A3 Sportback ESP Fault.

[add1ct]

Hi all,

My name is Jojo and Ive bought my first Audi A3 (2008) couple of weeks ago and everything is worked fine until Iv tried to install a Pioneer head unit. After I plugged everything in the stereo couldnt turned on and since then my car wont start with an error message "ESP Fault see owners manual" and a short beep.

I was reading so many blogs and forums and figured that it might be the battery. Ive ordered a brand new battery which Iv got today, and after installing it, the issue is still the same.

Ive checked the fuses but couldnt see any unusual/burned fuse. Iv got no new fuses at moment so cant try it.

 

Sorry for my poor english, and thanks for any help in advance,

 

[add1ct]

Update.

 

Bought an OBD2 reader and got U0101 - No communication with TCM error.

Any help appreciated,

 

 

[dannyanny246]

Hey, did you ever find out what the issue was? i have the exact same issue currently. installed a new pioneer head unit. couldnt get it to work. re installed the old one and got the issue. Iv gone so far as to install a new TCM, after finding power at the TCM and no blown fuses. If you found a solution id really appreciate some help

Cheers

[Rybrook]

On 6/6/2025 at 4:28 AM, dannyanny246 said:

Hey, did you ever find out what the issue was? i have the exact same issue currently. installed a new pioneer head unit. couldnt get it to work. re installed the old one and got the issue. Iv gone so far as to install a new TCM, after finding power at the TCM and no blown fuses. If you found a solution id really appreciate some help

Cheers

You need to run a switched live from the fusebox to the aftermarket wiring loom, the standard radio wiring doesn't have the switched 12 volts to turn on when you turn the ignition on.

As for the esp fault, Its a main control failure I think. Quite possibly a shorted wire when pulling the radio out.

[dannyanny246]

Awesome thanks heaps. When you say main control failure are you referencing to the TCM or ECU? How did you fix yours in the end? Iv already installed a second hand but supposedly working TCM but still have the issue. Thankyou for returning to a nearly 5 year old post, really appreciate it.

Cheers

[Rybrook]

6 hours ago, dannyanny246 said:

Awesome thanks heaps. When you say main control failure are you referencing to the TCM or ECU? How did you fix yours in the end? Iv already installed a second hand but supposedly working TCM but still have the issue. Thankyou for returning to a nearly 5 year old post, really appreciate it.

Cheers

Hi

 

I got a bit muddled, main failure is EPC. If you just have ESP it's a fault with the traction control and ABS.

If it ESP then it could be a sensor at the wheels but you have both lights on the dash, it could be a faulty brake light switch on the pedal.

Edited June 11 by Rybrook

[dannyanny246]

Ill check that now, thanks for the advice

[glen72]

After market stereo will cause fault code that could cause other issues do a scan with vcds

[stuie23]

I had this then the key stopped turning a day or two after new barrel and the bit behind too didn't come up with steering sign the steering wheel didn't lock either so had to get lock  fixed