulty and brake servo restricted error, currently on yellow message (fortunately Q5 still in warranty). Two mechanics have already confirmed the pressure sensor is the cause of the fault, 35k on clock. My question is for when we get back, can the ABS module be cleared by Audi of any fault counts and can it be read by ODB diagnostics to see how many counts it has to date?
If it cannot be reset I am incline to insist Audi replace it as technically irreplaceably damaged, I would not like a system hiccups 6 months down the line to find count was 19 and we end up with a 3k bill!
Also incline to ask for a spare sensor, to put in glove box, for when it goes agin by the sound of things!
PS What counts as a fault to the ABS module, is it every time an ODB fault reset is tried, every stop start, every time you get the brakes crunch, etc? Just trying to estimate where the counts at?

 

[Newk]

Can anybody advise please? Q5 has been returned to Audi for warranty repair still on yellow warnings, pressure sensor replaced, collect tomorrow. Just spoke to technical about the 20 counts thing and my concerns of possibly count 19 and one more glitch in 6 months and £3k please! They have tried to assure me that it is only if a person continues to drive and the counter resets between drives, ie it is zeroed, is this so?
Also said they would not state in paperwork that ABS module was checked as that is standard procedure.

 

[Matt S35S]

I have some questions I hope someone can help answer. We are currently still on holiday waiting for the car and caravan to be recovered by Audi assist, with the stop/start faulty and brake servo restricted error, currently on yellow message (fortunately Q5 still in warranty). Two mechanics have already confirmed the pressure sensor is the cause of the fault, 35k on clock. My question is for when we get back, can the ABS module be cleared by Audi of any fault counts and can it be read by ODB diagnostics to see how many counts it has to date?
If it cannot be reset I am incline to insist Audi replace it as technically irreplaceably damaged, I would not like a system hiccups 6 months down the line to find count was 19 and we end up with a 3k bill!
Also incline to ask for a spare sensor, to put in glove box, for when it goes agin by the sound of things!
PS What counts as a fault to the ABS module, is it every time an ODB fault reset is tried, every stop start, every time you get the brakes crunch, etc? Just trying to estimate where the counts at?

Hi Newk,

As far as I am aware, the count increases every time the engine is started.

I believe that you would be safe if the pressure sensor has been replaced and the fault(s) fully cleared by the garage.

The best things you could do is:
1- Contact your Audi dealer and explain the situation.
2- Get the garage statement in writing.

You'll be fine, as long as all faults are cleared, in my opinion.

Also, we managed to find a 3rd party that can resolve the issue (when and if it reaches the 20 counts and get the fatal error) which cost a fraction of the cost of any dealers and / or garages.

Good luck mate.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[Matt S35S]

Can anybody advise please? Q5 has been returned to Audi for warranty repair still on yellow warnings, pressure sensor replaced, collect tomorrow. Just spoke to technical about the 20 counts thing and my concerns of possibly count 19 and one more glitch in 6 months and £3k please! They have tried to assure me that it is only if a person continues to drive and the counter resets between drives, ie it is zeroed, is this so?
Also said they would not state in paperwork that ABS module was checked as that is standard procedure.

Hi Newk,

If this has been repaired, then why are you still getting that "yellow" warning?

Also, what is the yellow warning you are talking about. Post pictures or be more descriptive.

I wouldn't drive / start the car if you were still getting some error messages on your dashboard. They should be fixing it, or tell you they can't fix it at least.

 

[Newk]

Hi Newk,

As far as I am aware, the count increases every time the engine is started.

I believe that you would be safe if the pressure sensor has been replaced and the fault(s) fully cleared by the garage.

The best things you could do is:
1- Contact your Audi dealer and explain the situation.
2- Get the garage statement in writing.

You'll be fine, as long as all faults are cleared, in my opinion.

Also, we managed to find a 3rd party that can resolve the issue (when and if it reaches the 20 counts and get the fatal error) which cost a fraction of the cost of any dealers and / or garages.

Good luck mate.
Let us know how it goes.

Thanks Matt
As said in my second part dealers refusing to give anything in writing to say ABS module clear of faults, insisting that it is but only verbally.

 

[Matt S35S]

Thanks Matt
As said in my second part dealers refusing to give anything in writing to say ABS module clear of faults, insisting that it is but only verbally.

Yeah, that doesn't sound really genuine to me. The problem is that Audi dealers don't understand that unit and probably can't access it. Hence the reason ECUTesting are taking on all this work. ECUTesting are specialised in thiese unit. Might be worth giving them a cal and ask the question.

 

[Charlie in London]

Sorry for late reply.
Car has been back and forward to the garage.

This issue has been traced to the master cylinder. The mechanic believes the issue is down to the brake fluid renewal process, whilst bleeding the brake system and brake pedal. We agreed that it was unlikely the abs unit removal/fix was the main cause, but contributed.

So, on to the replacement of said master cylinder. It’s a specialist part that is yet to be “copied” on the after-market. So it has to be Audi-direct order. Audi need to source it from factory, which is outside the UK and now subject to Brexit related delays and costs!
Also, the cost is £300 plus, with the fitting/garage costs on top.

I’ve got the part on order from today, but it’s likely to be 10ish (working) days before it arrives.

I’ll update once the work has been done, and I’m hoping that this will solve the issue, but I’m sure there’ll be a knock on issue somewhere!

In case anyone’s interested, I believe the master cylinder part number is 8W0611021.

I had my unit repaired by ECU Testing. All good. No warning messages anymore.

However, I would like to know what you mean by "Creaking". Is it an audible noise? I can feel a slight shudder when I press the brake pedal. Is that what you mean?

Charlie

 

[adamziek]

+1 for this issue.
Just had the bad news from the garage that I'm facing a £3000 bill for fully replacing the ABS module in my 2016 A4 Avant (S-line 190) after the c123ef0 fault. They are as baffled as we all seem to be as to why it should come to this, especially given the ambiguous, if not downright misleading dashboard warning after experiencing the "Brake servo restricted" warning (vacuum pump sensor failure).

I've paid up to to get a new sensor but holding off forking out the killer bill, especially after reading this thread (very informative and encouraging thanks!).

I too came across ECUTesting as a potential solution, but am also interested in taking this up with Audi directly but not sure how best to proceed. I bought the car second hand from a dealer - and well out of warranty - but feel strongly this is something they should be taking responsibility for (financially and morally!).

Two questions:
1 - has anyone here had any luck approaching Audi for compensation / free replacement based on the misleading dashboard warning?
2 - Is there a concensus on how good my changes are with ECUTesting to fix my unit? Reviews from yourselves so far seem positive.

Thanks everyone. Very glad to come across this thread!

 

[Charlie in London]

+1 for this issue.
Just had the bad news from the garage that I'm facing a £3000 bill for fully replacing the ABS module in my 2016 A4 Avant (S-line 190) after the c123ef0 fault. They are as baffled as we all seem to be as to why it should come to this, especially given the ambiguous, if not downright misleading dashboard warning after experiencing the "Brake servo restricted" warning (vacuum pump sensor failure).

I've paid up to to get a new sensor but holding off forking out the killer bill, especially after reading this thread (very informative and encouraging thanks!).

I too came across ECUTesting as a potential solution, but am also interested in taking this up with Audi directly but not sure how best to proceed. I bought the car second hand from a dealer - and well out of warranty - but feel strongly this is something they should be taking responsibility for (financially and morally!).

Two questions:
1 - has anyone here had any luck approaching Audi for compensation / free replacement based on the misleading dashboard warning?
2 - Is there a concensus on how good my changes are with ECUTesting to fix my unit? Reviews from yourselves so far seem positive.

Thanks everyone. Very glad to come across this thread!

I drove my car with the yellow warning "Drive, but talk to the garage". Then it went red and failed - no middle ground!!!
I talked to Audi, and got nowhere! If they admitted liability they would have to pay all of us or do a recall.
I also tried the DVSA. They said:

DVSA is aware of ABS issues affecting various makes and models of vehicles, including VW Group, and has investigated the issues.
Our investigations determined ABS is an additional support to the foundation (foot) braking system. As in this instance, it’s failure does not prevent the foundation brake from operating within design parameters including servo assistance.
All vehicles with an ABS system must have warning lamps/messages advising the driver of an issue. In this instance a advisory message has been presented allowing the driver to continue and to get further advice.
Should a driver continue to use the vehicle it is likely, as in this instance, a red warning message will display to make the driver more aware of the issue and the need to take further action.
As there is no loss of braking and the system displays warning messages DVSA determined the evidence insufficient to support further action under the Code. As such DVSA will not be taking further action on this occasion.
While I appreciate you may be disappointed with the conclusion from DVSA and understand you may have expected this component to be more reliable, the serviceable life of the component is something you would need to address with the manufacturer. Therefore DVSA are unable to provide any further advice on this.

Maybe all of us should join together and do a "Class Action" to force a recall. Has anyone thought of doing that yet?
I went with ECU Testing and got the issue fixed more cheaply than via Audi. The problem went away.
HOWEVER:

1. My brakes are a bit spongy and the pedal judders slightly - I am getting the brakes bled again tomorrow and will report back here.
2. ECU Testing don't actually say what they do to the unit - I chatted with them and they couldn't say if the fix they do is "safe" ie have they been audited for a "safe" fix??

ECU Testing say they fix 250 of these units a week - mostly VW/Audi
Charlie

 

[adamziek]

I drove my car with the yellow warning "Drive, but talk to the garage". Then it went red and failed - no middle ground!!!
I talked to Audi, and got nowhere! If they admitted liability they would have to pay all of us or do a recall.
I also tried the DVSA. They said:

Maybe all of us should join together and do a "Class Action" to force a recall. Has anyone thought of doing that yet?
I went with ECU Testing and got the issue fixed more cheaply than via Audi. The problem went away.
HOWEVER:

1. My brakes are a bit spongy and the pedal judders slightly - I am getting the brakes bled again tomorrow and will report back here.
2. ECU Testing don't actually say what they do to the unit - I chatted with them and they couldn't say if the fix they do is "safe" ie have they been audited for a "safe" fix??

ECU Testing say they fix 250 of these units a week - mostly VW/Audi
Charlie

Thanks Charlie. So yes, I wasn't really rating my chances getting much help from Audi on this one - especially since from my first contact with them, they were going to insist I first had the issue (re) diagnosed at an approved garage - yet more money to be thrown at them only for them to give me a probably even higher repair bill. It's massively disappointing. Would be good even just to know whether the unit is actually mechanically defective after the 20 count limit - or if its just an irreversible software block (which would seem utterly bonkers).

Do you think its safe to assume your remaining issues is with the process of removing/refitting the module and the bleeding/refilling of fluid etc? Currently my brake pedal feels fine - and actually improved after having the pressure sensor replaced (as now the assistance pump actually has the correct data supplied to know how much effort to produce).

What confuses me is that I never actually reached the 'red light' warning stage during any of my journeys. On taking it to the garage I still only got the 'brake servo' caution, but on diagnosis and potentially reseting that fault, the garage informed me that the 20 limit had been exceeded and the module is bricked. Now I get the red (stop now!) warning.

I'll likely go for ECUTesting based on your experience and speak to my local garage about costs for the removal/replacement.

Good luck getting yours sorted Charlie!

 

[Matt S35S]

Audi A4 2.0 TDI 190ps manual here car is in with same problem and chain of failures that led to the apparently same faulty master brake cylinder.. after they replaced the servo pressure sensor the abs pump and after that the pedal started creaking .. they got the master cylinder on order and I’ll hopefully pick up the car on Wednesday!Thankfully this is done under warranty! I’ll keep you updated cheers!

Hey Zocko,

Any news on the creaking pedal and master cylinder replacement?

Would be useful if you were able to share your experience and results.

Thanks in advance

 

[Zocko]

Hey Zocko,

Any news on the creaking pedal and master cylinder replacement?

Would be useful if you were able to share your experience and results.

Thanks in advance

Ah yes sorry I was away .. the creaking pedal was solved by replacing the brake servo (£735 job) wich is,according to my mechanic, a superseeded part and the good one comes with a B at the end of the part number if I recall correctly . There’s nothing wrong with the pedal /assembly it’s a cheap spring inside the brake servo ! Hope this helps ,good luck! Well done Audi , "Vorsprung durch Technik"

 

[ian.f]

Hi everyone,
Been off here for ages, been away with work.
I’m really shocked to see so many with this issue. And even more shocked at Audi’s response. But then again, I’m not surprised!

Anyway, my issue persists. I’ve just accepted it for now; I don’t have the time, funds or inclination to sort it atm.

Zocko, great that it’s sorted and you’ve got a final diagnosis for us.
Shame on you Audi!!

 

[Matt S35S]

Hi everyone,
Been off here for ages, been away with work.
I’m really shocked to see so many with this issue. And even more shocked at Audi’s response. But then again, I’m not surprised!

Anyway, my issue persists. I’ve just accepted it for now; I don’t have the time, funds or inclination to sort it atm.

Zocko, great that it’s sorted and you’ve got a final diagnosis for us.
Shame on you Audi!!

Very true! Same here. Just hope this isn't something that could break easily and jeopardize the braking system....

We do have a great community here. So let's keep it that way. Nice to see that everyone has shared their experience and found alternative solution(s).

Thanks guys and we should get that petition signed off. Someone on the blog started it I believe. I will dig it out and repost. More we are, the better it will be. I wouldn't mind getting a small compensation from Audi one day....

 

[Jhunt312]

Very true! Same here. Just hope this isn't something that could break easily and jeopardize the braking system....

We do have a great community here. So let's keep it that way. Nice to see that everyone has shared their experience and found alternative solution(s).

Thanks guys and we should get that petition signed off. Someone on the blog started it I believe. I will dig it out and repost. More we are, the better it will be. I wouldn't mind getting a small compensation from Audi one day....

I have just had this problem. My local Audi dealer says they only look at a "goodwill" gesture if the car has always been serviced by Audi (which it hasn't). Are ECU reliable as that seems the only option?

 

[Denzil'sDad]

Hi,
I have an S4 B9 with around 52k on it. I got the brake servo message, so replaced to booster and all was well. Ten days later, I got the dreaded red warning light and the 'safely stop vehicle' message. Took it to the local indy German garage and they confirmed the C123efo message. They recommended ECUTESTING, so the complete unit was sent to them. In the meantime, the guy at the garage mentioned that Audi have a limit on restarts after the red light appears, either that or the unit eats itself and after this point it can't be repaired. I asked the chat guy at ECU if this was the case, specifically on the B9 and he said he'd never heard of that happening. The unit is listed on their website as being repairable for £225 with no mention anywhere of restart limits or units becoming totally unserviceable. The unit ships back to the garage today, so I'll report back on whether or not this has been a win or a waste of time, £299 for the repair/reprogramming plus the German garage's labour. I will be talking with ECUTESTING should this process have been a waste of time and money.

 

[ian.f]

Hi,
I have an S4 B9 with around 52k on it. I got the brake servo message, so replaced to booster and all was well. Ten days later, I got the dreaded red warning light and the 'safely stop vehicle' message. Took it to the local indy German garage and they confirmed the C123efo message. They recommended ECUTESTING, so the complete unit was sent to them. In the meantime, the guy at the garage mentioned that Audi have a limit on restarts after the red light appears, either that or the unit eats itself and after this point it can't be repaired. I asked the chat guy at ECU if this was the case, specifically on the B9 and he said he'd never heard of that happening. The unit is listed on their website as being repairable for £225 with no mention anywhere of restart limits or units becoming totally unserviceable. The unit ships back to the garage today, so I'll report back on whether or not this has been a win or a waste of time, £299 for the repair/reprogramming plus the German garage's labour. I will be talking with ECUTESTING should this process have been a waste of time and money.

How did you get on mate?
I think I started tens if not hundreds of times on my red light (once my mechanic mate had confirmed the issue), and the guys at ECU testing sorted it.
Hope you got the same result