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emilypeters63

VW Polo Power Windows Dead: Multi-Door Failure Alert

Help needed, my power windows stopped working suddenly in my 2000 VW Polo (1.9 TDI, 129622km). Getting an error code from diagnostic scan. Local mechanic previously did questionable repairs, so Im hesitant to return. Could this be a faulty window regulator or window motor issue? Has anyone dealt with similar symptoms and can recommend typical repair costs? Window mechanism seems completely dead on all doors.

4 comment(s)

matshoffmann24

Had the same problem with my 2003 VW Golf 1.9 TDI. The main window control unit failed completely, causing all power windows to stop working. Initial diagnostic scan showed electrical issues in the driver door module. The window regulator and window motor were actually fine, the main problem was the central control switch in the driver door panel. When removed, discovered corrosion on the circuit board caused by water seepage through the door seal. Required complete replacement of the master window control unit. Not a complex repair for an experienced technician, but crucial to get genuine parts. Poor quality aftermarket switches often fail within months. This is typically a serious electrical issue that affects the entire window mechanism system. A proper repair includes: Testing window motor function individually, Checking door wiring harness, Replacing main window control switch, Verifying proper communication between switches Important: If all windows stopped simultaneously, focus diagnosis on the master control unit rather than individual window motors or regulators. Water damage in the driver door is a common root cause for complete system failure in these models.

emilypeters63 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about the window control unit failure. I had almost identical symptoms on my Polo from the same era, turned out the main control module was fried. The window motor and regulator components tested fine, but nothing worked until the master switch was replaced. Did you remember roughly what the full repair cost including parts and labor? Also curious if youve had any recurring issues since getting it fixed? My mechanic mentioned something about protective coating for the new switch to prevent future water damage to the door panel.

matshoffmann24

Glad to provide an update on my Golf window repair. The window regulator system has worked flawlessly since fixing the faulty control unit last month. Total cost was 200€ for parts and labor, which included installing the new power window switch and adding protective sealant to prevent future moisture issues. The key was replacing the original door panel control module rather than just checking the window track or individual window motors. My mechanic thoroughly tested the regulator motor and wiring before concluding the master switch was the culprit. The protective coating they applied around the new switch housing should prevent the water seepage that killed the original unit. Definitely worth getting it done properly, no more issues with the window mechanism since the repair. The price was reasonable considering it solved the complete system failure. Just make sure your shop uses quality replacement parts for the control unit, as cheap alternatives often fail prematurely.

emilypeters63 (Author)

I ended up taking it to a different mechanic who specializes in VW electrical systems. Definitely the right call, they diagnosed and fixed the problem within a day. The window control module was completely corroded, just as you described. Total repair came to 180€ including a genuine VW master switch, labor, and protective coating for the door panel. The mechanic showed me the old control unit, water damage had fried the circuit board completely. They also checked all window motors and the regulator system while it was apart. The window mechanism now works perfectly in all doors. The shop applied extra sealant around the new control unit to prevent future moisture problems. Three months later and no issues at all with the power windows. Really glad I avoided the sketchy repairs from my previous mechanic and got it done properly with genuine parts.

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