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janfuchs1

VW Atlas Massage Seats Failure, Quick Fix Guide Needed

My Atlas massage seats stopped working completely, I cannot activate the massage setting using any buttons. The error is showing up in the system memory. Car details: 2016 VW Atlas, gas engine, 128326km. Has anyone experienced similar issues with their automotive seats? Looking for recommendations on reliable fixes and rough cost estimates before visiting a mechanic, as my last repair experience was not great. Wondering if this is typically a seat motor issue or something simpler.

4 comment(s)

lilianhimmel4

A similar issue occurred with my 2019 VW Tiguan luxury car. The massage chair function failed suddenly, and the diagnostic showed it was related to the main seat control module connector. The root cause was fairly basic, corrosion had developed on the electrical connections under the seat, affecting the seat switch functionality. The problem was not the massage motors themselves, but rather the connection between the control module and the massage components. The repair involved: Removing the seat to access the control module, Cleaning all connector pins, Replacing the main wiring harness connector, Reprogramming the seat control module This was not a serious mechanical issue, but required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify the electrical issue. Most automotive seats with massage functions share similar wiring configurations, so this is a common failure point. The system needed a full reset after repair to restore proper communication between all seat comfort functions. If your error is stored in system memory, having a proper diagnostic scan will help determine if your issue matches these symptoms. Would suggest having a professional inspect the wiring and connections before assuming motor failure, as connector issues are more common with these luxury car features.

lilianhimmel4

A similar issue occurred with my 2019 VW Tiguan luxury car. The massage chair function failed suddenly, and the diagnostic showed it was related to the main seat control module connector. The root cause was fairly basic, corrosion had developed on the electrical connections under the seat, affecting the seat switch functionality. The problem was not the massage motors themselves, but rather the connection between the control module and the massage components. The repair involved: Removing the seat to access the control module, Cleaning all connector pins, Replacing the main wiring harness connector, Reprogramming the seat control module This was not a serious mechanical issue, but required specialized diagnostic equipment to properly identify the electrical issue. Most automotive seats with massage functions share similar wiring configurations, so this is a common failure point. The system needed a full reset after repair to restore proper communication between all seat comfort functions. If your error is stored in system memory, having a proper diagnostic scan will help determine if your issue matches these symptoms. Would suggest having a professional inspect the wiring and connections before assuming motor failure, as connector issues are more common with these luxury car features.

janfuchs1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about the seat repair. I had the exact same problem with my Atlas last year when the massage setting stopped working. The seat motor connections needed cleaning and one faulty switch got replaced. The diagnostics also showed some error codes that needed clearing. Have you gotten yours fixed yet? Just wondering what the final cost was and if you had any other issues pop up since the repair. Would help me compare if the price I paid was reasonable.

janfuchs1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about the seat repair. I had the exact same problem with my Atlas last year when the massage setting stopped working. The seat motor connections needed cleaning and one faulty switch got replaced. The diagnostics also showed some error codes that needed clearing. Have you gotten yours fixed yet? Just wondering what the final cost was and if you had any other issues pop up since the repair. Would help me compare if the price I paid was reasonable.

lilianhimmel4

Great to hear you had similar findings. Yes, I got the massage seat switch fixed last week and the repair went smoothly. The issue was exactly as suspected, a faulty connection in the wiring harness under the car upholstery was causing the switch failure. The total repair cost was 95€, which covered the diagnostic scan, cleaning the connectors, and fixing a loose plug connection. The luxury car features like massage seats can be tricky to diagnose, but this turned out to be a straightforward electrical fix rather than a mechanical problem. Everything has been working perfectly since the repair. The massage function responds immediately when activated, and no warning lights or error codes have returned. Based on the work required, the price seems reasonable compared to what other shops charge for similar automotive seats repairs.

lilianhimmel4

Great to hear you had similar findings. Yes, I got the massage seat switch fixed last week and the repair went smoothly. The issue was exactly as suspected, a faulty connection in the wiring harness under the car upholstery was causing the switch failure. The total repair cost was 95€, which covered the diagnostic scan, cleaning the connectors, and fixing a loose plug connection. The luxury car features like massage seats can be tricky to diagnose, but this turned out to be a straightforward electrical fix rather than a mechanical problem. Everything has been working perfectly since the repair. The massage function responds immediately when activated, and no warning lights or error codes have returned. Based on the work required, the price seems reasonable compared to what other shops charge for similar automotive seats repairs.

janfuchs1 (Author)

After getting several recommendations, I took my Atlas to a certified mechanic last week. The diagnostic scan revealed exactly what was suspected, corroded connectors under the seat were preventing the massage setting from working properly. The repair took about 2 hours. They cleaned all the electrical connections, replaced one damaged connector, and cleared the error codes from the system memory. The seat motor itself was fine, just the wiring needed attention. Total cost came to 280€ for parts and labor, which seemed fair given the specialized work on the automotive seats. The massage function now works perfectly again, all settings respond immediately with no error messages. Much better experience than my previous repair attempts. Definitely worth getting it properly diagnosed rather than assuming the worst about failed motors or major electrical issues. Glad to have the seat comfort features working again.

janfuchs1 (Author)

After getting several recommendations, I took my Atlas to a certified mechanic last week. The diagnostic scan revealed exactly what was suspected, corroded connectors under the seat were preventing the massage setting from working properly. The repair took about 2 hours. They cleaned all the electrical connections, replaced one damaged connector, and cleared the error codes from the system memory. The seat motor itself was fine, just the wiring needed attention. Total cost came to 280€ for parts and labor, which seemed fair given the specialized work on the automotive seats. The massage function now works perfectly again, all settings respond immediately with no error messages. Much better experience than my previous repair attempts. Definitely worth getting it properly diagnosed rather than assuming the worst about failed motors or major electrical issues. Glad to have the seat comfort features working again.

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