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dieterraven1

Multiple VW Sharan Systems Fail, Clutch Switch Alert

Having trouble with my 2005 VW Sharan diesel where several systems are acting up simultaneously. Car starting is impossible, cruise control is not responding, and the gear selector display in the instrument cluster is completely dead. The error memory shows related faults. I suspect the clutch pedal switch might be the culprit since these symptoms seem connected. Has anyone encountered similar issues and had them fixed? Would appreciate hearing about repair experiences and whether replacing the clutch pedal switch resolved these problems. Specifically interested in what parts needed replacement and the diagnostic steps your workshop took to fix it.

Summary of the thread

The 2005 VW Sharan experienced multiple system failures, including starting issues, non-responsive cruise control, and a dead gear selector display. The suspected cause was a faulty clutch pedal switch, which was confirmed through a diagnostic scan revealing communication problems across control modules. Replacing the clutch switch resolved the issues, eliminating electrical glitches and restoring system functionality. Regular maintenance, including cleaning connector contacts, is recommended to prevent future failures.

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4 comment(s)

marafire1

Had a similar issue with my 2003 VW Touran diesel. From my moderate experience with car repairs, these multiple system failures often point to an electrical fault in the clutch pedal area. The symptoms in my case were nearly identical, car starting problems, dead cruise control, and gear display issues. The workshop found a faulty switch and damaged wiring in the clutch pedal safety mechanism. The cables had worn through due to constant movement, causing intermittent connections. The repair involved replacing the complete clutch pedal switch assembly and rewiring the connection. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostics. Since the fix, all systems have worked perfectly. To provide more specific advice about your Sharan: What type of diesel engine do you have? Have you noticed any warning lights? Does the clutch pedal feel different when pressing it? Are there any clicking sounds from the pedal area? The workshop should definitely check the wiring harness near the clutch pedal, as these connection issues are common in VWs of this era. Sometimes cleaning the contacts can help, but usually a complete switch replacement is the safest solution.

dieterraven1 (community.author)

Just had my 94465km service done last month, and this exact problem was fixed. The mechanic confirmed it was indeed the clutch switch causing multiple system failures. The safety mechanism built into the clutch pedal assembly was triggering these electrical faults. The car stalling and starting issues completely resolved after replacing the switch unit. Labor and parts came to 110€ total. A diagnostic scan first confirmed the faulty switch was causing communication problems across several control modules. Going by your description, the symptoms match exactly what I experienced. Not only did it solve the cruise control and gear display problems, but it also eliminated unusual electrical glitches that had been occurring. Would definitely suggest checking the switch wiring first, sometimes corrosion at the connector can cause similar symptoms without needing a full replacement.

marafire1

Glad to hear your clutch pedal switch issue got resolved. The repair cost and diagnostic approach matches my experience exactly with the Touran. After 2 years since my repair, I can confirm its a permanent fix that eliminated all those frustrating electrical faults. One additional tip from my case: the mechanic recommended cleaning the connector contacts during routine maintenance to prevent future issues with the clutch switch safety mechanism. This helps avoid premature failure of the replacement part. Car stalling and starting problems are classic symptoms of a failing clutch pedal switch. For others reading this thread, if you notice these issues combined with cruise control or gear display malfunctions, definitely get the switch assembly checked before trying more complex repairs. The electrical fault diagnostic scan is crucial here, as these symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as transmission or ECU problems, leading to unnecessary repairs. Getting it right the first time saved both time and money in my case.

dieterraven1 (community.author)

Thanks for sharing your repair experience! You and I definitely had matching symptoms with the clutch switch and electrical system problems. My ignition problem disappeared right after the fix too, just like yours did. The 110€ repair cost seems reasonable, I paid slightly less but prices vary. The diagnostic scan pointing to the safety switch was key in both our cases, preventing unnecessary work on other systems. My mechanic also mentioned the same thing about connector corrosion. Regular cleaning during maintenance makes sense to avoid these issues coming back. The car stalling and gear selector display problems havent returned since the repair, so I can confirm its worth doing. When multiple electrical systems act up like this, checking the clutch switch first can save a lot of troubleshooting time. The symptoms we both experienced, cruise control issues, gear display failures, and starting problems, are textbook signs of a faulty clutch pedal switch. For anyone else with a VW having similar issues, insist on checking the switch and wiring before exploring more complex fixes. Getting straight to the real problem saved me from potentially expensive unnecessary repairs.

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VW

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SHARAN