2001 A3 3 Door Drivers door wont close!!!!!

**cossie3k** · 27-04-2015,12:13 PM

Having real problems getting my drivers door to close atm!

clicks onto the first catch but to get it to properly close it basically needs rugby tackled!

any suggestions?

its done a lot of miles so assume door has been well used!

The catch looks worn but would think id be better changing catch and mechanism?

HELP NEEDED!

**micheal balbrig** · 27-04-2015,12:35 PM

Yeah it is probably a faulty catch mechanism.

May be worth trying to see if you get the two catches operating with door open by moving latch with screwdriver,if you know what I mean.
This is just in case it is only receiver that needs adjustment.

**cossie3k** · 27-04-2015,12:41 PM

Seems to work with a screwdriver but its stiff. Tried oil, wd40 etc.

Where is the best place to get replacement parts? Also if i replace rhe reciever do i need to take interior trim out?

**JMR1** · 27-04-2015,03:48 PM

Hi Cossie,
The lock pin ( the bit that is on the car body piller ) Should be able to adjust that with either a spanner ( will have a hex head on it ) or with a Torx head on the pin itself. Slacken this off a bit, and keeping it at the same level, move it outwards a bit towards the door until it will allow the mechanism to engage on the second catch. After this, you may find that the door, while fully locking, will be a bit "Loose" against the door frame rubber . Keep adjusting the striker pin until it feels just right. Bend down low so that you can see the lock mechanism just before the door closes, and make sure that the lock itself is meeting the pin at the right height...again, adjust the striker pin to the proper height, and that should solve your door problem. What happens, especiall in a older car, is that the hinges wear, and the door drops ( you can check this by opening the door fully, and trying to lift it up and down, if the hinges are worn, the the door drops, and the door lock hits the pin, ( pushing further in, as I think is what happened in your case ) and this will make it harder to close, because the door is travelling in against the door rubber, and that why a rugby tackle is needed,

**cossie3k** · 27-04-2015,04:21 PM

The rubber bit is missing on the door pin? (pass one is there) and the door has dropped, I tried adjusting it but couldn't get anywhere with it. if I take the window and door card off the door opens and closes fine, soon as the window goes back in it gets sticky but still works, add the door card and its a nightmare.

**micheal balbrig** · 27-04-2015,04:49 PM

Sounds like the cable is being pulled with card on,see if it is incorrectly fitted.

**cossie3k** · 27-04-2015,05:46 PM

Tried cable disconnected made no odds, even with door card off it still doesnt work its just a little easier. When the window is off it has a 50/50close rate.

**micheal balbrig** · 27-04-2015,06:08 PM

If the two catches operate with screwdriver it is unlikely a replacement unit will sort problem.
You say door did drop,will it close by lifting door at same time as closing it.
Audi will probably supply by courier/ if required, they supplied a window regulator from NI to Dublin.
It still seems like door alignment problem,especially since it works fine with door card and window removed,
so the door is not going in far enough to trip second catch. The door or receiver needs adjustment to allow it to do so.

**cossie3k** · 27-04-2015,06:32 PM

Ive tried lifting the door and adjusting the recoever to its limits and still jist does the same

**JMR1** · 27-04-2015,06:50 PM

You need to move the striker plate on the door piller outwards. ( you can remove it all together, and try pushing the door in wards, and see if there is any resistance to it ? ) For sure, if removing the trim ( door card) and moving the window glass affects the lock, some where along the line, the cables are getting snagged in them. if you have the trim card off, then open the door and check what is happening with the lock, using the screwdriver to activate the lock.