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2003 TDI Passat electrical (windows and central locking) problem

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  • 03-09-2013 5:25pm
    #1
    budgemook
    Registered Users Posts: 3,831 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Recently I began noticing that every now and then my key would not unlock or lock the driver door of my 2003 VW Passat. As well as this the electric windows couldn't be used from the driver side. These problems appeared intermittent at first but have now become almost permanent.

    What is slightly worrying is that every now and then they will work again on the driver side but only for certain windows. Once last week all 4 windows let themselves down a little bit when I started the car.

    So I guess I need to bring the car in to get someone to have a look. Before this I am wondering is there anything I can look at myself to diagnose the problem further or would anyone know any possible cause of the issue I am having?

    Who would normally be the person to look at this sort of thing? Authorized dealer? Regular mechanic or someone specialised? What should I expect to be paying?

    Thanks.


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    #2
    mountainb
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭mountainb


    Hi Budgemook,
    I am new to Boards and have just been reading through threads in the Car maintenance section and came across your issue with the central locking/power windows on the drivers side of your 2003 VW Passat. I had a very similar issue with a 2003 A4 and from searching online for information I discovered that the issue lies with the wiring loom from the car body entering the drivers door and that over time these wires fray and crack causing the issues you have experienced.
    In my experience the issue was with the live (brown) wire and the most difficult aspect of the repair was getting access to enough of the wiring loom to effect repairs.
    It took me about an hour of searching online and about 2 hrs to access and repair the wire. The repair involved soldering an additional piece of similar type wire to extend the existing wire (which also helped with repair) and applying heat-shrink to protect same.

    From the information I got it seems a common enough problem due to the type of wire that was used in those years and was subsequently changed in the next generation models,
    Hope you got the problem sorted, as I said I was just reading some threads and said I would post a belated reply. It may be useful for someone else in a similar predicament.


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    #3
    ardle1
    Registered Users Posts: 1,521 ✭✭✭ardle1


    Just to add to last poster, also you may have s slight 'wearing' down off touch pad in main console on drivers side arm rest, a simple fix, button unit can be snapped out (carefully) from door, disconnect plug and bring console to kitchen table for disassembly, just turn upside down, you'll see the small Philips head screws, you may just need to 'seat' the rubber touch pad firmly in place, if you notice any wearing, cut small pieces of rubber band to add depth, this may seem a bit confusing as you read, but it will all fall into place as you start this vey simple yet affective DIY job.... BTW when doing any wee electrical job to you car always have a can of electrical contact cleaner (type that evaporates)...... Spray all male and female connections and any contact points that look like a circuit board.. This fix is perfect for all cars with slow responding windows or doors. Also grommets between doors and frame easily snap out, no harm in disconnecting sockets and spraying all with contact cleaner.


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    #4
    budgemook
    Registered Users Posts: 3,831 ✭✭✭budgemook


    Thanks,

    My research suggests it might be corroded wires in the comfort control unit under the carpet on the driver side.

    It looks like a bit of a big job but something that could be manageable. I just need to find someone to give me a hand :)


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    #5
    bbability
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,504 ✭✭✭bbability


    budgemook wrote: »
    Thanks,

    My research suggests it might be corroded wires in the comfort control unit under the carpet on the driver side.

    It looks like a bit of a big job but something that could be manageable. I just need to find someone to give me a hand :)

    If your passenger footwell is damp that means your comfort control unit has become laden in a pool of water as it's located in the footwell. If that's dry check your wires on drivers doors as advised above.


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    #6
    andy t
    Registered Users Posts: 77 ✭✭andy t


    having this issue as well...

    window regulater , switches , & comfort control unit changed (before i got the car),,,
    2 front windows still dont work...time to go through the wire loom


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