2000 vw passat glx diagnosed(dealer) front wheel sensors bad - metal filings on old sensor after accident. have new ones - does ecu need to be reset from dealer or are replacement parts plug and play

The ABS system means the Anti-lock Brake System. If the ABS lights on the dashboard permanently the ABS system is faulty. You must access the ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) memory to pull out all DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes), using diagnostic equipment connected to the data link connector of the car. Then you will be full informed about bad pieces (e.g.: front right wheel abs sensor interrupted, ...). After bad pieces replacement you will be able to erase all faults memored by ABS ECU, in other words reset the ABS system and turn off the warning lamp on dashboard.

the front pads have wear sensors built in so you can change the fronts only if you wish(genuine parts only,and you will have to get the system reset after.)
the special tool is required to force the pistons back into the calipers.you could do it yourself but as it requires you to buy the parts,take off the front wheels etc, by the time youve done all that,1 hours labour is all it cost for a dealer to fit them........and you dont get your hands dirty..........

It is a shot in the dark at this point. Your Passat, like mine, is a computer on wheels. Get yourself a VAG scan tool for $50. This will allow you to plug into your car's computer, under the steering wheel, and read its functions. It is easier than Windows for a PC...very user friendly. This will tell you of any issues, even the ones that do not set off the MIL(malfunctionIndicatorLight).
You could have a pre-CAT O2 sensor sening bad readings or a bad ignition coil/wires/or plugs etc...
I do not see how a coolant temp sensor would cause those symtoms, but if the scanner says that it is not getting a signal that it can use from that sensor, then it should be replaced. The computer is smarter than the mechanic, but it can take a mechanic to interpret the codes correctly which is why you post them here. Example, a reading from an O2 sensor may mean that the fuel/air mix is off due to a bad spark plug no burning it's fuel or a dirty air filter causing MAF sensor poblems, when the wrong solution would be to replace the O2 sensor.
VW will charge you over $100 per issue. They will give you the same answer the VAG scanner. You can get OEM VW parts on-line a lot cheaper than the dealer, too.
Good Luck!

First, to read VW codes you will want to get yourself a $50 VAG tool. It will read all your systems, not just the ECU.
Electronic Power Control can go out for several reasons. Check your brake lights with the car running. Check you radiator fluid level. If the car is running bad, you could have bad spark plugs/ wires or ignition coil.
The traction control is tied into the ABS system and often causes problems here as well. Each wheel has a speed sensor and magnet wheel in the hub. You can check these for damage by removing the tires for access. The sensors come out by hand, and inside the hole they come out of is the place to check the magnets with a flash light. Apply a small amount of wheel bearing grease to the sensor.
The control unit goes out in these systems at an alarming rate. They can be easily removed, and repaired for under $200 at modulemaster.com
Since it is intermit, I suspect most likely a loose sensor, or electrical connector.
If your brakes feel squishy at all, bleed the brake lines of air and contaminants.
Good Luck!

If it's the outside air tempreture sensor its under the centre of the front bumper area and visible from underneath with the large plastic undertray removed, the water temreture sensors are on the firewall above the oil filter, there are 2 and one is for the ecu and one the dash tempreture.

How old is the Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS)? The CTS have been know to fail, don't rule it out. After that, there's the thermostat and possible water pump. The pump would be your last choice since you did not say it was over heating and the effort required to replacing it. Go with the sensor first, it is a 2 part sensor, and apparently the half sending signal to ECU isn't working correctly according to the ECU.

Replaced the sensor ($43 from my local VW dealer: ouch.) Once you the parts in hand, and the engine was cool enough, it takes all of two minutes (less time than it takes you to replace one of the windshield wiper's rubber; who designed that damn thing????). Then replace the Thermostat 190F and cleared the check engine light.

Good luck and this should solve your P2181 Issues.

HI,
Passats can be reset if the radio is pulled out and the fuse on the back is removed. Wait for 2 mins, reinsert the fuse and turn the radio on. If this doesn't work, please take it to the dealer for the unlocking of the code, for which he may charge you some fee.

Do let me know if it was helpful.

Regards
Kanu

The sensors are actually part of the hub/bearing assembly, the entire hub would need replaced.***DO NOT OVER-TORQUE!***
Autozone would probably be the cheapest, however, DO NOT purchase the store brand!

Hi,my sugestion is that even if the vw dealer is too far ,just order the original boots from the dealer instead of cheap afthermarket ones, and have your mechanic replace them ,be sure he replace them ,looook under the car to be sure.......good luck......

Dear All

After taking the car back to our most excellent garage they quickly diagnosed the fault with the ABS. It was to do with the gap between the sensor and the wheel - it has to be a very precise distance and was disturbed by the changing of the CV boot (seems to be a common problem).

Half hour later and it is as good as new - this was after lots of electronic testing etc. - the clue was that it didn't give any registered fault on the diagnostic computer.

Hope this helps you Saxoste

Jon A