What is the reason why the Golf ESC malfunction cannot start the car?
2 Answers
It is likely caused by a faulty ABS pump or a dirty throttle body. Below is relevant information about the ESC system: 1. Introduction: The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is a new active safety system in vehicles. It is an extension of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) functions. Additionally, it incorporates a yaw rate sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, and steering wheel angle sensor when the vehicle is turning. The ECU controls the driving and braking forces of the front, rear, left, and right wheels to ensure lateral stability during driving. 2. Composition: The system consists of three main parts: sensors, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and actuators. The ECU monitors the vehicle's operating status and intervenes in the engine and braking system. A typical ESC system includes sensors such as four wheel speed sensors, a steering wheel angle sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, and a brake master cylinder pressure sensor.
When I was driving my Golf, I encountered an ESC failure that prevented the car from starting. That morning, the car didn't respond at all when I tried to start it, and the ESC light on the dashboard stayed on. Later, I found out there was a minor short circuit in the ESC control unit, which also affected the ignition system. In the Golf, the ESC system is tightly integrated, so even a small fault can lock the engine start signal to prevent malfunctions. Common causes include aging ESC modules or loose wiring harness connectors, especially in humid environments where rust can easily form; low battery voltage can also trigger a protection mode—I measured the voltage and found it was below 12V. During the inspection, I briefly checked the fuse box and saw no blown fuses, but in the end, the dealership used a diagnostic tool to identify the exact error code and resolve the issue. I recommend avoiding multiple start attempts to prevent damage to other components—first, check if the battery terminals are tightened properly.
