VW BEETLE , ASR LIGHT IS ON , AT SAME TIME THERE SEEMS TO BE A GROANING WHEEL BEARING NOISE AT LOW SPEED , COULD THIS BE CONNECTED ? WHAT IS ASR??

First of all replace bad wheel bearing !!! This bad wheel bearing causes ASR light ON.

ASR - Acceleration Skid Control system.
When ASR warning light blinking the system is activated itself for car acceleration skid control.

For today's typical high-torque engines, traction control (ASR) can increase both comfort and safety, particularly when driving on slippery roads or surfaces offering differing levels of grip. Traction control permits smooth starting and acceleration through the full speed range without wheel-spin or fishtailing.



ASR only operates in conjunction with the electronic accelerator (E-gas) and uses components of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). If one wheel suddenly begins to rotate faster than the others (slip), ASR intervenes in the engine management system and reduces power until the wheel stops spinning.
The ASR system represents a further contribution to active safety as it maintains vehicle traction and directional stability throughout the acceleration phase at any speed. In addition, it reduces tyre wear. Activation of the ASR system is indicated by a flashing indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.

The ESP system means the Electronic Stability Program. If the ESP lights on the dashboard permanently the ESP system is faulty. You must access the ESP Electronic Control Unit (ECU) memory for 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 ESP ECU, in other words reset the ESP system and turn off the warning lamp on dashboard.