Control module might be considered a switch?

[vw74]

How's this?!

My 2006 Golf V @ 115000km developed a fault in the steering wheel 'control module', preventing in addition to trip computer function, volume control etc. the horn from operating. I believed that under my Motor-One 'Platinum' Extended Warranty, such an item as this would be covered, consistent with the many other electrical components, e.g. electric mirror, window, sliding roof controls etc., but NO. This isn't a switch, but a control module! Fool me! Especially as the quoted repair is $542 [Part $338 + $204 Labour] to replace the box/module just under a cover on the lower fork of the steering wheel.

Seems a bit rich don't you think? Food for thought anyone who is considering the extended warranty. I mean a functional horn is a safety issue, and doesn't a control module effectively 'switch' the horn on! I am having real trouble coming to terms with this one, the first time I have tested the warranty.

Any thoughts on this one would be appreciated.

[macdoc]

Your extended warranty, was that through a Volkswagen dealer or an 'aftermarket' policy?

The VW extended warranty states 'manufacturers' warranty, should cover the whole vehicle.
I know it doesn't cover oils, just had crunching in gearbox warranty claim on extended warranty. All parts & labour covered except for oil - they reckon service item! Even though the gearbox is 'lifetime' fill.

Macdoc.

[vw74]

Extended warranty

I'm not too clear on this. The warranty in administered by Motor-One, but was arranged through my dealer. Motor-One confirmed however that the policy is an 'in-house' dealer policy [not VW], i.e. the dealer is paying for repairs [it's not insurance for them, but should be for me!], and that they just administer the policies, i.e. road assistance, repair cover approvals etc. Convenient heh!

My position is that the module control should be included and its omission is an anomaly. And further, that the cost of replacement seems exorbitant.

vw74

[bazzle]

Sadly I would call it a control module not a switch. The switch is the contacts in the steering wheel. The module controls a few different functions.
It looks like the extended warranty was not the same as the VW one most on here purchase.
Modules are available from other vendors on here. A price may be worth getting and doing it yourself?

Bazzle

[vw74]

Control module isn't a switch OK.

Thanks bazzle for the clarity. I can follow this, but I will continue to question the discriminatory criteria [if existing at all] applied. Any ideas where I could buy a control module other than the dealer, who says it must be ordered from Singapore?!

vw74

[Maverick]

Thanks bazzle for the clarity. I can follow this, but I will continue to question the discriminatory criteria [if existing at all] applied. Any ideas where I could buy a control module other than the dealer, who says it must be ordered from Singapore?!

vw74

discriminatory criteria?

You paid (I assume) for a useless warranty and this is what you get. There are numerous posts on this forum about these useless warranties and thousands all over the internet so a little research before purchasing goes a long way. These warranties are not worth the paper they're written on and have very strict criteria as to what is covered.

Check ebay or there is a link to a czech site on my website (right hand links) and if you email them the part number they can organise you one much cheaper. However you will still have to pay the dealer to install unless you can do it yourself and it will probably need to be coded as well for the car.

The Volkswagen warranty that you purchase before you current warranty expires is worth every dollar as it covers just about everything.

[vw74]

Steering wheel 'control module' isn't a switch, but can't use the horn without it!

A coda to the story.

It's all about warranties really. What are they worth?! The fact is, that after making some noise, highlighting the anomalous omission in the warranty ... just why such a critical electrical item wouldn't be considered covered ... I have received a 70% discount on the $500+ replacement, under a 'Goodwill Request'. So there you. I shouldn't have had to, but for the nature of dealers. I found a sympathetic ear, but they are few. Good on you VW, but why don't dealers so intent on creating ill will! Remember it's called a 'goodwill request'!

Thanks again for your thoughts.

[mikinoz]

This simply comes down to dealers making more margin on the non VW warranty as they pay out less claims through behaviour such as this. Good to hear you got some cash back, maybe put it towards the genuine VW warranty for the next car!