VW Polo Passenger Seat Motor Failure Fix Guide

Had the same electric seat problems on my 2011 VW Golf TDI. The passenger seat completely stopped responding, showing similar error messages. The root cause was actually the seat wiring harness under the passenger seat that had frayed and shorted out. This is a common failure point where the wires flex during seat adjustment. The short caused the seat control module to shut down as a safety measure. The repair required removing the passenger seat, replacing the complete wiring harness assembly, and recalibrating the seat control module. This was definitely not a DIY job due to the safety systems connected to the seat sensors. Since the seat wiring connects to airbag systems, its best to have a qualified shop handle this repair. This is considered a serious repair as it affects safety systems. Make sure they use OEM parts for the wiring harness to avoid future issues. During diagnosis they should check: Seat control module for fault codes, Wiring continuity under the seat, Power supply to the seat motors, Seat position sensors Getting this fixed properly the first time is important since faulty seat wiring can trigger airbag system errors.

Thanks for sharing that info about the seat wiring harness. Did the same repair fix your passenger seat problem for good? I am having identical issues with my 2014 Polo where the electric seat completely stopped responding. Would be helpful to know how much the repair ended up costing you and if any other electrical gremlins showed up afterward. The power seats in my car are giving me constant dashboard warnings now and I want to avoid wasting money on partial fixes.

Great news, after getting the passenger seat checked out, everything is working perfectly now. The electric seat functions all operate smoothly with no more error messages. The main issue turned out to be different from what I initially thought. Rather than the seat wiring harness, it was actually a heavily discharged battery causing problems with the power seats and electrical systems. The repair cost came to 290€ which included diagnostic testing and replacing the faulty battery. Since the fix, the passenger seat adjustments work flawlessly and I have not experienced any other electrical issues. The seat control module is functioning normally and all power seat movements, forward, back, up and down, are responsive again. This experience showed that electrical seat problems can sometimes be caused by broader electrical system issues rather than just localized seat wiring faults. Getting a proper diagnosis from a qualified technician helped identify the true root cause and avoid unnecessary repairs.

After dealing with all those headaches with my passenger seat, I finally got it sorted. Took it to a different mechanic this time, one specializing in automotive electrical systems. Glad I did because they immediately spotted the real problem. Turns out my electric seat issues were also caused by a failing battery, just like yours. The seat adjustment system was getting inconsistent power, making the motors act up. Total bill came to 310€ for the new battery, diagnostic work, and system reset. The seat switch and motors are all working perfectly now. No more error messages on the dash, and the passenger seat moves smoothly in all directions. Best part is I havent seen any other electrical problems pop up since the repair. Really appreciate the advice about getting it properly diagnosed. Saved me from replacing the entire seat harness when it wasnt actually needed. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one.