VW Polo Hood Sensor Triggers False Safety Alert

I faced a similar car safety system fault on my 2016 VW Golf TDI. The active hood and airbag warning combination typically points to a faulty impact sensor located in the front bumper area. The pedestrian protection system uses these sensors to detect collisions and deploy safety mechanisms. In my case, the fault appeared after driving through deep water, which damaged the wiring connection to the impact sensor. The repair required: Complete diagnostic scan, Replacement of the front impact sensor, Recalibration of the safety system, Reset of the fault codes This is considered a serious issue since it affects critical safety systems. The active hood is designed to lift slightly during a pedestrian collision to reduce injury, so any malfunction needs immediate attention. Worth noting that water damage isnt the only cause. The system fault can also trigger from: Damaged wiring harness, Corroded sensor connections, Failed sensor module, Control unit issues Recommend having this checked at a certified dealership since they have the specific diagnostic tools for VW safety systems. Regular shops often lack the equipment to properly calibrate these advanced car sensor systems.

Thanks for sharing that experience, it seems very similar to what happened with mine. I also noticed the hood latch warning right after driving through some heavy rain. Did you remember how much the total repair cost was? Im curious since these system fault issues can vary quite a bit in price. Has everything been working properly since the fix, or have you noticed any other sensor warnings pop up?

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. After taking my Golf to the certified shop, they completely resolved the active hood fault. The diagnostic revealed a defective acceleration sensor, which was triggering false collision detection signals in the system. The total repair came to 315€, which included: Full system diagnosis, Sensor replacement, Safety system recalibration Since the fix six months ago, all car electronics have been working flawlessly with no warning lights or system fault messages. The car sensor network is now functioning as intended, and the crash detection system is properly calibrated. The repair was definitely worth it for the peace of mind, knowing the safety systems are fully operational. The issue was simpler than initially feared, though its crucial to address these warnings promptly to maintain vehicle safety features.

After getting your feedback and reading about similar experiences, I finally took my Polo to a certified VW service center. Just like your case, they found water damage had affected the impact sensor wiring near the front bumper. The total repair came to 280€ which covered the diagnostic scan, new sensor installation and safety system recalibration. The work took about 3 hours to complete. The mechanic showed me where water had corroded the car sensor connections. They also checked the entire collision detection system to ensure no other components were compromised. Really glad I got it properly diagnosed and fixed rather than ignoring those warning lights. Its been two weeks since the repair and all systems are working perfectly, no more warning messages or active hood faults. The car safety features are back to normal operation. Thanks again for helping me understand what I was dealing with before visiting the shop.