Error: stabilization control (ESC) Help w/diagnosing this!

Turbo Diesel

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2023
Location
Utah
TDI
2015 VW Passat TDI SEL Premium
So the other day I was driving my 2015 VW Passat TDI SEL. The tires slipped on an ice patch which activated the stability track. It then went off afterward. The problem is now that it (Error: stabilization control (ESC)) keeps coming on every time I start my car and today the car just won't even start, period. I thought it might be the battery so after wasting $250 on a new battery it has happened two more times so it's not that. It seems to be a sensor now or something with the electrical system. I'm dreading taking it to the dealer for diagnosis, which is always an arm and a leg! Any ideas on how to fix this or reset the system myself? I'm hoping it's an easy fix!
 

AverageAndy

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2020
Location
Phoenix, AZ
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL, 2013 Golf TDI 6MT, 2013 Jetta TDI 6MT (R.I.P.)
Do you have VCDS? Scan for a code -likely a wheel speed sensor, which works with the ESC. If it is, that is a relatively easy fix.
 

Turbo Diesel

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2023
Location
Utah
TDI
2015 VW Passat TDI SEL Premium
I have a cheap scanner that is not bringing up any codes. So would this problem not let my car start? If I can get it to an auto parts store to be scanned would it tell me what tire sensor is potentially faulty?
 

AverageAndy

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2020
Location
Phoenix, AZ
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL, 2013 Golf TDI 6MT, 2013 Jetta TDI 6MT (R.I.P.)
It should still be able to start if it is just a wheel speed sensor. And yes, a proper scanner (assuming the store has that) would indicate which sensor is faulty.
 

Turbo Diesel

Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2023
Location
Utah
TDI
2015 VW Passat TDI SEL Premium
Okay, not sure if that is the problem then. Because sometimes it will start and then it won't, with that code coming up on the dash.

Thanks for the help.
 

AverageAndy

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2020
Location
Phoenix, AZ
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL, 2013 Golf TDI 6MT, 2013 Jetta TDI 6MT (R.I.P.)
In addition to a possible sensor issue, sometimes starts, sometimes not can be the push-button having dirty contacts -see below:

 
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