ABS Warning Light - Will Not Go Out

Group: 45
Number: 93.01
Date: December 15, 1993

Subject:
ABS warning light does not go out

Model(s):
Passat, Corrado, EuroVan
From 1993 m.y.

Information also applies to Repair Group 28.

Condition

An ABS warning light which does not go out after vehicle start-up may be caused by the ignition switch/lock not fully returning from the "start" position (terminal 50) to the "run" position (terminal 15).

If the switch/lock does not return to the "run" position, circuits controlled or powered by terminal X, for example headlights, evaporator fan and ABS hydraulic pump, will not function. A non-functioning ABS hydraulic pump will cause the ABS warning light to stay on.

An ignition start switch/lock which binds or does not return smoothly from the 'start' position can be caused by the following:

1. Shift lock III cable misadjustment

2. Ignition switch and/or ignition lock binding

3. Improperly deburred ignition key or improperly cut/deburred duplicate key

Production

1. Shift lock III cable adjustment checked on all vehicles as of 2/93 production.

2. Ignition lock assembly process improved as of ignition lock production 4/93 (week 17). Improved ignition lock assembly is identified with the date code "17/1993" or later and is installed on vehicles as of 5/93 production.

Service

If customer complains that ABS warning light does not go out, check ignition switch lock for free and smooth return from the "start" position to "run" position as follows:

- obtain radio security code and disconnect battery Ground (GND) strap

- insert key into ignition switch lock and turn switch to "start" position

- slowly release ignition switch/lock; ensure switch/lock returns freely and completely to the "run" position

- repeat process several times as necessary to ensure proper ignition switch/lock movement

If ignition switch/lock binds and/or key does not return fully to the "run" position,
1. Check ignition key for burrs and deburr d necessary. If ignition key is a duplicate, ensure key is cut and deburred properly.

2. Check shift lock III cable adjustment and adjust if necessary, see:

^ Passat - Passat Repair Manual, Automatic Transmission 096, From 1990 m.y. (paper manual), Repair Group 37

^ Corrado - Technical Bulletin 37-93-02, 4/15/93

^ EuroVan - EuroVan Repair Manual, Automatic Transmission 098, From 1993 m.y. (paper manual), Repair Group 37

3. Check ignition switch function; remove ignition switch and operate with screwdriver.

If switch binds and/or does not return freely, replace ignition switch.

- check for free movement of ignition lock; insert key into ignition lock and turn back and forth

If ignition lock binds, replace with ignition lock produced after 4/93 (week 17), identified with date code "17/1993" or later.