VW Caddy Steering Controls Dead: Fix Guide Inside

I had nearly the same control module issue with my 2020 VW Transporter. As someone with moderate experience working on VW vehicles, I can share what worked in my case. The multifunction steering wheel completely stopped responding, similar to your situation. After vehicle diagnostics at my regular workshop, they found a loose cable connection in the steering wheel assembly. The problem was causing intermittent failures in the steering wheel controls. The repair involved: Testing the control module connections, Removing the steering wheel cover, Repairing and securing the loose cable connection, Clearing the error codes Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor, which seems reasonable for this type of repair. The whole process took about 2 hours. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: What error code is showing up in your system? Did the problem start suddenly or gradually? Are there any clicking sounds when pressing the buttons? Have you had any recent work done on the steering components? This would help determine if your sensor issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different.

Thanks for sharing your experience. For reference, my Caddy has 19322km and had its last service 3 months ago. The error code showing is B128900. The steering controls stopped working suddenly after a normal drive, no warning signs before. No clicking sounds when pressing any buttons, they are completely unresponsive. The workshop did replace the airbag module during the last service, could this be related to the sensor issue? I am planning to take it to a workshop next week, but wanted to check if replacing the control module would fix this or if others found different solutions. Really hoping to avoid a complete steering wheel replacement as I heard those can cost over 800€.

Thanks for the additional details about your Caddy. That airbag module replacement could definitely be connected to your steering controls malfunction. In my case with the Transporter, we initially suspected a faulty control module too, but the root cause turned out to be simpler. After the B128900 error appeared, my mechanic first checked the connections around the recently serviced areas. The electrical fault was traced to improperly routed wiring after similar airbag work. The repair involved: Inspecting the clock spring connections, Rerouting the steering column wiring, Checking the steering control unit connectors, Clearing the malfunction indicator Total repair time was about 1.5 hours, costing 120€. Much better than a full steering wheel replacement. Based on the timing after your airbag work and the same error code I had, I strongly suspect your issue is also wiring-related rather than a failed control module. When you take it to the workshop, ask them to specifically check: Wire routing after the airbag service, Clock spring connections, Ground connections at the steering column The sensor issue is likely from disturbed wiring during the previous service rather than component failure. Make sure to mention the recent airbag work to your mechanic.

The timing between the airbag module replacement and this connectivity problem does seem too close to be coincidental. I will definitely mention this to the workshop when I take it in next week. The cost estimate of 120€ for a wiring fix sounds much more manageable than the 800€ for a new steering wheel. From what you described about your steering controls repair, it makes sense that the recent airbag work could have disturbed some connections. I will ask them to check all the wiring and connections you mentioned, especially around the clock spring area, before they consider replacing any components. This gives me hope that its just a sensor issue from displaced wiring rather than a complete steering wheel failure. Will get them to inspect those specific areas first. Really appreciate the detailed explanation of what was done to fix your similar steering controls problem, helps me know what to expect and discuss with the workshop. Thanks for helping me understand the likely cause. The quick fix with rerouting and reconnecting things would be ideal compared to major component replacements.