Passat Hybrid Cruise Control Failure Fix Guide

Having dealt with a similar issue on my 2018 VW Golf Hybrid, I can share my experience. The cruise control failure can be quite frustrating, especially on longer drives. After the cruise control stopped working, I noticed the dashboard light for the system would flash intermittently. The throttle position sensor was working fine, but the cruise control remained unresponsive. The workshop found it was a faulty cable connection to the cruise control module. Some wiring had come loose over time, creating an intermittent connection issue. The total repair cost was 95€, which covered diagnostic work and fixing the connection. Before suggesting specific solutions, it would help to know: Are there any other warning lights on your dashboard? Does the cruise control switch make any response when activated? Have you checked the fuse box for any blown fuses related to cruise control? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different. The repair was straightforward once properly diagnosed, and the system has worked flawlessly since then. Regular checks of electrical connections seem to prevent such issues from recurring.

Just had my service at 98868km last month, so the timing of this issue is quite frustrating. The cruise control module is responding when pressed, but I do see error code P0571 which usually points to a brake pedal switch issue. I tried checking the fuse box for any blown fuse related to the cruise control, all seemed fine. The speed sensor appears to be working properly since the speedometer functions normally. However, there is an intermittent brake light issue that started around the same time. This makes me wonder if the problems are connected, possibly through a shared electrical circuit or pedal switch malfunction. My main concern is ruling out simpler fixes before heading to a workshop. The 95€ repair cost you mentioned sounds reasonable compared to what I was expecting. Did your diagnostic process include checking the brake pedal switch specifically?

Thanks for those additional details about your VW Passat. The error code P0571 combined with the intermittent brake light issue strongly suggests a brake switch problem, which is different from the wiring issue I encountered. In my case, the diagnostic process did include checking the brake pedal switch, but it tested fine. However, your symptoms point more clearly to a brake switch malfunction, especially with that specific error code and the brake light problems occurring simultaneously. The brake pedal switch is a critical component that communicates with both the brake lights and cruise control systems. When it fails, it can cause exactly the combination of symptoms you are experiencing. The steering wheel controls might respond, but the system cant engage because its receiving incorrect signals from the brake switch. In these cases, replacing the brake pedal switch often resolves both issues and typically costs between 150-200€ including labor. Its a more specific fix than my wiring issue, but still relatively straightforward. Since you mentioned ruling out simpler fixes, have you tried disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes to reset the system? While this probably wont fix a faulty switch, it can help confirm whether the issue is permanent or potentially electronic.

Appreciate all the detailed feedback about my Passat's cruise control problems. After considering the advice and monitoring the symptoms more closely, I decided to check the brake pedal switch connection before doing anything else. The brake pedal switch appears to be the most likely culprit, especially given the error code P0571 and the correlation with the brake light issues. I realize now that both problems started within the same week, which cant be coincidental. The speed sensor and other components seem to be functioning correctly, so focusing on the switch makes sense. The estimated repair cost of 150-200€ for the brake pedal switch replacement is higher than the wiring fix mentioned earlier, but still reasonable if it solves both problems. I will try the suggested battery disconnect first, though I suspect this will be a temporary fix at best given the symptoms. I will schedule a workshop visit next week to have the brake pedal switch checked and replaced if necessary. The cruise control is important for my regular highway driving, so getting this resolved properly is worth the investment. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause.