VW Suran won't start, Multi-system failure alert

Had a similar electrical fault on a 2012 VW CrossFox, sounds like the exact same car starting issue you are describing. With some experience working on VWs, this definitely points to a clutch switch problem. My car also showed multiple system failures and would not start properly. The safety mechanism that prevents starting without the clutch being fully pressed was malfunctioning due to a loose connection. The workshop did a full diagnostic scan which revealed several error codes. They traced it back to a damaged wire harness connector at the clutch pedal switch. The insulation had worn through, causing intermittent connections and confusing the car's computer. Total repair cost was 95€ which covered: Diagnostic scan, Replacement of the wiring connector, Labor to access and fix the connection, Clearing of error codes Car stalling and starting issues were completely resolved after the repair. The gear display, cruise control and check engine light all went back to normal operation. To help diagnose your specific case better, could you share: Do you hear any clicking when pressing the clutch? Does the problem occur more often when the engine is hot or cold? Are there any other electrical systems showing unusual behavior? Have you had any recent work done near the pedal assembly?

Since my last service at 45000km, I have noticed the clutch pedal occasionally feels stiffer than usual. When the clutch switch problem first appeared, I could hear a faint clicking sound from the pedal area. The starting issue happens more frequently during cold starts in the morning. Important detail I forgot to mention in my first post, I already checked the fuses related to the clutch safety switch and they appear intact. Also tried spraying some electrical contact cleaner around the clutch pedal switch area but that did not help. For anyone searching with similar symptoms, the car stalling happens completely out of nowhere, making it quite dangerous in traffic. Sometimes pressing the clutch pedal multiple times helps temporarily get the systems working again. The faulty switch seems to be affecting not just starting but also cruise control and gear indicator functions, which makes sense if they all rely on a clean signal from the clutch pedal position sensor.

Thanks for those additional details about the clutch pedal behavior, the stiffness and clicking sound you describe match exactly what I experienced before my repair. The multiple clutch pedal presses to temporarily restore function was also a key symptom with my CrossFox. The cold start issues particularly point to the clutch switch wiring connection. In my case, temperature changes were causing the damaged wire harness to expand and contract, making the connection even more unreliable during cold mornings. Since you mentioned trying electrical contact cleaner without success, and given the progressive nature of the stiffness since your last service, I strongly suspect the wiring harness has deteriorated beyond surface cleaning. The safety mechanism is likely getting intermittent false signals about the clutch pedal position. When my ignition problem was finally resolved, the mechanic showed me how the original wiring had been rubbing against a bracket, gradually wearing through the insulation. Even though the fuses were good, the compromised wiring was causing the gear selector and other systems to malfunction. Based on our identical symptoms, I recommend having the complete clutch switch assembly and wiring harness inspected. Simply replacing parts without addressing potential routing issues might lead to the same problem recurring.

Wanted to update everyone, followed the advice and had my car checked by a certified mechanic. The diagnosis confirmed a faulty clutch safety switch installation causing intermittent electrical issues. The wiring harness near the clutch pedal was badly worn, just as suggested. The repair involved: Complete replacement of the clutch pedal switch assembly, New wiring harness with proper routing, System reset to clear stored error codes Total cost came to 180€ and resolved all symptoms: Car starts reliably every time, Gear selector display working normally, Cruise control functioning again, Check engine light cleared, No more stiffness in clutch pedal The ignition problem turned out to be exactly what was suspected, a deteriorating wiring connection affecting multiple systems through the safety switch circuit. For anyone facing similar starting issues with failing electronics, definitely check the clutch switch wiring first before replacing more expensive components. Thanks for helping pinpoint the cause. Having this fixed has made a huge difference in reliability, especially during those problematic cold morning starts.