VW Passat lock problem

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sat 21 Jan 2006 14:41
VW Passat lock problem - Morris Ox
I have a 99V Passat TDi SE and the rear off-side door is stuck shut.

We have had periodic problems in the past where the door won't shut (as if it can't latch itself) but it has always righted itself, locked and resumed normal service.

At the moment, it won't open. All other doors are working fine, central locking is working fine, external and internal handles are operating properly, so the problem seems to be confined to the latching mechanism itself.

I'm wondering if the problem is related to lubrication, but clearly something that would lubricate it (like WD40) won't get past the seals when the door is shut. And because the door is shut there is no obvious way of removing the internal door casing to get at the mechanism.

If there's a VW specialist out there, I would appreciate some advice on a solution. If there's no alternative but to take it into a garage, what would they do?
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Sat 21 Jan 2006 17:37
VW Passat lock problem - tr7v8
A mate with a 99 or 00 Passat estate has had this twice & each time it's been dealt with under warranty by the VW dealer. I believe he said it was a commonish problem,it's also mucked up the alarm each time, with it going off after leaving it for 20-30 minutes.

Jim
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Sat 21 Jan 2006 20:49
VW Passat lock problem - Aprilia
This is a very common problem. Solution is to replace the latch unit. IIRC they are about £80.
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Sun 22 Jan 2006 18:16
VW Passat lock problem - Morris Ox
Thanks for advice so far. Is replacement of unit definitely the only fix?
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Sun 22 Jan 2006 18:35
VW Passat lock problem - HarlequinVW
Do a google search, there's an comprehensive internet write-up on how to fix the passat/VW door lock problem, you need to be able to use a soldering iron tho.
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