VW Crafter Central Locking Failure: Solutions & Costs

As someone with some repair experience, I had a similar issue with my VW Transporter T5 2010 diesel. The central locking stopped working completely, leaving me unable to use the remote locking functions. After checking the fuse box myself and finding no obvious issues, I took it to a workshop. The diagnostic revealed a faulty cable connection between the door control module and the central locking system. The security system was showing error codes because of this disconnection. The repair involved accessing the wiring harness near the driver door and replacing a corroded plug connection. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostics. Since the fix, the remote locking and car alarm have worked flawlessly. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Have you checked the fuse box for blown fuses? Does the key work manually in the driver door? Are there any other electrical issues present? When did the problem first appear, suddenly or gradually? The solution might vary depending on these details, as VW vans from this era can have different central locking configurations.

Latest service was at 135481KM. After checking your responses, I wanted to add that my issues were actually sudden. The keyless entry stopped working completely overnight. I managed to check the fuse box and all fuses related to central locking appear intact. The key does work manually in all door locks, but the remote functions are completely dead. No other electrical issues are present, and the car alarm seems to be working normally when activated with the manual key. I just want to avoid an expensive dealer visit if this turns out to be something simple. Would appreciate more specific troubleshooting steps before booking a workshop appointment.

Thanks for those extra details, having experienced this exact issue with my VW Transporter, your symptoms sound very similar to what I encountered. Since your key works manually and the fuses are good, the problem is likely in either the remote locking receiver module or its wiring connections. A few low-cost troubleshooting steps that worked for me: 1. Check the battery in your key fob, even if the LED blinks, low voltage can cause intermittent central locking issues 2. Inspect the door control module connectors near the driver door hinge for signs of water damage or corrosion 3. Try locking/unlocking multiple times with the key in the driver door to reset the central locking system If these steps dont help, the security system likely needs professional diagnosis. The good news is that in my case, and many others, these issues often stem from damaged wiring or connectors rather than failed modules. A workshop with proper diagnostic tools can pinpoint whether its the receiver, wiring, or control module causing the keyless entry failure. Based on the similarities to my repair, expect diagnostic costs around 50-80€ if you need professional help. The actual fix could range from 100-300€ depending on what needs replacement.

Thank you for sharing that information about checking the fuses and manual key operation. Since the key fob stopped working suddenly and all fuses in the fuse box appear intact, I suspect there might be a connection issue rather than a complete system failure. I will try your suggested troubleshooting steps, starting with replacing the key fob battery and checking those door module connections. The manual key still working in the car locks is encouraging, as it suggests the basic mechanical systems are fine. Given that the security system is still functioning when using the manual key, I will attempt the reset procedure you mentioned before considering a workshop visit. However, if these steps dont resolve the issue, I understand I may need professional diagnostics to properly assess the central locking system. I appreciate you sharing the potential cost range, its helpful to know what to expect if I do need repairs. Will update once I have tried these initial fixes.