VW Caddy Remote Unlock & Start Issues, Antenna Fix

I had a comparable issue with my 2012 VW Touran last year. As someone with some practical car maintenance experience, the symptoms you describe sound very familiar. My car showed similar problems, remote locking failed and radio signal became increasingly weak. After checking the error codes, the workshop discovered signal interference caused by a damaged cable connection to the antenna. The fm antenna wiring had deteriorated where it connected to the main unit. The antenna repair involved replacing the connecting cable and checking all related plug connections. Total cost was 95€ and fixed both the remote key functionality and improved the radio reception significantly. To provide more specific guidance for your case, could you share: Have you noticed any particular situations when the remote key works better or worse? Did these issues start gradually or suddenly? Is the radio signal consistently weak or does it vary? Has the car received any recent repairs, especially around the front bumper area? This information would help determine if your Caddy is experiencing the same underlying issue as my Touran did.

Thanks for your helpful reply. My mileage is at 104213km and last service was done in January. The remote key issue started gradually over the past month. At first, it would work intermittently when standing very close to the car. Now it barely functions at all. The car radio reception varies but is noticeably worse during movement, suggesting a potential loose connection in the antenna mount. I did have some minor front bumper work done about 2 months ago after a parking incident. This timing makes me suspect the antenna replacement might be necessary due to accidental damage during that repair. Going to have the antenna checked first before exploring other possibilities. Think I might try the antenna cable replacement you suggested, since our symptoms match quite closely. The 95€ repair cost seems reasonable compared to potential alternatives.

Since our cars are showing such similar symptoms, I think youre definitely on the right track focusing on the vehicle antenna system first. After my repair experience with the Touran, I learned these antenna issues often surface after body work, just like in your case with the bumper repair. The varying radio signal during movement is a telltale sign, exactly what I experienced before fixing my antenna cable. The gradual deterioration of the remote key function also matches my situation perfectly. When the automotive antenna system starts failing, these problems typically worsen over time rather than happening suddenly. Quick tip from my repair: have them check the entire length of the antenna cable, not just the visible parts. In my case, they initially missed some damage hidden behind trim panels. The radio signal issue was fully resolved only after they traced and replaced the entire cable run. Since you mentioned the recent bumper work, its worth noting that modern car antennas are often integrated into the bumper area. Any slight misalignment during that repair could have stressed the connections. The 95€ I paid covered both parts and labor, though prices might have changed since then. Keep us posted on what you find, would be interesting to see if your Caddy has the same underlying issue as my Touran did.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Touran repair. After reading your feedback and considering the similar symptoms, I feel more confident about the diagnosis. Ill schedule a check-up next week to have the antenna system inspected. The connection between the bumper repair and these issues makes perfect sense now. The workshop that did the original bumper work actually offered me a full diagnostic check at the time, but I declined since everything seemed fine then. In hindsight, that might have caught the antenna mount damage early. Ill make sure they inspect the entire antenna cable run as you suggested. The varying radio signal during driving definitely matches what you described. Good to know about checking behind the trim panels too, Ill mention this specifically when I take it in. The 95€ repair cost sounds much better than what I initially feared. Was getting worried it might be a more complex electrical issue, but the antenna repair route seems most logical given our matching symptoms and the timing with my bumper work. Will update the forum once I get it checked out. Really hoping its just the antenna cable like in your case.