VW Polo Sound System Dead: Complete Audio Blackout

Faced this exact issue with my 2016 VW Golf diesel last winter. Have some experience with car audio systems and initially tried basic troubleshooting before going to the workshop. The symptoms were identical, complete sound system failure with no audio output despite normal display function. The volume control appeared responsive but experienced total sound distortion followed by silence from all car speakers. First checked all fuses and tried resetting the head unit multiple times, but no improvement. The workshop diagnosed a defective bass speaker that had shorted, causing the amplifier to shut down as a protection measure. This is apparently a known issue in this VW audio system generation. The repair involved replacing the faulty speaker and testing the amplifier, total cost was 280€ including parts and labor. System has worked flawlessly since the fix. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Whether you hear any slight buzzing when adjusting volume, If the Bluetooth connection still shows as working, If the system recently had any water exposure, Whether the issue started suddenly or developed gradually This info would help determine if you are dealing with the same root cause. These VW audio systems share many components across models, so the fix might be similar.

Thanks for the detailed response. Just had my 32500km service last week and the issue started right after. I do hear a faint buzzing sound when adjusting the volume control, and the Bluetooth issue appeared suddenly during a regular drive. The Bluetooth connection still shows as connected but with no audio output. No water exposure that I know of. Had the same thought about checking fuses first, but all seem intact. Good to know about the speaker causing amplifier shutdown, that could explain the complete radio silence across all audio sources. Will have it checked at the workshop and reference the amplifier protection issue you mentioned.

Makes sense that the issue started after the service, techs might have accidentally disturbed some connections while working on other components. The buzzing sound you hear when adjusting volume matches exactly what I experienced and points to an electrical connection problem rather than speaker failure. In my case, the workshop discovered that some wiring near the amplifier had been pinched during previous service work, leading to intermittent contact issues. The sound distortion and eventual audio system failure followed a similar pattern, including the working Bluetooth connection display despite no actual sound output. The repair ended up being much simpler (and cheaper) than my speaker replacement, just needed proper rewiring and securing loose connections. Total cost was only 120€ including diagnostic time. All car speakers returned to normal function immediately. Since your symptoms are nearly identical and appeared right after service, suggest having them check: Wiring connections behind the head unit, Amplifier power connections, Ground wire connections, Audio system fuse contacts The auxiliary input and all other sound sources should work normally once the wiring is properly secured. Much better than needing a full sound system replacement.

I appreciate the insight about the wiring connections possibly being disturbed during service. The buzzing sound during volume adjustment definitely matches what you described. Will bring it back to the service center tomorrow and ask them to specifically check those wiring points you listed, especially around the amplifier area. Good to hear your repair was on the simpler end, hoping mine is just loose connections too rather than needing any major sound system components replaced. The fact that my auxiliary input and other audio connectivity still show as working but with no actual sound output seems to match your experience with the wiring issue. Will update once I get it checked. If they try suggesting a complete audio system replacement right away, I now know to have them thoroughly inspect the wiring and connections first. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely causes, potentially saved me from an unnecessarily expensive repair.