Fixing VW Golf/Seat Leon MK4 ASR Light Intermittent - Comes On After 10 minutes driving

A common problem on the VW Golf Mk4 is the ASR light coming on after around 10 minutes driving. This happens because the ASR system is looking for a load signal from the alternator and when it isn't detected it times out which happens after around 10 minutes. If you turn the engine off and back on again the light will go out again and come on after another 10 minutes but how do you fix the ASR/ESP light so it doesn't come on long term?

The fix is a straightforward repair to the cable that runs from the alternator across the gearbox to rejoin the ends that have broken. It's easily visible but you may need to replace the plug as the wires can be quite embedded inside it.

VW Golf/Seat Leon MK4 ASR Light Intermittent - Comes On After 10 minutes driving

Part Number for VW Golf ASR Plug 1J0 976 824

The wires to the plug on the VW Golf ASR connector can break and cause the ASR light to come on after driving 10 mins. The part number to get from VW to replace it is 

1J0 976 824

1J0 976 824

VW plug part 1J0 976 824

VW Golf MK4 ESP/ASR Light Fault Warning after 10 minutes

A common fault on the VW Golf MK4 is that the ASR or ESP Light can show a fault and display warning light on the dashboard after driving for about 10 minutes. This is normally due to a wiring fault. The ASR/ESP module is waiting for a signal for the alternator load and if this isn't found after 10 minutes then the system shows a fault and error code on the dashboard light.

VW Golf MK4 ESP/ASR Light Fault Warning after 10 minutes

The most common place for the wiring to break is just above the gearbox where there is a connector with 4 wires coming from the alternator and disappearing under the battery tray.

VW Golf MK4 ESP/ASR wiring broken

The connector plug has the wires and terminals in it, the part number is 1J0

4 wires come into the connector plug and often break.

The order of the wire ASR socket colours and plug numbers is:

1 - Yellow

2 - Blue

3- Green

4 - Brown

Replacing Interior Door Grab Handles on VW Golf MK4 and VW Bora

A common problem on the Mk4 VW Golf and VW Bora is that the interior door handle plastics can get badly chipped and wear over time so start to look very tatty. This video shows how to remove the door handle and replace with brand new parts.

VW Golf Mk4 driver's door handle wearing

It's an easy fix to remove them and to replace with new parts which are commonly available on Ebay. Just make sure you order the correct parts - the drivers door handle is different for 5 door and 3 door cars and also ensure it's for a right hand drive car if you're in the UK.

Driver's door trim showing fitment for 4 electric window switches

New door handle trim fitted to VW Golf MK4

New door handle trim fitted to VW Golf MK4 showing vast improvement 

Passenger door handle replaced on VW Golf MK4

This video shows how to remove the door handle and replace with brand new parts.

Replacing Interior Door Grab Handles VW Golf MK4