VW Atlas Sunblind System Failure and Fix Guide

Having some experience with VW repairs, I encountered a similar issue with my 2015 VW Touareg. The sunshade repair involved replacing the complete sun blind motor mechanism as it was completely stuck and wouldn't respond to controls. First got an error code scan which confirmed the motor failure. The UV protection system needed a complete motor unit replacement, as individual parts weren't available separately. The repair process took about 3 hours at the workshop, including removal of the headliner to access the sunblind mechanism. Total cost came to 330€, covering both parts and labor. The car blind now works perfectly, and the UV protection is back to normal operation. To better assist with your Atlas issue, could you share: Have you noticed any unusual noises before it got stuck? What position is the sunshade currently stuck in? Does the motor make any sound when you try to operate it? What error code is stored in your system? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced and whether you might be looking at a similar repair process.

Thanks for the detailed response. My Atlas has 32434km since buying it new. The car sunshade started making grinding noises about a week before getting completely stuck. Currently, the interior accessory is stuck halfway, and the motor is completely silent when pressing the controls. The stored error code is B138742. The local dealer estimates 420€ for a complete repair including the new motor unit. Wanted to confirm if this price sounds reasonable before proceeding with the fix since I rely heavily on the car sunshade system during summer months.

Thanks for providing those additional details. The grinding noise before failure matches exactly what happened with my Touareg sun visor system. The error code B138742 typically indicates a motor unit failure, which is the same issue I faced. The 420€ dealer quote actually sounds reasonable considering current parts prices have increased since my repair. The complete sun blind motor replacement, including labor for removing the headliner and testing the car interior components, typically runs between 380-450€ nowadays. Since you mentioned heavy reliance on the sun protection system during summer, getting it fixed sooner rather than later makes sense. A properly working car sunshade is essential for maintaining comfortable cabin temperatures and protecting the interior from UV damage. Quick tip from my experience: Once the new motor is installed, avoid forcing the sunshade if it encounters any resistance. This helps prevent premature wear on the new mechanism. My replacement has been working flawlessly for over 2 years now with this careful usage.

This really helps clarify things. After hearing about your similar experience and cost breakdown, I feel more confident proceeding with the dealer repair. The grinding noise and complete motor silence definitely match your case, and knowing the error code B138742 confirms the motor unit failure. The 420€ quote seems fair compared to typical repair costs for this type of car interior work. Since summer is approaching and I need reliable sun protection, I will schedule the sunshade repair next week. Good tip about being gentle with the new mechanism, will definitely keep that in mind to avoid any future issues with the interior accessory. I appreciate you sharing your repair experience, especially the part about how your replacement has held up over time. This has helped me make an informed decision about fixing my car blind system.