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audi intermittent brake issue

Intermittent Brake Trouble with Mr P’s Audi Q7

Welcome to the world of Audi care and maintenance! At Fitch Autos, we understand the importance of keeping your Audi in top condition. As a specialised Audi workshop, we are equipped with the latest technology and knowledge to provide the best possible service for your vehicle. Whether it’s a simple brake adjustment or a complex engine repair, our team of Audi specialists is here to help. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of Audi maintenance and discover why choosing a specialised garage can make all the difference for your vehicle.

At Fitch Autos, your Audi specialist, our recent customer Mr. A experienced intermittent braking problems with his Audi Q7. With its complex combination of precision sensors, vacuum systems, and electronic systems, various issues can arise with an Audi Q7 braking system.

Functioning brakes are crucial for both the safety of vehicle occupants and to prevent accidents, protecting other road users and pedestrians. Inadequate brakes can result in the car failing to stop in time, posing a serious threat to others. Additionally, faulty brakes will also result in an MOT failure and nobody wants that!

Mr. A came to Fitch Autos with concerns about his Audi’s braking system. He reported strange feedback when pressing the brake pedal, accompanied by an audible noise and a warning message on the dashboard. However, Mr. A made the right choice by bringing his car to our independent specialist workshop in Brownhills.

At Fitch Autos, our team of knowledgeable technicians are equipped to diagnose and repair any Audi brake issue. With our expertise in VW-Audi Group vehicles, we have the skills and experience to effectively repair any type of issue. Trust us to get your Audi back on the road with confidence.

audi intermittent brake issue

Getting to the Source of Mr P’s Braking Issue

Matt, our Audi specialist technician, was tasked with resolving this complex brake issue for Mr. A. With his extensive knowledge and experience in repairing all Audi vehicles, we were confident that Matt would be able to diagnose and fix the problem at hand.

Matt identified an error code on the dashboard and quickly sprang into action. Utilising his expertise and our established repair process, he connected the ODIS diagnostic tool and cross-referenced the error code. He delved deeper into the ABS electronics module to examine the vehicle data and determine the root cause of the issue. 

Matt’s thorough investigation revealed that the Q7 was displaying the following fault code:

  • Error code C11EC 04 – pressure sensor for brake booster, internal system fault. 

As an experienced Audi specialist, Matt knew that this could lead to further problems with the braking system, so was not unsurprised to see two additional fault codes:

  • C054A 00 – Vacuum sensor “A” Range/Performance
  • P050F 00 – Brake Assist Vacuum Too Low.

If left unresolved, Matt knew that the C11EC 04 error could damage the ABS unit further. Why? Well, the ABS unit relies on vacuum data from the sensor, and if it can’t receive this data, it carries out a ‘hydraulic boost compensation’ with the ABS every time the brake pedal is pressed. This can result in expensive repairs if left untreated so Matt knew it was important to address the C11EC 04 error as soon as possible.

The ‘hydraulic boost compensation’  had caused the feedback and noise Mr P had reported feeling/hearing when he had pressed the brake pedal. 

Now, there is a limit as to how many compensations can be processed within the unit. If the unit reaches this limit, the previous fault codes will be followed up by fault code “C123E F0 hydraulic brake servo limit reached” and the complete ABS unit must be replaced alongside repairing the original issue.

Mr P reported experiencing strange feedback and audible noise when pressing the brake pedal, along with the error message on the dashboard. The ABS unit can only process a limited number of compensations, and if this limit is reached, it will display the error code C123E F0 – hydraulic brake servo limit reached. In this case, the entire ABS unit must be replaced, along with fixing the original issue.

Matt knew there was no way that Mr P could tell how close it was to the limit, as the dashboard does not give any indication. It was therefore crucial that the customer had contacted us immediately upon seeing the “Brake Servo restricted” warning on the dashboard as it allowed us to do our best to minimise the repair cost. 

Matt completed a diagnostic evaluation and visually inspected the ABS unit and servo and found no issues. Upon investigating the fault code from the sensor, he discovered it was not transmitting data. He removed the sensor and checked the wiring and terminals, which were in good condition. Using an oscilloscope, Matt confirmed the live, earth, and signal voltages and concluded that the issue was with the sensor itself.

audi intermittent brake issue

Replacing the Faulty Sensor and Resetting ABS Unit

At Fitch Autos, we have a team of highly skilled technicians who are passionate about their work and the vehicles they service. As an independent Audi specialist garage, we have expertise in repairing all types of issues. So, when Mr P came in with a braking issue on his Audi Q7, we were ready to help.

Our Audi specialist technician, Matt, quickly identified the problem and ordered a new brake servo vacuum sensor. With the sensor already removed from the vehicle, the replacement was installed promptly.

Matt performed a thorough check on the brake system to ensure it was functioning properly. He cleared the fault codes and used the Audi dealer software to read live data from the brake servo vacuum sensor. With his expertise, he confirmed the unit was working again. To further validate his repair, he took the vehicle for a test drive to evaluate the feel, noise, and overall braking performance. The results were positive with no warning on the dashboard and normal feedback on the brake pedal with no audible noise from the braking system – a successful fix!

At Fitch Autos, we maintain strong ties with local VW Audi dealerships and parts suppliers, allowing us to promptly obtain the needed brake servo vacuum sensor for Mr. P. This efficient process enabled us to diagnose and resolve the issue within a single day.

We also understand the importance of clear communication with our customers. That’s why our Audi specialist team kept Mr P informed throughout the entire process of fixing his Audi. Our team explained the issue with the brake servo vacuum sensor and provided an estimated time of completion and a breakdown of the parts and labour costs for Mr P. At Fitch Autos you are always in control of any work undertaken on your Audi.

Thanks to our quick service and access to parts, the issue was fixed on the same day, and Mr P did not need to take advantage of one of our free courtesy cars. Mr P was grateful to have called us when he did – any delay could have resulted in the need for a new ABS unit, which could have been a much more expensive repair.

You’re in Safe Hands at Fitch Autos

At Fitch Autos, we understand the importance of a properly functioning brake system for both vehicle and passenger safety. With our expertise as Audi specialists, we can quickly resolve issues and prevent bigger problems in the future, saving customers both time and money. Thanks to Matt’s efforts, Mr P was back on the road in his Audi Q7 in no time.

At Fitch Autos, our highly qualified technicians have access to a network of Audi bulletins and parts suppliers, and extensive experience in fixing Audi vehicles, which allow us to quickly diagnose and repair problems like the one Mr P had with his Q7.

Matt, our Audi specialist, utilised all these resources to quickly identify the faulty brake sensor and replace it in just a few hours. Additionally, our possession of the same Audi technology that the main dealer uses, enabled us to correctly reset the vehicle and ensure a complete repair. This sets us apart from other garages and makes us a go-to destination for hundreds of Audi customers.

For a top-notch Audi brake repair, turn to Fitch Autos. Our skilled technicians specialise in Audi vehicles and are equipped to handle all your braking needs. Reach out to our helpful customer service team today by calling _______ to schedule an appointment. Trust the Audi specialists at Fitch Autos for all your vehicle needs.

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