how to open jammed lock to fix it!

[sensible]

Hi,
Anyone know how to open a locked door from inside the panel? Passenger door is locked and cannot be opened from inside, outside, remote etc.

Have door card a bit out of the way (cannot access front screw!) can see inner panel and the lock module but no obvious mechanical part to "pull" to release the lock.
Appreciate any help whatsoever! really stuck with this, wife complaining about having to climb over the shift everytime to get into the car. (02 Bora SE auto)
p.s. first problem in two years! had to be a biggie didn't it!
p.p.s Seems straightforward to repair/replace module once it is out but all posted links relate to doing the job with the door open!
Cheers

[passatpal]

Hi Sensible and All.

Have pretty much the same problem as you, Sensible (apologies for hijacking):

Front passenger door on 2002 Passat won't open from inside or outside!

Remote on that door been erratic lately ie, wouldn't work sometimes so I had to open with inside door lever. Now lever doesn't work and door won't open at all! Door seems dead electrically, it used to move the little button even when it didn't open the door, now nothing!

The inside door trim needs to come off to get at 'the works' - but that's impossible without getting to the torx screws underneath the door trim!

I have a horrible feeling I'll have 'attack' the door trim with saws and drills to get at the lock etc.

Any advice would be truly appreciated.

Cheers - PassatPal

[hongkongstuey]

dunno if its the same on front doors, but i had rear door jam shut, removed handle screws and yanked the panel off, no more screws, that was a passat though, then it turned out to be cable had become dislodged on its mounting at interior handle, only by a small amount but enough to not give the cable a good run through to lock

[passatpal]

Thanks HongKongStuey,
I'll try removing the interior handle to see if I can 'spring' the panel open from the top, maybe just enough to get at the cable etc. What year is your Passat - mine's a 2002 estate.
Cheers

[hongkongstuey]

mines 1999, had been broken by my ex's lad pullin on interior handle with child locks on, just enough to unlatch the securing piece

[passatpal]

Sorry H, should have seen your vehicles details on your first message!
Not sure if I have child locks on the front passenger door. I'll go out and check the manual after breakfast. Cheers!