Volkswagen Passat (2001 - 2005) - 2003 TDi - Brake Warning message on dash display

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Thu 11 Oct 2007 13:25
2003 TDi - Brake Warning message on dash display - Sim-O
I have a 2003 Passat estate diesel.

Every now and then, couple of months, the warning on the dash comes up 'Brake warning stop now' or words to that effect.
It comes up lasts for a minute or so and then goes off until the next time, which could be ages.

It has done this a couple of times, once before I had the brakes renewed, which I presumed was low fluid level as the brakes were very worn, so I topped it up.
It has happened again today but I kniow it isn't the pads as they were replaced along with the discs 3 months ago and the fluid level is fine.
The only other thing I can think it could be is the anti lock brakes.

What are your thoughts please.
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Aim low, expect nothing & dont be disappointed

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 11/10/2007 at 13:47

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Thu 11 Oct 2007 13:39
Brake Warning - Screwloose
Sim-O

That sounds like the master brake warning; there are also ABS [and TCS] lights; fluid lights; pad wear lights and bulb failure lights.

I think there is a display software update to minimize this one.

I did have a similar-age A4 that was plagued with this warning; it might have had something to do with damp on the pads - but Audi just did the update and weren't telling...
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Thu 11 Oct 2007 13:48
Brake Warning - Sim-O
So you reckon, go to a VW dealer and they'll plug in a computer for 2 minutes, charge an arm and a leg and everything will be hunky dory again, yes?
:-)

Cheers
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Aim low, expect nothing & dont be disappointed
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Thu 11 Oct 2007 14:04
Brake Warning - Screwloose
Sim-O

As all display ECU updating needs an [unobtainable] security access code; I just passed the job on to the dealer.

As to exactly what they downloaded, or charged the customer, I didn't enquire.
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Thu 11 Oct 2007 14:07
Brake Warning - Sim-O
Thanx for the help.
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Aim low, expect nothing & dont be disappointed
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Fri 16 Nov 2007 09:40
2003 TDi - Brake Warning message on dash display - sandra
this happened with my 02 passat it is the brake light switch or one of your bulbs have blown basically you have no brake lights the part is around £5 from vw dealer

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 16/11/2007 at 10:15

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