What's wrong with the traction control on my daughter's Audi A3 T Sport automatic?

The car is a 2002 Audi A3 1800 T Sport automatic. It drives normally until suddenly the traction control light comes on. The car then loses power and bangs loudly as though it has just driven over a very deep pothole, the revs fluctuate and the car occasionally stalls. It is impossible to drive the car until the ignition has been switched off and the engine restarted, which resets the system. Then the car will be ok until the next time it happens (which may be an hour or a day later).

Scanning the car showed the following fault codes:

Engine - po102 - mass airflow sensor.

EPC - 01166 - engine torque signal.

EPC - 01045 - tiptronic switch.

It is my daughter's car and she needs the car for daily commuting. If the fault occurs in heavy traffic it is difficult and dangerous for her to drive and it is not easy to pull over, switch off and restart the engine. I would appreciate any suggestions for a cure.

Asked on 11 September 2010 by tester0033

Answered by Honest John

There is a known problem with later A3s fitted with Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP modules. But this seems to pre-date the cars with that problem. I think it might be a problem with the ANS reluctor rings. You need an independent VAG specialist to take a look at it.

Tags: automatics technical issues traction control

Similar questions

Should I switch off my Audi A4's ESP to improve control in snow and ice?

I bought a new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI (211) Multitronic in May last year. In winter weather I missed my old 2.5 auto X-Type, which had AWD and seemed much more sure-footed. I have found the A4 difficult to control...

Why does my Subaru have an intermittent ABS fault?

My Subaru Outback ABS and traction light keeps coming on. The dealer had a quick look with a diagnostic tool that gave the pump as a problem. It then went off for a week. It has come on and off several...

Does my Panda have traction control?

My new Panda cuts out heavily under hard acceleration in bottom gear. It could be traction control but if so it cuts in early and hard and is verging on unsafe when pulling smartly out of junctions. I...