VW Sharan Door Lock System Failure and Repairs

Having faced a similar issue with my VW Touran 2008 diesel, I can share what worked in my case. The car alarm and central locking system completely stopped responding, which was quite frustrating. After checking the fuse box first (which was fine), the workshop diagnosed the problem as a faulty wiring connection to the central locking control module. The cables had worn out over time, causing intermittent connection issues with the security system components. The repair involved replacing damaged wiring and reconnecting the plug properly. Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor, and it resolved the problem completely. The car locks now work perfectly with both remote and manual key operation. Before suggesting specific solutions for your case, it would help to know: Are you getting any response at all from the remote? Does the key turn smoothly in the driver door lock? Have you noticed any other electrical issues recently? Can you specify which error code is stored? These details would help determine if your issue is similar to what I experienced or if it might be something else.

Last serviced at 143540km two months ago. I noticed some concerning symptoms before the complete failure. The key fob would work intermittently at first, especially in cold weather. Sometimes the remote locking would need multiple button presses to engage. After checking the owners forum, I found the most likely culprit could be either the central locking module itself or the door lock actuators. The fuse box was my first check, but all fuses related to the keyless entry system were intact. The car alarm still chirps when manually locking with the key, suggesting power is reaching the system. However, none of the door actuators respond, and the boot remains locked permanently. The error code shown is 00955 if that helps narrow down potential causes. Definitely need this resolved soon as the current situation is quite inconvenient.

Thanks for providing those additional details about your Sharan. The error code 00955 often points to a central locking control module issue, which aligns with the symptoms you described. When my Touran had similar problems, the intermittent operation in cold weather was a key indicator. The door lock actuators would sometimes stick, but the root cause was actually the wiring to the control module. The car alarm still working while door locks fail is a classic sign of this particular fault. Since your symptoms match my experience almost exactly, I would suggest having the wiring connections to the central locking module checked first, before replacing any components. The remote locking system can act erratically when these connections degrade. The security system might show normal function for the alarm while still having communication issues with the door mechanisms. In my case, cleaning and reseating the module connections restored proper function to all locks. The key fob requiring multiple presses strongly suggests a similar electrical connection problem rather than mechanical failure of the lock actuators themselves. This could save you significant repair costs compared to replacing the entire module or actuators. Have you noticed if the problem is worse after rain or in high humidity?

The information shared is really helpful, especially about checking the wiring connections first. Matches exactly what I am experiencing with my Sharan. You raise a good point about humidity, yes, the locking mechanism does seem more temperamental after rain. The central locking usually takes longer to respond on damp mornings. This further supports your suggestion about checking the electrical connections to the control module. Will get my mechanic to inspect the wiring and clean the connections before replacing any expensive parts. The intermittent nature of the fault and the key fob needing multiple presses definitely points toward an electrical issue rather than mechanical failure. Thanks for sharing your experience, will update once the repair is done. Hoping the fix will be as straightforward and cost-effective as in your case. The car alarm still working normally while the locks fail does suggest similar root causes.