Dead Wipers on VW Bora: Switch or Wiring Issue

Had the same issue on my 2005 VW Golf with the 1.4L engine. The wiper switch failure is a common problem on these models. When my wipers failed, the rain sensor also stopped detecting precipitation and the entire wiper system became unresponsive. Initial diagnosis revealed a worn connection in the steering column wiring harness where it connects to the wiper switch. The copper contacts inside the switch assembly had corroded, preventing proper electrical flow to the wiper motor. This is a serious issue since it affects visibility and safety, especially in wet conditions. The repair required removing the steering wheel and airbag assembly to access the turn signal and wiper switch module. The technician found multiple damaged wires in the harness. Rather than just replacing the switch, they had to repair the entire wiring connection to ensure reliable operation of both the wipers and turn signals. Before heading to a shop, check if the wiper blades move at all or if you hear any motor noise when activating the switch. Also test if the cruise control buttons still work, as they often share the same wiring harness. These details will help the mechanic pinpoint whether its truly a switch issue or something more complex in the electrical system. Best to address this promptly as water damage can occur if driving in rain without functioning wipers.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My wipers started working again after the repair, but I noticed the cruise control buttons were a bit finicky for a few weeks after. Eventually got those sorted too. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was for your wiper switch and harness replacement? I paid 380€ for the full job including parts and labor, but prices vary quite a bit. Also curious if you had any other electrical issues pop up since getting it fixed? The wiring in these older VWs can be tricky.

Since fixing the wiper switch issue at my mechanic, everything has worked flawlessly. The final cost was 95€, which covered fixing a faulty cable connection in the wiring harness where it meets the wiper switch assembly. Much cheaper than I expected, since they discovered it was just a loose connection rather than needing a full switch replacement. The car wipers now respond instantly when using the controls, and the cruise control buttons have remained fully functional. No other electrical problems have surfaced in the months since the repair. The mechanic mentioned these connection issues are pretty common in VW models from that era, but once properly fixed, they typically stay resolved. Your 380€ repair sounds like it might have included replacing more components than mine did. Sometimes the entire windshield wiper assembly needs replacement if the wiring harness or switch is too damaged to repair. In my case, I got lucky that only the connection needed attention.

Thanks for the advice. After considering the feedback here, I finally got my wiper issue resolved. Found a different mechanic who specialized in VW electrical systems. Initial inspection revealed a deteriorated wiper switch that had damaged part of the wiring harness near the steering column. The total repair came to 420€, bit more than expected but they replaced both the switch assembly and repaired a section of the wiring harness. Took about 3 hours total since they had to remove the steering wheel to access everything properly. The new turn signal and wiper controls work perfectly now. No more error codes or intermittent failures. My wipers respond immediately when activated and the washer fluid sprays correctly too. Was worth paying a bit extra to have it done right by someone who knew these systems well. Definitely learned my lesson about addressing electrical issues promptly before they can cause additional damage. Thanks again for helping me understand what I was dealing with before heading to the shop.