Three beeps - Brake warning light

[TheProphet]

A couple of months ago I was driving when suddenly there was three loud beeps and the ABS warning light came on the dashboard and the handbrake light started flashing.
I drove home carefully and went out later to check what was up but everything had returned to normal.

This afternoon I drove home and parked up, went out to my car later and it did it again, three loud beeps with the ABS light on and the handbrake light flashing however this time it is still there every time I turn the car on, even several hours later.

It was only MOT'd last week and serviced the week before.

Any suggestions what it could be?

Edit: After doing some research the three beeps is normally linked to low brake fluid but I've check and it is fine.

 

[dm222]

it beeps if you don't release the handbrake fully.

also check the brake oil level.

 

[RUM4MO]

You are certainly not the first person to report this sort of thing across the Fabia/Polo/Ibiza range of VW Group cars, but I can't remember what all the possible root causes were.

Certainly brake fluid level - or the sensor or its wiring faulty and the handbrake switch starting to fall off its mounting/faulty or its wiring disconnecting/faulty or ??

So, you have checked the brake fluid level and it is okay and near the "MAX" marker, have you checked that the handbrake light works when the handbrake is one, and is always off when the handbrake lever is down/off?

Next, check that your brake lights are all working, after that I'd suggest getting that car scanned using either VCDS or the official dealer tool as guessing might not solve anything.

 

[TheProphet]

So it's been to the garage and it needs a new ABS unit or to have mine reconditioned.
Does this sound about right? And if so what are my chances of picking up a second hand one? I only plan on keeping this car another 8-10 months.

 

[Speed-FReek]

Have they provided you with a copy of diagnostics scan showing what fault codes are present? If not then request one and post them here.

 

[RUM4MO]

Have they provided you with a copy of diagnostics scan showing what fault codes are present? If not then request one and post them here.

Once you have that info, you can then send the faulty section to a repairer.

 

[Speed-FReek]

Also, it will prove whether or not it's likely that a new ABS module is actually needed (i.e. the garage isn't trying to rip you off by replacing something that doesn't need to be). Plus, if it turns out that a replacement ABS module is needed, then a record of the coding value of your existing ABS module will need to be made/captured because that same coding value will need to be applied to the replacement module in order for it to work correctly with your car.

 

[RUM4MO]

Also, it will prove whether or not it's likely that a new ABS module is actually needed (i.e. the garage isn't trying to rip you off by replacing something that doesn't need to be). Plus, if it turns out that a replacement ABS module is needed, then a record of the coding value of your existing ABS module will need to be made/captured because that same coding value will need to be applied to the replacement module in order for it to work correctly with your car.

I think that BBA REMAN, make sure that any modules they repair, retain their original coding, but no harm in making sure that you have a record of the coding currently in all your car(s) modules, I and most of other folk with VCDS and/or Carista ect will routinely do that as soon as they take ownership of another car.

Edit:- that was just a timely reminder for anyone that has not yet done that!