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lina_feuer1

VW Tiguan Power Windows Dead After Service Visit

My power windows stopped working completely after a recent garage visit. The diagnostic showed a window regulator initialization error. The car displays an error message and none of the window switches respond. Has anyone experienced similar car electronics issues with their window motor? The car is a 2022 VW Tiguan Diesel with 22144km. Did you need a complete window regulator replacement or was it a simpler fix? Looking for repair estimates and recommendations from those who dealt with this before.

4 comment(s)

theojones4

Had the same window controls issue on my 2019 VW Passat TDI last winter after a battery replacement. The power window system needs reinitialization when the battery is disconnected or replaced, its a common occurrence with VW models. The window motor and regulator were fine, just needed a reset procedure. No replacement parts required. The process involves: 1. Turn ignition to ON position 2. Press and hold the window switch down for each window until fully open 3. Pull switch up until window fully closes 4. Continue holding switch up for 2 seconds 5. Repeat for all windows This resets the auto up/down function and window position sensors. If this does not resolve it, then the window motor or regulator might need attention. Based on your description, this sounds like the same initialization error. Consider trying the reset procedure before pursuing more extensive repairs, as physical window components rarely fail at such low mileage unless there was impact damage. The issue was resolved in under 15 minutes at the service center. They should have performed this initialization after working on your battery or electrical system during the recent visit.

lina_feuer1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing that reset procedure. I had a similar power window problem with my Tiguan last month but the reset did not fix it. Turned out the window regulator was actually damaged and needed replacement. The window motor was making strange noises before completely failing. My local shop diagnosed and fixed it within a day, but I am curious what others paid for this repair. Did the reset procedure continue working for you or did other window issues come up later? Also, would you mind sharing what the dealer charged for the initialization?

theojones4

The window regulator initialization reset worked perfectly after my recent mechanic visit. Have not experienced any window control issues since they fixed the electrical system and replaced the vehicle battery for 290€. All power windows are operating smoothly now. The initialization procedure was actually included in the total service cost, they did not charge extra for performing the reset. My window motor has been running quietly and reliably for several months now. Unlike your case, I did not need any physical parts replaced since the issue was purely electrical. Having a properly functioning window control system makes such a difference in daily driving. While the battery replacement cost was significant, it was worth resolving the electrical problems that were affecting the window switches and other systems. For others reading this thread, if your power windows stop working after battery service, request the initialization procedure before assuming you need expensive window regulator replacements. But if you hear unusual noises from the window motor like the original poster described, that likely indicates mechanical issues requiring parts replacement.

lina_feuer1 (Author)

I visited my mechanic last week to get the window regulator replaced since the reset procedure did not solve my window troubleshooting efforts. The total repair cost came to 780€ including parts and labor. The window motor needed replacement along with the regulator assembly. The service took about 4 hours to complete. They showed me the damaged parts, the regulator gear teeth were badly worn which explained the grinding noise. All window controls are working perfectly now with smooth operation and no strange sounds. While more expensive than a simple window reset, getting the proper repair done was worth it. The shop explained that failing to fix worn regulators can lead to the window glass becoming misaligned or stuck. The car electronics are all functioning normally again and I have peace of mind knowing the mechanical components were properly replaced. Would definitely recommend getting unusual window noises checked early before complete failure occurs. A proper diagnosis helped identify the true issue rather than just attempting resets that would not have fixed the underlying mechanical problem.

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