Is it normal for the Scirocco's ABS and ESP lights to illuminate simultaneously?
2 Answers
It is normal for the Scirocco's ABS and ESP lights to illuminate simultaneously. Here is the relevant information: The simultaneous illumination of the Scirocco's ABS and ESP lights occurs because the vehicle stability system and anti-lock braking system are in operation. Front-wheel or rear-wheel drive gasoline vehicles sometimes undergo emission testing, which is conducted using the steady-state test method on a chassis dynamometer. During the testing process, since the front wheels (drive wheels) are rotating while the rear wheels remain stationary, the excessive speed difference between the front and rear wheels causes the car's ABS or ESP system to interpret this behavior as a fault. As a result, the system stores a fault code and illuminates the warning light.
I drove a Volkswagen Scirocco for several years, and once the ABS and ESP lights came on simultaneously, which was definitely abnormal, usually indicating a problem with the safety systems. For example, the wheel speed sensor might be dirty or the wiring aged, as these lights indicate that the anti-lock braking system and stability control functions may have failed. From my experience, ignoring it can lead to worse brake response, especially on slippery roads where skidding is more likely. That time, I went to the repair shop, and the technician found that it was just a loose sensor connector. Cleaning it fixed the issue, costing a few hundred bucks. So, I recommend getting it diagnosed as soon as you notice this situation—don’t delay driving. Safety first. Regularly cleaning the wheel sensors can prevent such faults.