Whats the problem?

[Sonic]

Whenever i start the car for the first time i get the red (!) on the VDU.

It usually bleeps a few times, goes away, then comes back after a few minutes.. then goes.. then comes back etc until it eventually stops until i next leave the car for a while then start it up.

So what's broken this time?

[Colesy]

Low PAS or brake fluid caused this for me. Hope you get it sorted.

[HPmuirt]

Have you ever changed your bomb?

In order of likelihood I would say: -

Low PAS or brake fluid
Leaking brake bomb
Faulty switch on PAS reservoir
Low pump pressure (you can get it if you nearly stall the car due to poor ISV)

Low fluid due to leak is quite common as one of the PAS pipes is a thin walled ally job like the aircon pipes, all of which corrode and develop pin holes on the corners.

Cheers n

Si

[Sonic]

Never changed the bomb, fluids are not low.

Guess im ordering a new bomb then!

It it likely to just let go and is it quite safe to drive? I'll aim to have it done before the 'ring trip in 4 weeks

[Rusty]

Do the test detailed on s2central, basically, with the engine off, press the pedal and count how many times till it goes rock hard, I think less than 20 is kaput, healthy is 50.

PAS reservior cap is a little ******, can't remember which way it works but either short it out at the plug or disconnect it and see if the problem goes away, if it's that then they're aout £15 new. Done.

[Evilgoat76]

Has the same and was the aformentions cap, the float seems to get stuck on odd places on mine and a tap normally cleared it till it jammed properly. Stripped and cleaned and its ok now.

But what everyone else said. The PAS pipes do leak

[Rocco]

Do the test detailed on s2central, basically, with the engine off, press the pedal and count how many times till it goes rock hard, I think less than 20 is kaput, healthy is 50.

PAS reservior cap is a little ******, can't remember which way it works but either short it out at the plug or disconnect it and see if the problem goes away, if it's that then they're aout £15 new. Done.

+1111111

this is what hàppend in my car

[CoCaine]

My car has the same problem,I've buyed a new bomb from Paul,fitted it,new hydraulic fluid and it was still (!) if I didn't drove it like 20 hours or so
I've putted DOT4,about 50-100ml,still (!) ...
What PAS reservoir cap do you refer to?Have any pic?
Thanks!

[s2driveruk]

yeah the cap is best cleaned with carb cleaner that usually helps. If thats really gunked up I would suggest flushing the whole circuit too. Cheap to do and the rack and pump will thank you for it too. Fluis is usually done after about 7yrs IIRC.

[Evilgoat76]

My car has the same problem,I've buyed a new bomb from Paul,fitted it,new hydraulic fluid and it was still (!) if I didn't drove it like 20 hours or so
I've putted DOT4,about 50-100ml,still (!) ...
What PAS reservoir cap do you refer to?Have any pic?
Thanks!

I always thought DOT4 in AUdi central hydrylics (sp?) was a really really bad idea?

As for the 7 year flush.....oops

[Rusty]

Yeah, it's a mineral oil, similar to the Shitroen LHM fluid. Flushing through a few litres of this over the course of a month or two is a good plan, you want it to remain green and clear, not black!

[CoCaine]

Is this the PAS reservoir cap?
Oh,and this is why I use DOT4..

[Kieron20V]

Is this the PAS reservoir cap?
Oh,and this is why I use DOT4..

Dot 4 is for the brake fluid only, which is why it says dot 4 only on the brake fluid reservoir cap. The central hydraulic system (black reservoir) uses G002000 fluid or G004000, which is green. The two circuits are seperate and do not share fluid, only the pressure is transferred
If you have put dot4 into the black reservoir, you will probably very soon have a dead pump, steering rack, and brake servo.


Always read the manual.

[CoCaine]

Of course DOT4 is only for brake only,I've sad that I've used hydraulic oil for steering pump

[Error404]

Try pulling the connectors off the pressure sensor on the servo Andy - if it goes away its either bomb, low pump pressure or dodgy sensor - probably bomb. All the reservoir sensors are closed with them unplugged so can be tested easily.
My bomb is dead so i unplugged the pressure sensor to stop the squealing until i get a new bomb

HTH mate