Won't Start - ESP Error & Steering light on

[Tobes_WIR35]

Went to start my car yesterday morning to head off to work - starter motor did its usual thing, but no fire up from the engine. Not even a hint.

MFD says I have an "ESP Error" and the steering light is on.

The car has not been driving strangely or hinting in any way that something was getting in bad shape. I am suspecting it may be an electrical or software/firmware gremlin or code error.

The battery is quite new, was replaced under warranty maybe 12-18 months (or about 30,000km) ago. Tested battery voltage (no load) and was 12.25v across the terminals (after trying to start it quite a few times). Tested from + to chassis in numerous spots, still around 12.25v. Also physically checked ground connections - all solid (so it's not a bad earth, and doesn't seem to be bad voltage, maybe a tad low but not terrible???)

Car has APR stage 1 tune, carbonio intake, otherwise stock. I've had two warranty issues during the life of the car, two failed coil packs, and a replaced steering rack.

Recently (a week or so ago) had a minor rear-end collision (not my fault) that has been repaired, maybe it has had some kind of effect on a sensor or electronic circuit that's gone into error or misaligned or something? Although the damage to my car was fairly minimal, it was a fairly hard collision so I wouldn't be surprised.

Anyone got any other ideas?

I am talking with my insurer and what will probably happen is that I will have to get it towed to my mechanic and have them do a report and/or make the repairs. If it turns out that the likely cause is from the accident, they will reimburse me. If not, I'm stuck with the bill - all of which sounds reasonable to me. The woman I spoke to said this type of thing is not uncommon after accidents.

[AdamD]

Went to start my car yesterday morning to head off to work - starter motor did its usual thing, but no fire up from the engine. Not even a hint.

MFD says I have an "ESP Error" and the steering light is on.

The battery is quite new, was replaced under warranty maybe 12-18 months (or about 30,000km) ago. Tested battery voltage (no load) and was 12.25v across the terminals (after trying to start it quite a few times).

Mate, that sounds straight up like a battery issue to me. On a number of occasions when my GTI's battery was reconnected I'd see the ESP Error and steering lights on the dash (the steering light should go off after a few hundred metres of driving/steering once the car is able to calibrate/check the steering system). Ditto the ESP error. And 12.25v sounds far too low to me - I'd be expecting to see ~12.5+v from a battery when standing, and 13.7-14+ when idling.

Try a start with jumper leads and see how you go. If it comes good, I'd be in search of a new battery.

[Tobes_WIR35]

Hmmm that would be great if it is. I have a battery charger at home so I will give that a try.

I've phoned up a few mechanics and they are all booked out for at least another week!

[Tobes_WIR35]

Anyone in Brisbane (Northern Suburbs pref) got a VCDS/cable that wants a carton of beer to come and scan it for me on the weekend?

[Tobes_WIR35]

Just read the timing chain failure thread. Now I am ****ting broken glass!!

[hoi polloi]

The battery is quite new, was replaced under warranty maybe 12-18 months (or about 30,000km) ago. Tested battery voltage (no load) and was 12.25v across the terminals

Volts definitiely too low for a battery in good nick... Maybe check if the alternator is charging it properly too..

- Anthony

p.s. What AdamD says about the warning lights goes too - everything you say points to the battery...

[Tobes_WIR35]

I'm not so sure now. I charged the battery last night, standing voltage now 12.5v or so. Tried starting it this morning - same deal. Very faint 'pop' noises but no fire up. Having read a number of forums now about the dodgy timing chain tensioner, I am unfortunately more confident that is my problem as I have the older style tensioner and I have had a few rattly cold starts over the last say 12 months or so. Symptoms seem to match up.

I hope I am wrong. My dealer service centre is pretty good and I am a loyal customer but I don't know whether they'll be up for fixing that under good will as I am 6 months out of my 3 year warranty. I sure bloody hope so though as it's a known problem with a TPI! I don't want to know how much a new engine or rebuild would cost.

Anyway, am trying to keep positive and not lose my mind. Well, I'll get it towed to VW on Monday and see what happens...

[nat225]

Checked all fuses?

[Tobes_WIR35]

Thanks mate I'll do that. Always gloss over the basic stuff and panic when it comes to cars.

[Tweeked]

Could be your low pressure fuel pump control module or the pump itself located under the back seat. I had mine quit working. Module died first then the pump about 4 weeks after. Sounds similar to what happened to me.