VW Polo Terminal 15 Ignition Failure After Service

Having experienced similar symptoms with my 2017 VW Golf TDI, I can share some insights. The terminal 15 issue often points to problems with the starter solenoid circuit or ignition switch wiring. When my car would not start, the initial diagnosis revealed corroded battery terminals and loose connections at the fuse box. The main issue turned out to be a deteriorated wiring harness connecting to the ignition switch. The insulation had worn away, causing intermittent circuit breaks. This is actually a known issue that requires thorough inspection of the entire starting circuit. While not a catastrophic problem, it needs immediate attention to prevent potential damage to other electrical components. The repair involved: 1. Testing all circuit connections 2. Checking fuse box connections 3. Inspecting battery terminal integrity 4. Replacing damaged wiring harness 5. Verifying starter solenoid operation Before heading to the garage, check if your battery terminals are clean and tight. Look for any obvious signs of wire damage near the steering column. A proper diagnosis requires professional equipment, but these preliminary checks might save some diagnostic time.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Golf. I had almost identical symptoms with my Polo last winter, no power supply to the ignition switch and complete system failure. After reading your post, I checked my wiring and found similar issues with corroded connections. The detailed steps you listed match exactly what my mechanic ended up doing. Quick question, do you remember roughly what you paid for the full repair? Also, has everything been working properly since the fix? Just wondering if any other electrical gremlins popped up afterward. The voltage drop issue with these models seems pretty common, especially around the starter solenoid area. Knowing the typical repair cost would be really helpful before I head back to the shop.

Good news, since my last post I actually got the Terminal 15 ignition issue completely resolved. The repair was straightforward and cost 95€ to fix a faulty cable connection at the ignition switch. The power supply problems that previously prevented the car from starting have not returned. My VW Golf has been running perfectly for several months now with no circuit breaks or electrical issues. The fuse box connections are all solid and the starting sequence works every time. For your Polo, the symptoms and repair process should be nearly identical since both cars share similar electrical architecture. The complete voltage drop you described matches what I experienced before the fix. The most important part is ensuring the mechanic thoroughly tests all connections in the ignition circuit, as temporary fixes often lead to recurring issues. Looking back, getting it properly diagnosed and repaired was worth every cent to restore reliable starting. Just make sure they check the entire circuit path from battery to starter solenoid for any potential weak points.

Following up on my initial concern about the Terminal 15 issue, got it sorted at a different mechanic who actually knew what they were doing. After checking all the battery terminals and running diagnostics, they found a damaged wiring harness that was causing the power supply issues. The repair took about 2 hours and cost 180€, a bit steep but worth it to have a properly working car again. The mechanic showed me where the circuit break was happening and replaced the worn sections of the harness near the ignition switch. What a relief to finally have this fixed. The car starts perfectly now, no more error messages, and all electrical systems are working as they should. Makes me wish I had gone to this shop first instead of wasting time with the previous garage. Their thorough approach to testing the entire starting circuit really made the difference. For anyone else facing similar starting problems, definitely get a proper diagnosis of the whole electrical system rather than just assuming its a simple ignition switch issue.