Golf Mk4 central locking pain in my a*s!

[Becky82]

Hi guys
Have never posted on a forum before but am hoping someone may be able to help relieve the stress ����

My car has an issue with performing necessary basic features, unlocking & opening. Initially it started with just 1 door & 1 by 1 the others have followed suit. I am now only able to unlock the drivers door with the fob. However when I purchased the shed, I didn't realise the key didn't fit the door. If it goes on this 1 too, I'm in a bit of a pickle. My car is also due its MOT next week & this would definitely fail it, if nothing else! ����PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP??

The battery in my key fob runs out very quickly, not sure if this is related. My car battery also ran out the other day & had to be recharged but this problem started way before that.

I have read on some forums about disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes. I could only manage this for 2 before I thought a neighbour might complain about the alarm going off.

I am literally at my wits end & really don't have money to spend paying a mechanic to investigate this. Would massively appreciate any help ��

[VAG-Abound]

The MOT is about safety, so failure of security components like locks is not in itself a fail AIUI. As long as you can unlock them with a central or door control from inside so an occupant can rescue themselves and be rescued by a passer by I think it can pass, although some testers may disagree.

The problem that can arise is that the lock unit fails in a way where its deadlock wont release, so the door latch won't release when internal or external handle is pulled. That would be a fail.

From a practical point of view I think if you arrive with all doors unlocked, hand it over and let them test it you should pass.

So, can you get all doors to be openable?

[VAG-Abound]

I'd get a matched key and barrel fitted to the driver's door. Either carry extra key with you, fit in a magnetic box you can hide under car, or leave at home if you don't travel too far.

An auto locksmith may be able to make key to fit your barrel or barrel to fit your key, but prob more expensive.

There's not a key slot on tbe passenger side that existinv key fits is there?

[Becky82]

The MOT is about safety, so failure of security components like locks is not in itself a fail AIUI. As long as you can unlock them with a central or door control from inside so an occupant can rescue themselves and be rescued by a passer by I think it can pass, although some testers may disagree.

The problem that can arise is that the lock unit fails in a way where its deadlock wont release, so the door latch won't release when internal or external handle is pulled. That would be a fail.

From a practical point of view I think if you arrive with all doors unlocked, hand it over and let them test it you should pass.

So, can you get all doors to be openable?

Sorry, should probably have mentioned that I can not unlock the door by pulling the handles inside or out & it won't unlock them from the button on the drivers door

[Becky82]

Hi
This would not solve the problem with the central locking or not being able to open the doors manually. The previous owner obviously replaced the keys in a weird way as it doesn't fit any of the locks ��

[VAG-Abound]

Hi
This would not solve the problem with the central locking or not being able to open the doors manually. The previous owner obviously replaced the keys in a weird way as it doesn't fit any of the locks ��

Agreed, but it woukd mean you can still get into car when final lock module fails.

[VAG-Abound]

Sounds like the lock modules will need replacing or repairing then. Often a quick job to fix them with a bit of solder on electrical joints that crack.

How DIY enabled are you?

[Becky82]

Agreed, but it woukd mean you can still get into car when final lock module fails.

This is true! However, I need to get the main cause sorted really. Thank you for your suggestion though 😁

[Becky82]

Sounds like the lock modules will need replacing or repairing then. Often a quick job to fix them with a bit of solder on electrical joints that crack.

How DIY enabled are you?

I will try most things but soldering I would not be confident in unfortunately 😫 anybody local in the Midlands.who can help inexpensively?

[VAG-Abound]

Do you hear things trying to move when you press unlock button on door? If so banging on inside or outside of door to give it a jiggle while pressing button may get them unlocked.