VW Caddy GPS Dead, How to Fix Navigation Issues

Having dealt with a similar GPS module issue on my 2021 VW Transporter, I can share my experience as someone with moderate car electronics knowledge. The symptoms were identical, complete loss of satellite connection and GPS error messages. After attempting basic troubleshooting like checking for loose connections and clearing system memory, I took it to a workshop specializing in vehicle GPS systems. The diagnostic revealed a defective GPS antenna. Apparently, these units can deteriorate over time due to exposure to weather elements. The technician confirmed this by testing the signal strength with a specialized tool that showed zero satellite reception. The repair involved replacing the GPS antenna and recalibrating the navigation system. Total cost was 200€ including parts and labor. Since the fix, the navigation system has worked flawlessly with consistent signal reception. To better assist with your situation, could you provide: Current navigation system type (factory installed or aftermarket), Location of your GPS antenna (roof, dashboard, rear window), Whether the issue occurred suddenly or gradually, Any recent work done near the antenna or navigation unit This information would help determine if you are facing the same signal interference problems I encountered.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Last service was at 36210km and the issue started about 2 weeks after that. Initially thought it might be a software glitch, but the persistent GPS error message suggests something more serious. Your antenna repair story sounds similar to my situation since my satellite connection also completely dropped. The GPS antenna on my Caddy is factory-installed on the roof, and I noticed some deterioration of the surrounding trim which might have let moisture affect the car electronics. The vehicle GPS system worked perfectly before the service, makes me wonder if something got damaged during cleaning or inspection. Will check for visible damage around the antenna mount before booking a specialist workshop. Has anyone else found a correlation between regular service work and navigation problems?

Thanks for those extra details. After reading about your post-service timing issue, it strongly reminds me of what happened with my Transporter. The GPS signal problems on my van also emerged shortly after routine maintenance. In my case, the service technicians had used a high-pressure washer which damaged the protective seal around the GPS antenna mount. This allowed moisture to affect the antenna connection, leading to complete loss of satellite reception. A visual inspection of your GPS antenna area might reveal similar issues. Look specifically for: Damaged or cracked sealant around the antenna base, Discolored or corroded antenna connections, Loose or deteriorated rubber gaskets If you spot any of these, it supports the theory of water damage to the car navigation components. The timing after your service certainly suggests this possibility. The antenna repair in my case involved: Replacing the faulty GPS antenna unit, Installing new weatherproof seals, Testing the satellite connection strength, Verifying stable GPS signal reception While the initial cost was around 200€, preventing future moisture damage made it worthwhile. Consider requesting that the workshop specifically checks the antenna seals during your next service to avoid similar issues.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Your shared experiences have given me a much clearer picture of what might be wrong with my GPS system. Just wanted to update that I inspected the antenna area more carefully and found exactly what was mentioned, the rubber seal around the GPS antenna mount is indeed deteriorated, with visible cracks that could definitely let moisture in. This explains the complete loss of satellite connection after the service work. Going to book an appointment with a specialist workshop that handles car navigation systems. Will make sure they check both the antenna and the sealing components. The 200€ repair cost seems reasonable considering it includes parts and labor. Quick question before I go ahead, should I get the surrounding roof trim addressed at the same time to prevent future water damage to the GPS module? The workshop quoted an extra 80€ for this additional work. The GPS error messages are really frustrating when trying to navigate, so looking forward to getting this fixed properly. Will update once the repair is completed.