VW Transporter Radio Dead Silent Despite Power Display

Having dealt with similar car speakers issues on my 2014 VW Caravelle, I can share my experience as someone with moderate car audio knowledge. The symptoms were identical, complete audio failure despite the head unit appearing to function normally. After checking basic things like fuses and connections, I took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a failed bass speaker that had shorted out the entire audio system. The repair cost 280€ and included: Full diagnostic of the sound system, Replacement of the defective bass speaker, Testing all auxiliary inputs and Bluetooth connections, Verifying sound quality across all frequencies To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Whether you hear any static or popping when adjusting volume, If the sound system stopped working suddenly or gradually, If you recently had any electrical work done, Whether the steering wheel audio controls still respond The VW T-series models share many audio components, so there is a good chance your issue could be similar. However, sound distortion or complete silence can have multiple causes, from simple connection issues to more complex amplifier problems.

Thanks for the detailed diagnosis info and suggestions. Since my last service at 82000km, I noticed the audio becoming intermittent before failing completely. When adjusting the volume control, there is absolutely no sound, not even static or background noise. The steering wheel controls still light up and appear responsive on the display. I already checked all the obvious fuses in both fuse boxes and they appear intact. It sounds like your experience with the bass speaker issue could be similar to what I am experiencing. I will get it checked at a workshop since testing the amplifier and internal connections requires special diagnostic equipment.

Thanks for those additional details about the audio symptoms. The gradual failure you described before complete radio silence matches exactly what happened with my Caravelle. The way your steering wheel controls still respond while having no audio output is particularly similar to my experience. In my case, the intermittent sound issues were actually an early warning sign of the failing bass speaker. When the workshop did their diagnostic, they found that the speaker had been slowly deteriorating, creating increasing resistance in the circuit before eventually causing a complete shutdown of the audio system. A key sign that helped diagnose my issue was the total lack of background noise or static through the USB audio and radio inputs. This pointed to an issue beyond just a loose connection or basic wiring problem. The workshop will need to: Test the amplifier output signals, Check impedance across all speakers, Verify the head unit output is functioning, Inspect internal wiring harness connections Given the matching symptoms and similar vehicle platform, I suspect you will find a comparable issue. The repair cost should be in a similar range to what I paid if it turns out to be speaker-related rather than a more complex amplifier failure. Would be interested to hear what they find when you get it checked. Keep in mind that restoring volume control and proper audio functionality may require recalibration of the system after repairs.

Thanks for that comprehensive follow-up. I really appreciate the detailed explanation of what your workshop diagnosed and repaired. My situation does sound remarkably similar, especially the gradual sound quality deterioration leading to complete silence. The matching symptoms with the steering wheel controls and lack of static when adjusting volume control make me more confident it could be the same bass speaker issue. I will book it in next week for diagnosis. Your repair cost breakdown is helpful for setting expectations. Since USB audio and all other sources are completely dead, I agree it points to a system-wide problem rather than just a connection issue. Will definitely share the outcome once the workshop identifies whether its speaker-related or an amplifier problem requiring more extensive repairs. In the meantime, I will double check the fuse boxes one more time just to be thorough. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it has helped narrow down the likely causes of my sound system failure.