VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition

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Sun 28 Feb 2016 20:24
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

The ABS warning light isn't illuminating when the ignition key is turned. What could cause this?

My other half bought the car 2 weeks ago and the ABS light came on when we test drove it. They said they'd sort it and it was possibly a sensor. Went back a few days later to buy and ABS light didn't come on. Dealer said the brakes were sharp so watch sharp breaking. Suspected they'd put new pads in. But noticed today it doesn't come on with ignition.

Should I suspect foul play?

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Sun 28 Feb 2016 20:47
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - elekie&a/c doctor

I would say yes.The abs waring light should illuminate when ignition is first switched on,then go out after a few seconds.I suspest the warning light has been blanked off due to a permanent abs fault.This is an immediate mot fail.Get the system checked through the diagnostic system to establish what faults are logged.

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Sun 28 Feb 2016 20:55
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

Would I have any comeback from the dealer, maybe his 30 day warranty doesn't cover this as is for engine / gearbox. Or the newish 30 day consumer rights. Also they put a new MOT on the car.

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Sun 28 Feb 2016 21:03
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - Wackyracer

If they MOT'ed the car with the light not operating when the ignition is first turned on, then the MOT is dodgy and I'd report the MOT station.

You should be able to ask them to repair the car or give a full refund.

Edited by Wackyracer on 28/02/2016 at 21:03

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 12:30
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

The ABS seems to be working - the brakes felt juddery when I tested this morning. Could there be a fault but the actual ABS braking still functions? The dealer wants me to bring the car for diagnostics but I'm tempted to take it to my local man and get an independant test.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 14:43
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - RobJP

Don't take it anywhere else. You're just giving the selling garage an excuse "Well, someone else has messed about with it, so you're on your own now".

The selling garage is ENTIRELY responsible, IN LAW for fixing this fault. In fact, as it's within 30 days of the sale, you do not even have to give them a chance to fix it. You can reject it and get a FULL refund, if you choose.

Note that the repair or refund is YOUR choice. NOT the garage's choice.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 14:54
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

If another garage runs a diagnostic test would that show up when the dealer runs it a few days later?

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 15:07
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - madf

WHY BOTHER WITH another garage.

Go back to the supplying one (and read the prior posts.)

You are giving the supplier excuses for inaction.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 15:35
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

The garage I use all the time would give me the whole truth as it were. I'm now suspicious of the dealer and can't be sure if he'll give me the real diagnostics info. and try to fob me off.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 15:36
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - RobJP

If you don't trust them, then invoke your rights under the Consumer Rights Act and get a full refund.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 16:36
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

I'd just like to know the real issue and either have it fixed or like you both say claim a refund. How easy is it to do this refund claim as I imagine dealers won't be too willing to refund monies paid.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 16:40
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - RobJP

How easy to get a refund ? Quite simple. You take the car there, drop it off with all the documentation and keys, and a letter detailing the problems and that you are therefore rejecting the car under CRA, and expect a full refund to be made within 48 hours.

If the refund doesn't happen, then you issue a summons.

Whether the dealers are keen, or willing, to do this lot doesn't matter. The law is simple, and they know their legal obligations. All it takes is for you to push hard enough that you are a problem.

End of story.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 17:24
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

Sounds easy, thanks. Am hoping it's an easy fix but good to know it's that simple.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 18:06
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - Big John

Sounds easy, thanks. Am hoping it's an easy fix but good to know it's that simple.

Possibly not an easy fix - On a car of this age the abs parts alone could cost moe than the car is worth. As previously mentioned this is an MOT fail and a major safety issue

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 17:38
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - Cyd

We've got a 1.2 Polo, 03, which we bought 7 months ago for my son when he passed his test. Nice motor. However, there are plenty about.

STOP BEING A SAP. You are just the sort of procrastinating dipstick this garage was looking to unload the car on.

TAKE IT BACK AND REJECT IT before the 30 days is up, or else you'll forever be trying to get it fixed and you'll be driving a car incapable of getting an MoT (the car is unroadworthy - so check your insurance t's & c's carefully).

And get the MoT test stations details off the certificate AND REPORT THEM TO VOSA, with details of the car.

Then find yourself another one - as I said there's plenty around.

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 21:22
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - RobJP

We've got a 1.2 Polo, 03, which we bought 7 months ago for my son when he passed his test. Nice motor. However, there are plenty about.

STOP BEING A SAP. You are just the sort of procrastinating dipstick this garage was looking to unload the car on.

TAKE IT BACK AND REJECT IT before the 30 days is up, or else you'll forever be trying to get it fixed and you'll be driving a car incapable of getting an MoT (the car is unroadworthy - so check your insurance t's & c's carefully).

And get the MoT test stations details off the certificate AND REPORT THEM TO VOSA, with details of the car.

Then find yourself another one - as I said there's plenty around.

I'm occasionally accused of being blunt to the point of rudeness.

Amazingly, it wasn't me who posted that (though, to be fair, I was thinking along those lines) !

Well said Cyd

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 21:41
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - Perfection

The clue is here:

"The dealer said the brakes were sharp so watch sharp breaking."

The dealer haven't fixed the problem, what they likely have done is blank or removed the abs warning lamp. Off course the brakes going to be SHARP when the abs is not active, you are more likely to skid.

Go and get your refund, I would not trust this dealer to put the problem right.


Edited by Perfection on 29/02/2016 at 21:42

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 21:45
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - Cyd

this is the second time in two weeks someone has come here for advice, been given rock solid advice and then come back ignoring it. Boils my buns!

The Government went to a lot of trouble and work bringing in the protection of SOGA and this chap seems determined to just throw it away and end up saddled with an unroadworthy car (which he could be driving uninsured to boot).

I don't get it. Or am I missing something?

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 22:28
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - BenRM

I'm not ignoring anyones advice and will gladly use the SOGA to get a refund. At this stage I'm getting advice and will then act on it. Car was bought 2 weeks ago so still 2weeks for SOGA to apply. And it is insured with new MOT (yes maybe dodgy to give it!). So your advice is well received, thanks. And yes there are lots of others around!

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Mon 29 Feb 2016 23:01
VW Polo 1.2 2002 (52) - ABS warning light not illuminating with ignition - Cyd

it is insured

You are knowingly driving an unroadworthy car. Don't be so sure.

then act on it.....still 2weeks for SOGA to apply

I'm out!!

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