ABS Error Golf 4 SDI: Troubleshooting Guide

Hello,

Perhaps someone can help me or tell me what the underlying meaning of this error is, as I don't have any error descriptions for ABS.


Vehicle:
VW Golf 4 SDI, year of manufacture 1998, engine code: AGP, mileage: 172,000 km.


ABS:
Control unit number: 1J0 907 379 D.
ABS 20 IE CAN 0001

1 error.
00283 Front wheel speed sensor, left side (G47) 35-00---


The error occurred while driving; the warning light briefly illuminated and then, after hitting a bump, it has been constantly lit. Initially, the error was intermittent, but after I cleared it, it became permanent.
My father drove the vehicle. When he got home, he explained to me what had happened.

So far, I have only checked the connections at the plug, and everything seems to be okay.

Is it possible to check the ABS sensor using VAG-COM, and if so, what is the path to do so?

For any help, I would like to thank you in advance.

Best regards, Germa.

If you have VAG COM available, it's quite simple. You can read the speed for each wheel in the ABS control unit. If there's nothing displayed or something implausible for the front left wheel, check the connections to the connector, both where it passes through the wheel arch and at the ABS unit itself, and test for continuity. It's also possible that the sensor ring is dirty. Check that as well. If no fault can be found, the probability of a defective sensor increases significantly.

I also suspect a dirty sensor. I once had a similar problem after changing tires. Since the sensor is magnetic, it tends to collect rust from the brake disc. First, try removing it from its housing and cleaning it. If that doesn't work, check out Ulf's post.

Be careful when pulling it out; otherwise, it's guaranteed to be defective.
It's safer to compare the wheel rotation speeds when driving slowly – that way, you can tell if one of them has stopped rotating and is temporarily not displaying any information.
The old sensors on cars like the Sharan often fail because they corrode, and they can break when you try to remove them.

Thanks again for the information.

@matthiasTDI96
I have an old VAG-COM version, but unfortunately, I can't find the option to check the ABS sensor. I've already checked the cable and it seems to be working fine.

@R.M.
The ABS sensor is clean, but there's still an error.

@teileklaus
Yes, unfortunately, this is a known issue with Volkswagen vehicles where the ABS sensors break when they are removed.


The probability that the ABS sensor is defective is high. That's why I just bought a new ABS sensor for €10 on eBay (including shipping) and will try connecting it. If it's not the ABS sensor, I can afford to spend the €10 for the sensor; I'll just put it aside for later use.

Best regards, Germa.

and how do you know if it's good?

teileklaus wrote:

and how do you know if it's good?

I'm assuming that a brand new sensor is in perfect working order!

P.S. This is not an original VW replacement part. (It costs approximately €50 at the official VW dealership).

Okay, the new ABS sensor is installed and the error is gone.

But taking the old one apart was a real pain.
The thing just wouldn't come out; it only did when I hit it with a hammer and it broke apart.
I used a file to remove the rust spots and then applied plenty of grease to prevent any further rusting.

Best regards, Germa.