VW Sharan Keyless Entry Failure: Door Actuator Fix Needed

Had the same door mechanism issue on my 2011 VW Touran TDI. The door handle sensors completely failed to detect the key presence, similar to your symptoms. The wiring fault turned out to be more complex than initially assumed. The repair required accessing the door electronics module behind the door panel. The main problem was a damaged wire harness connecting the door handle sensor to the central locking control unit. Corrosion had affected the plug connections over time. This is actually a common issue with VW door electronics from that generation. The repair involved replacing the entire door handle assembly and rewiring certain connections. While not the most expensive fix for these vehicles, its not a simple DIY job since it requires specialized diagnostic equipment to properly code the new components to the vehicle. The symptoms you describe match exactly what my car showed, complete failure of the keyless system while the remote still worked fine. Would strongly recommend having a certified VW specialist handle this, as incorrect repairs to the door mechanism can lead to more serious electrical issues down the line.

Thanks for the detailed response about the door actuator issue. My experience was very similar with the door handle sensors failing. Just wanted to check, what was the total repair cost in your case? Im getting quotes around 450€ for the full fix including parts and labor. Also curious if youve had any other sensor issues or wiring faults since the repair was done? Really want to make sure this gets fixed properly the first time.

Good news, got the door handle electronics issue resolved last week and its working perfectly now. The repair was much simpler and cheaper than initially expected, only 95€ total. Turned out the wiring fault was just a loose connection in the door actuator assembly, not a complete failure like I first thought. The technician found that the door switch wiring had worked itself loose over time, causing the locking system to malfunction. No need to replace the entire door handle unit like some shops were suggesting. They just had to reconnect and secure the cables properly. 450€ seems quite high if the issue is similar to what I had. Id recommend getting a second opinion, specifically from someone who specializes in VW door electronics. Since the repair, I havent experienced any other sensor problems or electrical issues with the doors. The keyless entry works flawlessly now. Just make sure whoever does the work properly tests the entire locking system after the repair. A thorough check of all door components is essential to prevent future issues.

I ended up taking it to a certified VW specialist who was recommended by another forum member. The car door issue was diagnosed as a faulty door actuator combined with corroded wiring, pretty much exactly what you described. The total repair came to 380€ which included replacing the damaged wiring harness and recoding the door electronics. While not cheap, it was still less than the 450€ quote I initially received. The mechanic showed me the corroded connections and explained how moisture had gotten into the door mechanism over time. The repair was completed in about 3 hours and the keyless entry system now works perfectly. No other electrical issues have shown up since the fix. The specialist also checked all other door components while they had the panel off, which gave me peace of mind about potential future problems. Really glad I went with a proper VW specialist rather than trying to save money at a general garage. The wiring fault turned out to be more complex than just a simple door actuator replacement, and their diagnostic equipment was essential for getting everything working correctly again.