Electric windscreen buttons switching - how is this possible?

My polo has developed an odd habit of every now and again deciding it would like to switch the button that control the windows. I.e on the drivers door the switch to operate the left window will suddenly start controlling the right one, vice versa.

I don't understand how this is possible, unless it was wired backwards but then it would be like that permanently..

punisher5112

Roy White Belly wrote: »

My polo has developed an odd habit of every now and again deciding it would like to switch the button that control the windows. I.e on the drivers door the switch to operate the left window will suddenly start controlling the right one, vice versa.

I don't understand how this is possible, unless it was wired backwards but then it would be like that permanently..

Possible split in connection or did water get in? Shorting quite possible.

mickdw

I'm guessing both switches are located on one switch block at the drivers door. That being the case, there are many ways it could happen as the internals of these switches can be quite delicate and anything from wear to dirt build up to water getting in there can cause unusual behaviour.
New switch needed.
These switches are not like a household light switch for example where there will be sturdy wires for each function. It will be more shared circuits, micro switches etc where a bit of dirt can play havoc.

cml387

Further to what Mick said , the switch does not directly operate the window,it's a control signal sent to the canbus controller that orders the relevant window controller to make the window go up and down.
Likely it's a bad connection or water ingress.

cml387

cml387 wrote: »

Further to what Mick said , the switch does not directly operate the window,it's a control signal sent to the canbus controller that orders the relevant window controller to make the window go up and down.
Likely it's a bad connection or water ingress.

Cheers lads, the doors have been acting up aswell. . Certain ones not opening for months when I use the key and then suddenly working fine and then happen to the next door and so on. Could this be related to this problem also?

mikeecho

Roy White Belly wrote: »

Cheers lads, the doors have been acting up aswell. . Certain ones not opening for months when I use the key and then suddenly working fine and then happen to the next door and so on. Could this be related to this problem also?

Common problem on polos and golfs.
For the windows, just change the window switches on the drivers door.
Get a second hand one from another vw, skoda or seat.
It's a simple diy.

As for the locks, I can't remember what part needs changing, but it can be a pain, because the door is double skinned, and you'll need to remove rivits to get inside.

Popoutman

Three possibilities:
One, that the switch block is knackered;
Two, that the cabling going to the door through the rubber shroud at the A-pillar are cracked and cross-talking;
Three, the central conveniences module is water-damaged.

In most of the VAG cars (certainly applies to the Golf, Passat A4) the controller for the electric windows is actually under the floor carpet, and any water ingress into the passenger cabin will corrode the connections and internals of this module, causing randomness with the windows and alarm. Expensive and awkward to replace as the corrosion means a repair isn't possible. Will also need recoding to the specific car given the alarm componentry involved.