Activating the ABS pump on your VW Touareg using VCDS is a crucial step in bleeding the brake system, particularly after performing upgrades like ASR/ESP. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process.
Accessing ABS Pump Basic Settings in VCDS
Begin by connecting your VCDS interface to your Touareg’s OBD-II port and launching the software. Navigate to the following:
- [Select]
- [03 – ABS Brakes]
- [Basic Settings – 04]
- Group 001
- [Go!]
Initiating the ABS Pump Activation Cycle
Once you click [Go!], the VCDS screen will prompt you to depress the brake pedal firmly and hold. Apply significant pressure to the pedal, as if performing an emergency stop. Maintain firm pressure throughout this step. The pedal will momentarily drop as the ABS pump activates, then return to its original position. Release the pedal once this occurs. Acknowledge the prompt on the VCDS screen (usually “OK” or “Done”).
Bleeding the Front Brakes
The next screen will instruct you to OPEN the front brake bleed screws (FR/FL). Ensure you have tubing connected to each bleed screw, leading into separate containers to collect the brake fluid. After opening both bleed screws, confirm the action in VCDS. The pump will run for approximately 10 seconds, forcing fluid through the open bleed screws.
Completing the Cycle
The screen will then display a message similar to: Depress pedal 10X; bleed screw CLOSED. Firmly depress the brake pedal 10 times and then close both front bleed screws tightly. Acknowledge the prompt in VCDS. The system will then return to the initial “depress and hold” screen, repeating the cycle.
Repeating the Process
Repeat the entire cycle (depress and hold, open bleed screws, depress 10 times, close bleed screws) multiple times. There isn’t typically a “finished” message. Continue until the VCDS screen displays “N/A” or you observe no further air bubbles in the bleed lines.
Important Considerations
This procedure is best performed with two people: one operating VCDS and the brake pedal inside the car, and the other managing the bleed screws and monitoring the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. Ensure the brake fluid reservoir remains full throughout the process to prevent introducing air into the system. If working alone, position your laptop strategically for easy access. After completing the ABS pump bleed, proceed with bleeding the rest of the brake system using traditional methods.
