Volkswagen ESP Light Stays On? Could Be a Faulty ABS Sensor

A flashing ESP light is something that can make any Volkswagen owner worried… we've all been there and we know how annoying the flashing of such a warning indicator is.

One explanation as to why that might be happening is that the "EPS off" button was pressed. But guess what??? That's not the only logical explanation. A wide range of other issues can also cause this light to pop up; the below discussion sheds light on some of the most obvious ones. Please take a look…

Illuminated ESP Light: Let’s Start With the Basics

Before we start digging into some of the most obvious explanations behind the flashing of ESP light, it is important that you understand what ESP stands for. It is the short form of the Electronic Stability Program. The pointers below define what exactly the electronic stability program is and what role it plays in ensuring your road safety.

If it is to be put in a nutshell, the Electronic Stability Program is tasked with the job of ensuring optimal vehicular stability when driving on rough terrain or performing tricky maneuvers. ESP is not an independent system… it is more of a part of a larger group of systems responsible for providing optimal stability to the vehicle.

A network of sensors is involved in providing the data necessary for the ESP to perform its assigned function. Listed below are some of the important sensors that help the ESP to perform its assigned function;

#1- Wheel speed/ABS sensors

#2- Steering angle sensor

#3- Lateral acceleration sensor

#4- Yaw sensor

If the control unit detects that the nominal and actual readings provided by said sensor are not matching, it coordinates the ESP with a bunch of other traction control mechanisms to control braking force and acceleration in such a way that the vehicle doesn't skid. To cut a long story short, the sole purpose of the ESP is to work in tandem with the engine control module and brakes to prevent wheels from skidding.

Illuminated ESP Light: Possible Explanations

#1- Faulty ABS sensor

ABS or wheel speed sensors essentially keep track of the wheel speed with the help of a toothed or magnetic encoder. From the engine control module to the anti-locking braking system; wheel speed sensor data helps many different systems to perform their assigned tasks. If one of these sensors is defective, not only will the anti-lock braking system malfunction, but the electronic stability program will also fail resulting in illumination of the ESP light.

#2- Defective control unit

There is a dedicated electronic control unit that decides when and how your VW's Electronic Stability Program system should operate. Based on the inputs received from numerous sensors such as the steering angle sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, yaw sensor, and obviously the ABS sensor, the control unit dictates different aspects of the Electronic Stability Program operations. If there is something off with one of these sensors, the Electronic Stability Program will stop working and the ESP light will get triggered.

#3- EPS switched off

If your Volkswagen’s ESP light is flashing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the Electronic Stability Program is acting up or struggling with a technical glitch. It could simply mean that you turned it off by mistake. So, if your ESP light is on, the first step you should take is to check whether you have turned off the ESP switch or not. If it is indeed off, just activate it and the light will disappear… just like that.

Illuminated ESP Light: Steps to Be Taken

Since the Electronic Stability Program plays a crucial role in preventing your Volkswagen from skidding while driving on a rough terrain; you should ensure its upkeep. And, if the ESP light is on;

#1- Check if ESP is off or not. If it is off, consider turning it on and the light will disappear.

#2- If the light is flashing because of a worn sensor, consider replacing the concerned sensor and the light will go away.

Key Takeaways

There are all sorts of different reasons why the ESP light of your VW may start flashing. In either case, it may point to a serious electronic stability program fault. A mechanic will be able to tell the exact nature of the problem you are dealing with.