lisa_mystic48
VW Up Cruise Control & Speedo Errors Need Fixing
Summary of the thread
The 2011 VW Up experienced speedometer error messages and a non-functional cruise control system. Initial diagnostics pointed to the throttle body actuator, but the problem was traced to corroded and loose connections at the throttle body plug. The solution involved cleaning and repairing these connections, which resolved the issues without needing to replace the entire throttle body. This approach proved cost-effective and restored the car's functionality, highlighting the importance of checking wiring connections before opting for more expensive component replacements.
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4 comment(s)
lisa_mystic48 (community.author)
Thanks for sharing your experience with the Polo. Just wanted to check back, I have a similar case with my Up now. The diagnostics showed throttle body problems, and I see the exact symptoms you mentioned. Your solution sounds promising and much cheaper than replacing parts blindly. Did you remember what the final cost was for fixing those corroded connections? Also curious if the problem stayed fixed or if you had any related steering wheel or electronics issues come up later? It would help me know what to expect when I take it to the shop.
milastorm1
Great news, since taking my VW Polo to the mechanic based on those symptoms, the cruise control malfunction was completely resolved. The final cost came to 95€ to repair the faulty cable connections at the throttle body. The fix was straightforward once they identified the true source of the problem in the fuse box area. No steering wheel or other electrical issues have surfaced in the months since the repair. The warning messages disappeared immediately after they cleaned and restored the proper connections. The mechanic explained that these connection problems are fairly common but often misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary parts replacement. The non-functional cruise control system was restored to perfect working order just by addressing those corroded connectors. My advice would be to specifically ask them to inspect the wiring and connections before replacing any components. A skilled technician should be able to diagnose and fix this type of electrical issue relatively quickly without major parts costs.
lisa_mystic48 (community.author)
I wanted to update everyone on how my VW Up issue got resolved. After reading about the corroded connections, I took it to a different mechanic who specializes in VW electronics. The actuator and connections were exactly as described, corroded and loose. The mechanic first tested the throttle body signals and found the faulty system was indeed caused by poor connections rather than component failure. The repair involved cleaning the connections and replacing one damaged wire. The malfunction warning disappeared right after they finished. Total cost came to 120€ including diagnostic work. Much better than the 400€+ quote I got for replacing the entire throttle body unit. No steering wheel or cruise control issues since the fix. The car runs perfectly now. Good to know these non-functional systems often just need connection repairs rather than expensive part replacements. Really glad I got that second opinion before spending money unnecessarily.
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VW
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UP
milastorm1
The symptoms match what I experienced with a 2014 VW Polo TSI. The faulty system displayed identical warning messages and the cruise control became non-functional. Initially, the error codes pointed to the throttle body, but the actual problem was simpler. The car electronics were fine, it turned out to be corroded connectors at the throttle body plug. The connection had deteriorated over time due to engine heat and moisture. The fix required cleaning the throttle body contacts and replacing the wiring connector. While not a major repair in terms of parts, accessing the components needed specific expertise. Common signs of this issue include: Intermittent error messages on the dash, Cruise control failure, Rough idle, Unusual power loss while driving A proper diagnosis requires testing the throttle body signals with specialized equipment. Some mechanics mistakenly replace the entire throttle body when only the connections need attention. Worth getting the wiring connections checked before agreeing to component replacement. This repair is considered intermediate level, not critical for immediate safety but should be addressed to prevent further car electronics issues.