Hi all,

I need some advice about an ABS pump problem on my 2011 A3 1.4tfsi.

Recently I have an warning light come on that briefly comes up with a msg: "Start/Stop system not working" and then all the brake fault lights come. The problem is intermittent and sometimes does not come on until I have stopped somewhere and the system needs to engage the brake assist feature. Then the dash lights up again.

On bringing it to the mechanics, they did a scan and told me that the error points to the ABS pump and that they would need to take it out, have it repaired and then refit with a brake bleed. They recommended not buying a new one because it would need to be paired to the car again which often doesn't work well and then I would have to take it to Audi.
Quoted me between $2800-$3500 to do the job. Is that reasonable?

I was also wondering whether I could take the unit out myself and send it in for repairs. It seems pretty simple from what I can see. The 1.4 has a lot of space in the engine bay. I would just need to remove the battery box for better access. I would just need to buy a proper brake bleeding kit.

Or does anyone know of a company in the North Shore region of Auckland that does the repairs themselves instead of me having to go via a third party?
Thanks!

"would need to be paired to the car again" the bane of the modern car.

That price sounds extreme, but there are potentially quite a few hours involved. Not to mention parts.

being 2011, I would recommend checking to ensure the battery and alternator are working correctly.
When the voltage drops when you come to a stop or idle? it can also trigger ABS issue, however if left (without repair) it could potentially damage the ABS pump.

I had a 2011 1.2 VW golf unit "repaired twice" $700 odd for repair of the unit (did not include labour pulling and installing) ended up having to install another 2nd hand unit which required pairing to the car. The replacement unit needs to be complete part matching down to the last two alpha numeric letters as well. Otherwise you cannot match the ABS unit to the vehicle.