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mats_raven8

VW Caddy Shows Multiple Errors, Diagnostic Help Needed

My 2020 VW Caddy with gasoline engine is showing multiple error messages at once, in the infotainment display, speedometer, plus the malfunction indicator light is on. The car has only 19519km on the clock. Had some disappointing experiences with mechanics before, so I want to be prepared this time. Anyone dealt with similar multiple error messages on their Caddy? Really hoping to get some insights before taking it to a shop, especially wondering if a diagnostic scanner would help identify the issue. Would appreciate hearing about your experiences and recommended fixes.

4 comment(s)

susanmayer20

I experienced similar symptoms on my 2017 VW Golf TSI. Multiple error messages appeared simultaneously across different displays, including the engine light. The root cause was a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) coding issue. A standard OBD-II scanner initially showed multiple unrelated fault codes, which was misleading. The repair required specialized VW diagnostic equipment to properly identify that the vehicle coding was corrupted. The ECM needed complete recoding and calibration to resolve the cascading error messages. This is typically not a mechanical problem but rather an electronic one. The fix involves resetting codes and reprogramming the control modules to restore proper communication between vehicle systems. While not mechanically serious, it requires specific expertise and professional diagnostic tools beyond basic scanners. The multiple simultaneous errors are often a telltale sign of coding issues rather than individual component failures. The low mileage on your Caddy also suggests this is likely a software-related problem rather than wear and tear. Having a shop perform proper engine diagnostics with manufacturer-specific equipment would be the most direct path to resolution, as basic scanners may not reveal the underlying coding issue.

mats_raven8 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your ECM experience, that helps a lot. Had something very similar happen last year. The diagnostic scanner at my local shop picked up error codes across different systems which made it confusing at first. A corrupted control module ended up being the culprit. Would you mind sharing what the repair cost in your case? Also curious if the malfunction indicator or any other issues came back after the fix? While waiting for the shop I connected my basic scan tool but it just showed unusual codes that didnt make much sense together.

susanmayer20

Glad to provide an update on my Golf TSI coding issue. After seeing the VW specialist, they confirmed the fault codes were indeed related to corrupted ECM programming. The total repair came to 360€ for the complete diagnostic work and control module recoding. The check engine light and all other error messages disappeared immediately after the fix. More importantly, they have not returned in the past 8 months of driving. The diagnostic scanner they used identified the exact coding problem, unlike my basic OBD reader which just showed those confusing multiple codes. Like in your case, the fault codes initially appeared unusual across different systems. But once they reset codes and properly reprogrammed the module, all systems returned to normal operation. The specialist explained that when the ECM coding gets corrupted, it often triggers these cascading warnings that can seem unrelated. If your experience mirrors mine with similar error messages, having them recode the control modules should resolve it completely. Just make sure they use proper VW diagnostic equipment rather than basic scanners which might not detect the root cause.

mats_raven8 (Author)

I took my Caddy to the shop yesterday after getting your helpful advice. Their professional diagnostic scanner confirmed it was indeed an ECM coding issue throwing multiple fault codes, just like you described. The mechanic used VW-specific equipment to identify the corrupted module programming. The total repair cost was 425€ for diagnostics and complete ECM recoding. Once they reset codes and reprogrammed everything, all the error messages cleared immediately. The malfunction indicator light is now off and the speedometer works perfectly again. Was nervous about getting overcharged after past experiences, but your post helped me understand exactly what to expect. Really glad I knew to ask for proper diagnostic testing instead of just accepting the first basic OBD-II scan results. The specialized equipment made all the difference in pinpointing the actual problem. The car drives great now and all systems are functioning normally. Having the right information beforehand definitely helped ensure I got the proper fix. Thanks again for sharing your similar experience, it gave me confidence to address the issue correctly this time.

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