VW Virtus Auto Sensors & Lights Suddenly Dead, Fix Needed

I had similar electrical fault symptoms in my 2017 VW Polo TSI. The rain sensor and light sensor malfunctioned simultaneously, creating the same cluster of issues with wipers, headlights, and inconsistent dashboard illumination. The problem stemmed from moisture penetration around the sensor unit. Bubbles had formed under the gel pad where the rain sensor connects to the windshield, compromising the sensor calibration. This caused multiple electronic systems to behave erratically since the main sensor cluster handles both rain detection and ambient light monitoring. The repair required: Complete removal of the old sensor unit, Cleaning and preparation of the mounting surface, Installation of a new sensor assembly with fresh adhesive gel, Full sensor calibration using diagnostic equipment This was a serious issue requiring specialized tools and expertise. The bubbles under the gel pad were an early warning sign of pending sensor failure. Left unaddressed, it could have led to more extensive electrical problems across multiple systems. After repair, all affected systems returned to normal operation, automatic wipers responded correctly to rain, headlights functioned as designed, and the dashboard illumination worked properly again.

Thanks for the detailed explanation of your rain sensor repair. The symptoms you described match exactly what I am experiencing with my Virtus right now. The malfunctioning sensor seems to be causing similar electrical problems across multiple systems. Would you mind sharing how much the repair cost in your case? Also curious if you had any recurring issues with the car electronics since getting it fixed? I want to budget properly and make sure I get it done right the first time.

Just wanted to update on the repair costs since you asked, fixing the rain-light sensor issue ended up being 62€ for the bubble removal and gel pad replacement. The car electronics have worked flawlessly since the repair was completed. The automatic wipers respond properly to rain again, and the headlights switch on and off as they should. The speedometer illumination is also back to normal with no more unusual light activation. The key was addressing those troublesome bubbles that formed under the gel pad where the sensor connects to the windshield. Once the workshop cleaned the mounting surface and installed fresh adhesive gel, all the sensor fault warnings cleared up. No recurring electrical issues in the six months since the fix. This repair was definitely worth doing right away to prevent more extensive damage to the connected car components. The sensor cluster is a critical part that affects multiple systems, so proper repair and calibration is essential.

Thanks for the input. I took my car to the mechanic yesterday and wanted to share my experience. The total repair came to 75€, slightly more than expected but worth it. The mechanic found the same issue, moisture had gotten under the sensor causing those bubbles in the gel pad. The complete fix involved removing the old unit, thoroughly cleaning the area, and installing a new sensor with fresh adhesive. They also ran a full calibration of all affected car components. All the electrical fault issues cleared up immediately after repair. The automatic wipers now respond correctly to rain, headlights switch properly, and the dashboard illumination works perfectly. Really glad I addressed this malfunctioning sensor early before it could cause more extensive problems. The whole repair took about 2 hours and the shop provided a 1-year warranty on the work. Much better experience than my previous repairs. For anyone facing similar auto sensor symptoms, definitely worth getting it checked out quickly.