Car Massage Seat Failure Fix: Switch vs Motor Warning

I had a similar issue with my 2004 VW Jetta TDI. The massage seat completely stopped responding and the warning light appeared on the control panel. After inspection, it turned out the problem was more complex than just a faulty seat switch. The main culprit was corroded wiring connections under the car seat, where moisture had damaged the plug connection to the massage seat motor. The seat motor itself was functioning, but the electrical signals weren't getting through due to the damaged wiring harness. The repair involved removing the car upholstery, replacing the wiring harness, and cleaning the connection points. This was not a simple switch replacement as initially thought. While not a critical safety issue, leaving it unrepaired could lead to further electrical problems in the seat control system. The massage setting functionality was fully restored after fixing the wiring and ensuring proper connection to both the seat motor and control module. For reference, this type of repair typically requires specialized diagnostic equipment to properly test the seat control module and verify all connections. Would recommend having it properly diagnosed at a workshop that specializes in VW electrical systems, as attempting DIY repairs on seat electronics can cause additional complications.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the car seat wiring issue. Your situation sounds exactly like what I am dealing with now. The corroded wiring connection makes a lot of sense given that my automotive seats occasionally make strange noises when adjusting positions, even before the massage setting stopped working. Since you went through this repair already, do you remember what you paid to fix the electrical issue? Also, has the seat motor or massage function given you any more trouble since the wiring was replaced?

Since getting the massage seat switch repaired last month, everything has worked perfectly with no recurring issues. The electrical problem turned out to be exactly what I suspected, a faulty connection between components. The final cost was 95€ for the repair, which included testing the seat motor and fixing the cable connections. The repair shop found moisture damage had affected the wiring, similar to your situation with the strange noises during seat adjustment. They cleaned and sealed all connections properly, and now the massage function responds immediately when activated. The seat motor runs smoothly with no unusual sounds. For your case, those adjustment noises definitely point toward connection problems rather than a complete seat motor failure. Would suggest having a professional check the wiring harness and electrical connections before replacing any major components. Getting the issue properly diagnosed early can prevent more extensive electrical issues from developing.

I went ahead and had it checked out at a VW specialized shop yesterday. The diagnostic confirmed the corroded wiring was causing my automotive seats to malfunction. Just like your case, moisture had damaged the connections to the seat motor. The repair cost came to 120€, which included cleaning all connection points and replacing a section of the wiring harness. They also checked the entire massage setting system to ensure no other components were affected. Everything works perfectly now, no more warning lights and the seat adjusts silently. The mechanic showed me the old corroded wiring and explained how moisture can seep in through the car upholstery over time. Really glad I got this fixed before it led to bigger electrical problems. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction with your experience.