To all you DIY enthusiasts, hope this helps.

 

After cleaning my cruise control switch a number of times, to have it then working for only a short period of time or sometimes working / sometimes not, I decided to see if I could suss a more permanent fix.

 

I took the switch module's circuit board out of the stalk and put a sliver of electrical solder on the contacts (both sides) that push into the connector inside the stalk. Not cleaned this time, I just put it back together and it has worked ever since.

I have also noted from S Dalby - intermittent cruise control, that VW solder these wires directly to the circuit board. Good ol VW.

 

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A very simple to use security / theft prevention method is to secure a quality piece of chain (like for motorcycle security) to the adjustment bar under the seat (I used a jubilee clip) and then wrap around steering wheel and padlock it.

Obviously use quality padlock and thick chain. IMO a very good deterrent and not too crude. Only takes seconds to lock and just push under the seat when driving.

I did this as my vehicle was purchased from a garage that I was unfamiliar with and it only came with one key fob. There was another (old style) key, but this will not start the car as there is no chip inside.

Good tip on the cruise fix.

 

It's quite a common issue. Had the contacts worn away then?

 

With regards to the security. I've often thought this too. I bought my last car from a small garage with only one key... I did wonder if this kind of thing happened but maybe more private sales. They meet you somewhere maybe pretend they live there and sell you a car. Then go back and steal the car back using their key then re-sell it to someone else and do the same.

 

Phil

I don't think there's much silver contact on the circuit board in the first place, Phil. It's almost see through.

 

It's the contacts that push into the connector block, that seem to fail, not the switch, so under normal circumstances they would not move or wear out.

 

The connection must get dislodged by the vehicles vibrations, hence why it can be temperamental.

 

Obviously, cleaning the switch means moving the circuit board anyway, so re-sitting the contacts, so it works for a while at least.

 

 

Tony.