VW Combination Switch Replacement
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The combination switch is most likely the cause if your VW turn signals don’t work, your turn signals don’t cancel, your high beams don’t work, your wipers don’t work, or your cruise control doesn’t work. This guide provides instructions on replacing the turn signal and wiper switch on a Volkswagen vehicle, known as the combination switch.
At a Glance
- Symptoms: turn signals, high beams, wipers or cruise control switch not working, or signals not cancelling.
- Shown on a Jetta Mk6; similar on most VWs.
- The job requires removing the driver airbag and steering wheel: battery off and wait before touching the airbag.
- Mark the steering shaft and keep the clock spring from turning.
- Afterwards, clear airbag codes and calibrate the steering angle sensor if needed.
On most Volkswagen vehicles, the turn signal and wiper switch are integrated into one unit and replaced as one. The pictures and videos are from a Volkswagen Jetta MK6, but the procedure is almost identical for VW Bora, Golf, Passat, Polo, CC, Eos, Tiguan and others.
Symptoms
Here are a few symptoms that a faulty VW combination switch can cause.
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- The turn signal switch doesn’t work.
- Turn signals don’t cancel
- High beams don’t work
- Cruise control doesn’t work.
- The windshield wiper switch doesn’t work.
What you will need
- VW Combination Switch
- 10mm socket
- Flathead screwdriver
- M12 Triple Square Torx Bit
- Ratchet Wrench
- Breaker Bar
Instruction
How to change a Volkswagen combination switch:
- Turn on the ignition. Turn the front wheels so that they are pointing forward.
- While the ignition is on, open the hood, locate the battery, and disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will ensure the steering wheel remains unlocked and can be turned. Remove the key for the ignition/vehicle. Wait for at least fifteen minutes before proceeding to the next step.
- Lift the upper trim that is after the steering wheel. In most models, the trim has just clips and no screws.
- Turn the steering wheel to the left to bring the side of it to the top.
- Use a flat screwdriver to push through the back of the steering wheel and release the airbag. There is no visible hole behind the steering wheel on newer VW vehicles. There are two indents that you need to punch through with the screwdriver.
- Turn the steering wheel and release the airbag on the other side. Hold the airbag so that it does not fall. Releasing the airbag requires patience. If you need help with this step, see our guide on how to remove a VW airbag.
- Pull out the airbag and disconnect the electrical connector on the back. Handle the airbag carefully, and keep your body at least one foot away from the airbag at all times.
- Remove the bolt at the center of the steering wheel using an M12 Triple Square Bit. Have a friend counter-hold the steering wheel while you break loose the bolt.
- Mark the steering column shaft and steering wheel so the steering wheel is installed in the same location.
- Remove the steering wheel.
- Remove the lower steering column trim. It is held in place with three screws. Two screws are next to the clock spring. One screw is below the steering column.
- Remove the screws that hold the clock spring in place. Disconnect the electrical connectors and remove the clock spring. For more help, see this guide on How to Replace VW Clock Spring.
- Remove the Torx screw at the bottom of the combination switch.
- Unplug the electrical connectors from the combination switch. The electrical plugs have red tabs that need to be released first.
- Pull out the combination switch.
- Install the new one in reverse order.
- Torque the steering wheel bolt to 50 Nm.
For more help, see this guide on 
ABS or traction control lights may be ON when you start the engine, but they will reset automatically after driving for a few minutes. Replacing the combination switch on a Volkswagen takes less than two hours. You need to be extremely careful handling the airbag. The airbag can deploy and cause injuries or damage.
The average cost to replace a Volkswagen turn signal switch, wiper switch, (or combination switch) ranges between $350 and $600. While the cost to replace a VW combination switches ranges between $80 and $200 if you have the tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a bad VW combination switch?
Turn signals, high beams, wipers or cruise control that stop working or work only some of the time are common signs.
Does a new VW combination switch need coding?
On many VWs the steering column module needs to be coded or adapted after replacement, especially if it includes the steering angle sensor. Check for your model.
Why must I keep the clock spring from turning?
If the clock spring rotates while the wheel is off, it can be off center when you reinstall the wheel and break the next time you turn to full lock.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Volkswagen.
