VW Sharan Power Windows Dead, Complete System Failure

Had the exact same window control issue on my 2009 VW Touran diesel last year. After dealing with automotive repair issues for about 5 years, I can share what worked in my case. Initially thought it was the window regulator or motor, but the workshop diagnosed a faulty main power window switch in the driver door panel. The fact that all windows were unresponsive pointed to the central control unit rather than individual window mechanisms. The repair involved: Complete diagnosis of the window control system, Removing door panel, Replacing main window switch unit, Testing all window functions Total cost was 200€ including parts and labor. Windows have worked perfectly since the repair. The workshop completed everything in about 2 hours. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Does the issue affect all windows or just specific ones? Are you getting any specific error codes? Did the problem start suddenly or gradually? Have you checked the fuse box? This would help determine if your Sharan has the same window control problem mine had or if its something different with the window regulator system.

Thanks for sharing that insight. My issue appeared suddenly and affects all windows simultaneously. Just had the car serviced at 18649km and everything was working fine before that. To answer your questions: All windows completely dead, Error message shows window system fault, Started without warning while driving, Already checked and replaced the fuse but no change The workshop quoted 350€ for a complete window regulator replacement but I wanted to get community feedback first since the symptoms match your switch issue. Wondering if I should push for testing the main switch before committing to the more expensive regulator motor repair. Would the diagnostic steps from your repair be applicable for my Sharan window system? The central control failure makes more sense given how all windows stopped at once.

Based on your description, this definitely sounds like the same central switch issue I dealt with on my Touran. The symptoms are identical, sudden failure of all power windows at once, which is typical of a main switch problem rather than individual window motor failures. While window regulator motors can fail, they usually fail one at a time. When all power windows stop working simultaneously, the central control switch in the driver door panel is the likely culprit. The error message you are getting matches what I saw before the repair. Skip the 350€ window regulator replacement for now. Request specifically that they: 1. Test the main power window switch first 2. Check the wiring connections in the door panel 3. Run a proper diagnostic on the window control module The fact this happened right after servicing also suggests possible connection issues. Sometimes removing and reinstalling door panels during maintenance can affect the window control wiring. The switch replacement on your Sharan should be similar to my repair since they share comparable window track systems. If it is the switch, you are looking at closer to 200€ rather than 350€ for parts and labor.

Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. Just got back from the workshop and wanted to close this thread with the outcome. You were right, it was the main power window switch unit causing all the trouble. Had them test the central controls first instead of replacing the window regulator. The diagnostic showed the exact same switch failure pattern mentioned here. Total repair came to 190€ which included: New main window control unit, Labor to remove/reinstall door panel, Full testing of all power windows All windows are working perfectly now. Definitely saved some money by checking the switch before jumping to replace the more expensive parts. The automotive repair shop also confirmed that multiple window failures usually point to central control issues rather than individual window track problems. Great advice from this forum, will be sure to share if anyone else runs into similar power window control issues with their vehicle.