Stuart's Volkswagen Golf Mk 5/V Forum

I recently washed my VW Golf Mark V with the drivers window half open ( water entered the car the wet the door control panel where the window switches are) and thereafter started having problems with the window switch. Initially it worked intermittently, then only allowed me to open the drivers side window(but not close) and eventually stopped working. Presently I can open / close the rear windows but cannot do so with either the driver of front passenger windows(the front passenger can open/ close using their switch. Will I have to replace the drivers side window switch or can it be serviced?

Hi Shaun,

I have not heard of this precise problem before but I can imagine it being caused by one of two things:

1. Water has got in to the driver's door window switches, or 2. Water has got in to the driver's door control module.

If it is 1, you should be able to remove the switch/es, spray a water repellent such as WD40 into it and over the connections, and this might fix the problem. If the water has caused more serious damage, you may have to replace the switches, or more likely the whole switch module with either a new or second-hand replacement.

The driver's door control module (located within the door) controls all the electrics inside the driver's door so as well as the electric windows, it will also control the electric door mirror and the alarm indication LED.
Check if you can adjust the door mirror and that the alarm indication LED still works normally. If not, this suggests that it is this module and not the switches which has been damaged by the water and needs replacing.

Hope that helps. Let me know how you get on, Stuart

Hi Stuart,

I removed the driver's side switch and sprayed Formula SR fluid over the connections and now everything is working perfectly.

Thank you so much for your prompt and invaluable assistance.

Many thanks & regards,

Shaun