VW Arteon Central Locking System Failure Fix Guide

My 2019 VW Passat had almost identical central locking issues. As someone with some experience working on VWs, I initially thought it was just a key fob battery problem, but it turned out to be more complex. The security system was showing similar symptoms, key fob not responding and manual key only working on driver side. After checking the fuse box myself and finding no obvious issues, I took it to a workshop. They diagnosed a faulty wiring connection between the door locks control module and the keyless entry system. The repair involved fixing a damaged wire harness connector. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostic and labor. Much cheaper than replacing the entire central locking unit, which I initially feared might be necessary. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Have you checked the fuse box for any blown fuses? Does your car show any other electrical issues? When did the problem first appear, suddenly or gradually? What error code is stored in the system? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with my Passat.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Arteon is a bit newer at 95861km from the latest service. I already checked all the relevant fuses in the box and they seem fine. The problem started gradually over the past 2 weeks where sometimes the keyless entry would work and other times not. Now its completely unresponsive. The error code stored is B128900 which points to a communication fault in the locking mechanism control module. No other electrical issues are present, all windows, lights and other systems work normally. Based on your Passat experience, it does sound similar. I am hoping its just a wiring issue rather than needing a full central locking system replacement. Will book it in for diagnostics to check the wiring harness connections you mentioned.

Thanks for providing those details. After seeing your error code B128900, it definitely mirrors what I experienced with my Passat. The gradual failure pattern and the communication fault code strongly suggest a wiring harness issue, just like mine. The fact that your other electrical systems are working properly is actually good news. In my case, the damaged wiring harness connector was located specifically in the driver door boot, where the wires flex each time the door opens and closes. The constant movement had worn down the insulation, causing intermittent failures in the central locking system. When I had mine repaired, the technician mentioned that this is a known weak point in the locking mechanism design. The repair process involved: 1. Testing the door lock control module connections 2. Inspecting the wiring harness in all door boots 3. Repairing or replacing any damaged connectors 4. Resetting the security system Given your mileage of 95861km, its likely experiencing similar wear and tear. Consider asking the workshop to specifically check the door boot wiring harness first before looking at more expensive component replacements.

My sincere thanks for the detailed follow up information about the door wiring harness issue. This aligns perfectly with what seems to be happening in my Arteon. The gradual failure pattern makes even more sense now knowing about the wire flex point in the door boot. The remote locking system seems to be following the exact same failure pattern you described. Since all my car locks worked fine until recently, and considering the error code matches your experience, I will definitely ask them to inspect the wiring harness first. Will go ahead and book the diagnostics appointment focusing on the door boot wiring. With similar mileage to your case, wear and tear in that area seems the most logical cause. Really hoping it will just need a wiring repair like your Passat rather than replacing the full central locking mechanism or keyless entry components. Will update once I get the car checked and find out if its indeed the same wiring harness issue. The repair cost you mentioned around 95€ would be much more manageable than what I initially feared. Thanks again for helping narrow down the likely cause.