Not familiar with state-by-state lemon laws but I'd be pretty surprised if that was possible after this much time. Seems like even the most generous ones I've heard are still within 3 years of delivery.

Whatever is being "fixed" clearly doesn't seem to be the root of the cause if it's continuing to be problematic that often. I'd probably be having conversations about replacing as much of the full system as possible. At the end of the day though, it's kind of an insignificant part of the car to just want to be totally done with the whole thing.

 

Not familiar with state-by-state lemon laws but I'd be pretty surprised if that was possible after this much time. Seems like even the most generous ones I've heard are still within 3 years of delivery.

Whatever is being "fixed" clearly doesn't seem to be the root of the cause if it's continuing to be problematic that often. I'd probably be having conversations about replacing as much of the full system as possible. At the end of the day though, it's kind of an insignificant part of the car to just want to be totally done with the whole thing.

You are right the car was 5 years old when the problem occurred. OTOH it is a safety system and they do not seem to reliably repair it.

Attitudes differ about BSM and other warning systems. BSM failure is less significant than, say, brake system failure, or sunroof leak, but I do use it in addition to looking in the mirror and over my shoulder. The BSM system is the reason I bought an SE instead of an S.

 

Have they performed this TSB software update service?

 

DruzeTito, thanks for that info. Software update not mentioned in any of the paperwork. Since the Technical Bulletin dates to Sept. 2018, I don't know if the software update might have been done previously.

Here is the text of from the most recent work order:
"28739 Scanned vehicle found faults for blind spot recognition right side open circuit. Open VTA. VTA said to inspect harness and wiring to modules. Ded not find any concern is (sic) wiring. VTA recommended replacement of both blind spot monitors."

I assume VTA is some kind of helpline the service technicians can call when they are stumped. It sounds like VTA was stumped too and said "throw some parts at it." Whatever the merits of the system that detects faults and stores codes, there still seem to be some gaps in the capabilities.


After the sensors replacement, BSM worked for about 5 weeks but now is not working. When I go into the infotainment menu and try to turn it on, the screen says it is not available.

The 2 mirrors and 2 sensors having been replaced I have to wonder if the problem is somewhere else in the system.

I guess all I can do is bring it in again and see what they say this time.

 

It could just be yet another issue with it now and not what they replaced. I suppose you don't have a scan tool to read the codes in the BSM module?

 

What kind of reader would I need? I'm willing to buy one, if not too $$$

My appointment @ dealer is next Wednesday

 

I would go with odb eleven NextGen OBDeleven device

Or topdon topscan if you want to scan many other types of cars and it can do vw/audi full scans. Phenomenal tool. Amazon.com

 

Wow, the topdon topscan looks pretty feature rich for $59. How steep is the learning curve? I have used basic scanners before where you had to write down the code and go look it up elsewhere....

 

They make it very easy. The Chinese do a great job and dominate the universal scan tool market. You just need the smartphone app and it gives not just a code number but a brief code description. Also a lot more features like live data from all the control modules.

 

i'd be shocked the topdon is able to read BCM faults of a VW (things outside generic ECU codes), maybe they were able to dive into it but it would give odbEleven and VCDS a run for their money.

 

Topdon offers a range of DIY to professional diag scan tools. They do require a subscription to get updates. I prefer VCDS. Pay for the hardware dongle one time and updates are no charge. Plus it doesn't need an internet connection to work like OBDEleven. Topdon would be a better option if you want to diag more than VAG vehicles.

 

The topdon topscan can read fault codes and live data for all modules and even some active test/bi-directional controls and maintenance functions. The product does not stop working if you don't renew the subscription, you just won't get coverage for the newest model year cars which in many cases is not a big deal if you keep your car for years. Another hidden gem with lifetime free updates is the Xtool A30M BT dongle.

 

The Topscan sounded great @ $59,but the $49/year software renewal put me off. If I end up keeping the Alltrack I will buy a code reader, either Topscan or other vendor.

So I have no independent verification as to codes. I have not picked up the car yet, but I viewed the technician's video of problem identification. He says it had a code for open circuit on the passenger side warning lamp. I'll try to remember to ask for the code number when I pick it up tomorrow.

The passenger side mirror assembly was replaced in November. They replaced it again today.

According to the technician's video, the wiring harness connector in the side mirror housing was corroded leading to the open circuit code. This time, they replaced the housing/wiring harness too, along with the glass. Maybe the connector was uncorroded in November, or maybe corrosion existed but was unrecognized at that time and over the 7-8 months became bad enough to cause problems.

The driver's side mirror an housing were replaced in May, also due to corrosion. On the drivers side, water had leaked into the mirror assembly itself.

Although I am happy I now have new mirrors and mirror housings on both sides, as well as new sensors, I conclude that this mirror assembly and connectors are not adequately protected from moisture, and this is likely to be a recurring issue. As mentioned above, the warrranty will be expiring soon. I believe the housing and mirror assembly replacement is $700 for parts. Dealer would not tell me the labor cost, but I imagine the total would be $1000.

 

The Topscan sounded great @ $59,but the $49/year software renewal put me off.

Obd Eleven has no subscription fees but you're limited to Vw/Audi.

The only lowest priced universal scan tool that I know of that can do full system scan and even bi directional controls with no subscription fees is the Xtool A30M https://a.co/d/iru0iiM

 

@Mark37,

If you are curious about odbeleven, I’d be happy to scan your car. You had mentioned you live close by me. Pm if interested.


Mark

 

The stored code was the same as the previous visit. The corroded connector was probably overlooked during the previous repair. The service manager said when the new housing and mirror were installed, the technician use dielectric grease on the connector. I guess that is better than nothing. But would not have prevented the more extensive moisture penetratio and corrosion on the driver side mirror assembly.

He also said the repair is guaranteed for 12 month / 12,000 miles.

I'm going to take it up with VWOA. Wish me luck

 

The level of incompetence in VW dealer service departments is on the rise. It took them a month and half to fix an interior light problem (lights staying on after doors closed even when under way) under warranty after doing a total parts cannon on int lights, switches, body control module, etc...An itinerant VW Service engineer finally solved it (Some kind of CAN bus harness issue)

 

Well it has been 6 weeks since the BSM was repaired, and right on schedule, it is acting up again. Start engine, yellow warning light is on for no BSM. Go into menu, turn it back on. OK for a week. 2 days ago, start engine, yellow light again, go into menu but can't reactivate. Today, was able to reactivate via menue.

It is at the dealer, we'll see.

Does the BSM system consist of more than the sensors and mirror units? Is the main computer involved?

 

Well, they are going to do a "wire overlay" and need it in the shop for 2 days.

 

I am happy to report that after the "wire overlay" I have had no more problems with the blind spot monitoring.

 

Thanks for the follow-up