VW Touran Wiper Failure: Switch Problem Alert

I dealt with a very similar issue on my 2006 VW Golf 1.6 petrol about a year ago. Having some experience with basic car maintenance, I first checked the fuses, but they were all good. The symptoms were identical, complete wiper failure and an error code. The rain sensor was working fine, but the windshield wipers would not respond to any commands, neither manual nor automatic. After checking the wiring harness connections myself and finding nothing obvious, I took it to a workshop. They diagnosed a faulty connection in the steering column wiper switch assembly. The repair involved replacing the complete turn signal and wiper switch unit, which also houses the cruise control functions. Total cost was 95€ including labor. The repair took about an hour and has worked perfectly since then. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Does the wiper system make any noise when activated? Are both front and rear wipers affected? Does the washer fluid pump still work? Have you checked if the fuses are intact? This additional information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something else in the system.

Confirmed at my latest service last month that the wiper motor itself is functioning correctly. Upon testing, there is a slight clicking sound when activating the wipers, but no movement. Both front and rear wipers are affected and the washer fluid pump is also not working. Checked all fuses and they are intact. The wiring harness connection point at the steering column does show some wear, so your experience with the switch assembly makes a lot of sense. The cruise control button has also been acting up recently, which seems to point to the same steering column switch unit being the culprit. Given our similar vehicle types and symptoms, I will book an appointment with a workshop to have the turn signal and wiper switch assembly checked. Thanks for confirming the reasonable repair costs, was worried it might be the more expensive wiper motor.

Great to hear back about the diagnostic results. The clicking sound without movement, combined with both front and rear wipers being affected, definitely matches the symptoms I experienced. The non-functioning washer pump and temperamental cruise control further confirm its likely the same steering column switch assembly issue. The wear you noticed on the wiring harness connection point is a common weak spot in these models. The turn signal and wiper switch unit tends to develop contact issues after years of use, affecting multiple functions that run through that assembly. Since the wiper motor was confirmed working, your workshop visit should be straightforward. Make sure they check the wiring harness connections thoroughly while replacing the switch unit, as sometimes the wear can extend into the connector pins. The repair costs should be similar to what I paid (95€), though rates might have changed slightly. The job typically takes about an hour once they have the parts on hand. Keep in mind that if the wiring harness shows significant wear, they might recommend replacing that section too, which could add to the cost. Would be interested to hear how the repair goes, especially if they find any additional issues during the fix.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions. The symptoms you listed definitely point to the faulty wiper switch assembly, especially the non-working washer pump and the clicking sound. The fact that the cruise control is acting up too is a clear indicator, since they share the same switch unit in the steering column. I will schedule the repair next week. The quoted 95€ cost for the wiper switch replacement seems reasonable, though I will ask them to carefully inspect the wiring harness connections while they are in there. Better to address any worn wiring now than have issues pop up later. My windshield wipers have been essential lately with all the rain, so I am relieved this appears to be a straightforward fix rather than a more complex wiper motor issue. Will make sure to request OEM parts for the turn signal and wiper switch assembly to ensure proper fit and function. Thanks again for sharing your experience. It helped narrow down the problem and gave me confidence in pursuing the right repair solution.