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luisefrost6

VW Caddy Massage Seat Malfunction Fix Tips & Costs

Looking for advice on my massage seat switch problem in my 2005 VW Caddy (petrol, 63049km). The automotive seats massage function stopped working completely and an error code is showing up. Had a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, so I want to make sure I understand the potential issues before taking it in again. Anyone dealt with a similar electrical issue in their massage chairs? What was the fix and how much did it cost?

4 comment(s)

antonschmitz1

Had the same seat motor issue on a 2008 VW Golf TSI. The massage seat function failed due to worn cable connections beneath the seat assembly. When the automotive seats stop working, its usually either the seat switch or wiring harness deterioration. The fix required removing the entire seat upholstery to access the control module. In most cases, the cable connecting the massage motors to the main control unit develops micro-breaks from constant seat movement. The mechanic needs specialized diagnostic tools to properly identify which circuit is compromised. This was a serious repair as it involved complete disassembly of the car upholstery and careful handling of the airbag sensors. The repair itself took about 4 hours of labor. Looking at your symptoms, particularly the error code, it points to similar electrical connectivity problems rather than motor failure. Best approach is finding a shop with experience in VW electrical systems. Make sure they do a full diagnostic test before starting repairs, as sometimes the issue can be as simple as a loose connector or as complex as a failed control module. The massage seat system is quite robust when working properly, but once electrical issues start, they need immediate attention to prevent further damage to the motors or control unit.

luisefrost6 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your Golf experience. My Caddy had similar luxury car seat problems last year. The massage seat function just died suddenly during normal operation. The diagnosis matched yours, my seat switch wiring had deteriorated from regular seat movement. However, after fixing the initial wiring issue, we discovered the control module also needed replacement due to moisture damage. Been meaning to ask, what did your repair end up costing? I had to pay 780€ for parts and labor combined. Has everything stayed working properly since your fix? The whole massage function has worked flawlessly for me since the repair, though I now try to be more gentle with seat adjustments to avoid future wiring stress.

antonschmitz1

Great to hear about your successful repair. After my initial post, I took my Golf to a certified VW specialist who quickly identified the massage seat switch failure. The fix was much simpler and cheaper than initially expected, just 95€ to repair a faulty cable connection near the control module. No need for the extensive disassembly I mentioned before. The luxury car seat system has worked perfectly since the repair six months ago. The technician explained that these switch failures often stem from simple connection issues rather than complete system breakdowns. Your case sounds more complex with the moisture damage to the control module, which explains the higher repair cost. The automotive seats in these VWs are generally reliable, but the massage function can be sensitive to electrical issues. Regular inspection of visible wiring might help catch potential problems before they lead to complete switch failure.

luisefrost6 (Author)

Thanks for the input. Just wanted to wrap up my experience with this repair situation. Finally took it to a certified VW shop last week. The electrical issue turned out to be less severe than expected. The technician found a damaged wire bundle near the seat motor causing the switch failure. Total repair cost came to 320€, which included diagnostic testing and labor. They had to partially remove the seat cover but didnt need a full disassembly. The massage seat function works perfectly now. The mechanic showed me where the wiring had worn through and suggested checking the visible cables every few months for early signs of wear. Much better experience than my previous repair attempts, and the automotive seats feel as good as new. Really glad I asked for advice here before potentially overpaying for unnecessary work.

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