Headlights cause ESP and ABS warning lights [Resolved]

[planetflash]

When I turn my headlights on (side or full) my ABS and ESP warning lights come on and stay on, even if headlights are then turned off. They reset if I restart the car and do not come on during normal driving.

These two systems seem like they should not be linked :/

Any ideas?

It's a 2016 T32 T6 if any help

 

[Loz]

Bad earth

 

[Gavinda]

Low battery voltage?

 

[planetflash]

The battery voltage is good.

Bad earth

Seems possible. Any way to check out likely locations?

 

[Loz]

This a many more great resources are available to VIP members

 

[planetflash]

This a many more great resources are available to VIP members

That's really useful Loz thanks. I'm new here (and a new T6 owner) so didn't even know a VIP area existed - looks handy!

 

[Big Al]

Have you checked your tail lamp bulbs? A short across a filament from tail to stop lamp can cause issues?

 

[Howzat]

Been doing any work in the van before it started? Been known for a screw to cause issues/shorting. Check along the roof passenger side and the back door.

 

[Robert]

When I turn my headlights on (side or full) my ABS and ESP warning lights come on and stay on, even if headlights are then turned off. They reset if I restart the car and do not come on during normal driving.

These two systems seem like they should not be linked :/

Any ideas?

It's a 2016 T32 T6 if any help

Can you get and post here complete VCDS Autoscan?

 

[planetflash]

Have you checked your tail lamp bulbs? A short across a filament from tail to stop lamp can cause issues?

Yes. I actually tried disconnecting the whole cluster as I'd read that elsewhere.

 

[planetflash]

Been doing any work in the van before it started? Been known for a screw to cause issues/shorting. Check along the roof passenger side and the back door.

Yeah it's a recent camper conversion (not by me). Perhaps a screw has gone where it shouldn't. Hard one to debug though

 

[planetflash]

That said, it passed its MOT and we didn't notice any issues on a test drive. Then the guy installed an awning rail - on the passenger side roof... Could be it will report back when I can get a screwdriver to it this eevening. Good pointer @Howzat

 

[planetflash]

Turns out it wasn't that our local garage didn't get very far either and their auto electrician guy is unavailable. But I guess that's what I need...

Any particular recommendations in the Bristol area? Do they need to be a VW specialist?

I've not driven it much since it started as I'm assuming ABS/ESP light means they are not functioning, which means dangerous?

 

[planetflash]

If anyone finds this having similar issues, it turns out it was a cable caught underneath the pop top.