VW Transporter Cruise Control Failure: Fix Guide

Having dealt with a similar issue on my VW Caravelle 2018, I can share my experience. The symptoms were exactly the same, with the cruise control completely non-functional and error codes present. After some initial troubleshooting, the workshop found that the clock spring connection in the steering wheel was causing intermittent signal failures. The wiring harness connecting to the cruise control pedal switch had developed a fault, creating connectivity issues. The repair took about 2 hours and cost 95€, which covered both diagnostic time and the replacement of the damaged wiring. Since the fix, the cruise control has worked flawlessly. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Whether you notice any other electrical issues while driving, If the check engine light is on, Whether the speed sensor readings on your dashboard are accurate, If there are any other warning lights active These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different. The throttle position sensor could indeed be the culprit, but from my experience, wiring issues are often overlooked and can cause similar symptoms.

Thanks for the detailed reply. I just had the car serviced at 139541km last week, so all regular maintenance is up to date. The speed sensor readings are accurate and I have no check engine light. The only noticeable issue is with the cruise control system, nothing else seems affected. The wiring connection you mentioned is interesting. After checking the fuse box again yesterday, I noticed some slight corrosion on one of the terminals near the cruise control fuse. Wonder if cleaning these connections might help before exploring more expensive repairs like the throttle position sensor replacement. Could checking the wiring harness and cleaning the fuse box connections be a good first step before taking it to a shop?

Based on what you describe, cleaning the fuse box connections is definitely worth trying as a first step. In my VW Caravelle, a similar corrosion issue initially appeared minor but was causing intermittent cruise control failures. The speed sensor and other systems working correctly on your vehicle points more toward a connection issue rather than a sensor problem. I cleaned my fuse box connections using electrical contact cleaner and a small wire brush, which temporarily improved the situation. However, the corrosion eventually returned, and the permanent fix required replacing part of the wiring harness near the steering wheel clock spring assembly. Before you take it to a shop, try these steps: Clean the fuse terminals with electrical contact cleaner, Check for loose connections around the steering wheel area, Test the cruise control after cleaning to see if function improves, Inspect the wiring near the brake light switch for any visible damage If cleaning provides temporary improvement but the issue returns, the problem likely lies within the wiring harness rather than the throttle position sensor. The repair should be similar to what I had done, keeping costs around 100€ for the fix.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the wiring issues. After inspecting the fuse box more carefully today, I found that several connections were indeed quite dirty. I cleaned all the terminals, especially around the blown fuse I discovered, and replaced it with a new one. The cruise control is now working intermittently, sometimes it engages perfectly, other times it fails to respond. While this confirms the electrical connection theory, it seems the issue might run deeper than just dirty fuse box contacts. Given that cleaning provided some improvement but didn't fully resolve the problem, I suspect you're right about the wiring harness being the likely culprit. I think I'll schedule an appointment with my regular mechanic to check the clock spring and wiring connections near the steering wheel. The 100€ repair cost you mentioned seems reasonable compared to replacing the throttle position sensor or speed sensor. At least now I can point them in the right direction and hopefully avoid unnecessary diagnostic time and costs. Will update once I get it properly checked out. Thanks again for helping narrow down the problem!