Door lock module/ actuator problems!!

[macri32r]

Hey guys I have a r32 mk4 and my door lock actuator was playing up! So I went down to asv spares and picked up a second hand one for $90.... After 2.5 hrs of installing everything seemed okay until after a couple of times locking and unlocking it, my door decides not to open! Doesn't matter whether I try to open from inside or out it doesn't want to budge! Does anyone have an idea as to what is going on??!?
Cheers
Damien

[YellowDieselGolf]

I'd guess something within the mechanism is stuck. Maybe the latch is stuck in the lock position?

As you know, the inside door latch release cable is held in place with a clip and a bent wire. The outside one is held in place by the painted plastic plug/exterior lock at the end of the handle.

If one handle failed, I'd guess that you've installed the cables wrong, but for both cables to not work points to a failure more internal to the mechanism/lock.

Do the handles have any tension on them?
Do they work smoothly?
Any strange sounds?
Have you reinstalled the door card? Hope you haven't

[macri32r]

Door lock module/ actuator problems!!

The handles feel normal that's the weird thing! Since I wrote that plea for I have now been able to open the door by pulling the handle about a thousand times until the door finally opened lol. The really weird thing is it now opens and closes fine. However if you lock it then try and open it again the door jams again!

[JustCruisn]

I had this exact problem on the passenger side, one hell of a sinking gut feeling.

The problem is you have not adjusted the lock into the correct position for the strike pin on the frame of the car.

To get the door open again. pop down the window and pull on the door frame through the window. Pull the lever with the other hand over and over agian until the door opens.

Or have someone inside push the door while you repeatdly pull the handle from the outside.

Once open loosen the 2 triple square bolts and move the lock around until it is in a better position to take the strike pin. You want the pin to be centred in the latch opening. Too high and it gets stuck.

[macri32r]

Door lock module/ actuator problems!!

Hate that feeling mate! But that was the first thing I tried!

[YellowDieselGolf]

Did you replace your old lock because of the faulty micro-switch problem? If so, you should be able to combine the new electronics with the old latch? They pop apart as separate modules.

[macri32r]

Door lock module/ actuator problems!!

Thanks for the tip mate, I'll give it a go tommorow

[YellowDieselGolf]

Take lots of photos along the way. I needed a couple to show how the pieces fitted back together.

[macri32r]

Door lock module/ actuator problems!!

Now the old module is doing the same thing I must be doing something wrong but I can't figure what!

[Sirocco20348]

I had a problem in my car where I would pull on either handle and it would not open.

Anyway I took out the door lock, and there was a little grooved plastic bit that fitted into a grooved joint, I took it out and move it a few grooves foward and then my door opened and closed.

It might be something similar.

But follow the first half of this to take out the door lock.

My Mk4 delock guide - Tutorials and Guides - R32OC | VW Golf R32, Golf R and other .:R Vehicle Owners Club.

this is what im talking about

[Martin]

Good photo - but how do you then pull the rest of the handle out of the door?
The manual says "Swivel door handle out of the door" but it's still captive

(I want to remove my door handles to carbon wrap them - nicely)

[Back Door Shenanigans.]

I seconded this, It has caused much frustration!

I had a problem in my car where I would pull on either handle and it would not open.

Anyway I took out the door lock, and there was a little grooved plastic bit that fitted into a grooved joint, I took it out and move it a few grooves foward and then my door opened and closed.

It might be something similar.

But follow the first half of this to take out the door lock.

My Mk4 delock guide - Tutorials and Guides - R32OC | VW Golf R32, Golf R and other .:R Vehicle Owners Club.

this is what im talking about

[Martin]

Here is a good thread with detailed pictures

VWVortex.com - DIY - Passenger Side Door Skin Removal

Looks like you have to pull the door handle backwards parallel to the door
I'm sure the workshop manual said to pull out/away from the door
Keen to try it tonight