VW Jetta Hybrid Cruise Control System Failure Fix

I had almost the exact same issue with my 2012 VW Passat Hybrid last winter. As someone with some basic car maintenance experience, I initially thought it might be a blown fuse, but it turned out to be more complex. The symptoms were identical, cruise control light on but system refusing to engage. After checking the fuse box myself and finding nothing obvious, I took it to a workshop. They discovered the throttle position sensor cable had a damaged connection, which was causing intermittent signal failures to the cruise control system. The repair involved replacing the wiring harness and checking the pedal switch connections. Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor. The speed sensor was also tested during diagnostics but was functioning properly. Before suggesting more specific solutions, it would help to know: Have you checked if there are any other warning lights on the dashboard? Can you share the specific fault code from the error memory? Does the brake pedal switch feel normal when pressing it? Did this issue start suddenly or develop gradually? This could help determine if you are dealing with the same root cause or if there might be a different issue at play.

Just had my 55655km service last month and encountered this exact problem afterward. After checking the fuse box myself, I noticed the cruise control fuse was indeed blown. Replacing it initially solved the issue, but it blew again within a week. The mechanic found the throttle position sensor was drawing excessive current, causing the repeated fuse failures. The total repair ended up requiring both a new throttle position sensor and pedal switch assembly. Parts and labor came to 385€. Would be curious if you have checked your fuses yet? The cruise control fuse location should be listed in your owners manual.

Thanks for sharing your experience. It definitely matches what I encountered with my VW Passat, these electrical gremlins can be tricky to diagnose. After my initial wiring harness repair, I actually had a similar situation where the cruise control started acting up again. The blown fuse was indeed a symptom of a deeper issue. My throttle position sensor was also drawing too much current, just like yours. The repair shop tested the speed sensor and brake light switch during diagnosis, but ultimately found the throttle position sensor was the culprit. Replacing both the sensor and pedal switch assembly resolved the problem permanently. My total repair cost was slightly higher at 420€, but that included a full diagnostic scan. The recurring blown fuse is a clear indicator of an electrical issue rather than just a simple fuse problem. When cruise control systems fail this way, its often due to current draw problems from worn components. Having proper diagnostic testing done is crucial to avoid replacing fuses repeatedly. Since getting the complete repair done, the cruise control has worked flawlessly for over 18 months now. Seems we both ended up with very similar issues and solutions.

Thanks for the detailed followup and suggestions. Yes, I did check the fuse box first and found a blown fuse for the cruise control system. After replacing it twice and having it blow again, I knew there had to be an underlying issue. Got it diagnosed properly at a local shop where they found the throttle position sensor was failing and drawing too much current. Ended up needing a new pedal switch assembly and sensor replacement. The total repair including parts and labor was 385€, which seems in line with what you paid. Happy to report its been working perfectly for the past 3 months since the repair. The clock spring and all other components checked out fine during testing. Really appreciate you sharing your similar experience, it helped confirm I was on the right track with the diagnosis and repair approach. For anyone else reading this with similar cruise control issues, definitely check the fuse box first but be prepared that a blown fuse might just be a symptom of a bigger electrical problem that needs professional diagnosis.