Dead VW Passat infotainment: MOST bus network alert!

I faced a similar issue with my 2019 VW Arteon Hybrid. The MOST bus failure affected multiple control units, causing complete infotainment shutdown. The fiber optics ring that handles data transmission between units was compromised. Car diagnostics revealed the main control unit gateway was corrupted, disrupting the automotive protocol communication across the entire media system. The repair required replacing the defective optical ring connector and reprogramming the gateway module to restore proper signal flow. This was a serious electrical issue that took specialized equipment to diagnose and repair. The fiber optics needed careful handling during replacement since even minor damage can break the data transmission chain. After the repair, they had to perform a complete system reset and parameter coding to get all control units talking properly again. The symptoms match your case exactly, total system blackout, error codes, and communication failure across the infotainment network. I suggest having a certified shop with MOST bus diagnostic capabilities check it, as this requires expertise in fiber optic repairs and control unit programming. This repair took 3 days in total due to parts ordering and extensive testing needed to ensure all systems were functioning correctly after the fix.

Thanks for sharing those details about the MOST bus repair. Just had this fixed on my Passat last month, it was showing identical symptoms with the audio system completely dead. It looks like it was pretty much the same control unit failure you described. Would you mind sharing how much you ended up paying? My repair bill seemed steep and I want to compare. Also curious if your infotainment system has stayed stable since the fix or if youve noticed any new data transmission issues popping up?

Had the repair done about 6 months ago and since then the MOST bus and all related systems have worked flawlessly. The fiber optics and data transmission through the infotainment system remain stable with zero audio system glitches. The total cost was 1000€ at the certified shop, covering both the faulty control unit replacement and the extensive car diagnostics needed to properly identify and solve the communication issues. A bit pricey perhaps, but considering the complexity of the fiber optic network and the specialized equipment required for MOST bus repairs, it was worth getting it done right. The audio system and all connected features have performed perfectly since the fix, with no recurring issues in the data transmission chain.

Thanks for the helpful responses. Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to share my experience. The automotive protocol diagnostics confirmed it was indeed a MOST bus failure, exactly what you all suggested. The repair took 2 days and cost 1200€. They had to replace the fiber optic ring and reprogram several control units to get the data transmission working again. The audio system is now functioning perfectly and all infotainment features are back online. Was nervous going in after my last bad repair experience, but this shop really knew their stuff with car diagnostics and bus network systems. They walked me through the whole process and even showed me the damaged components. Definitely recommend getting these issues fixed by specialists who understand the complexity of modern vehicle communication systems. Worth the investment to have it done right the first time.