2 Issues - Car Door Lock problem & Car Alarm/Luggage Compartment Issue

[jakeevans]

Hey Everyone,

I really hope you guys can help me.
Basically I've bought a 2002 Volkswagen Golf SE (Estate)
However, I'm having two issues with it & I hope someone can help before I explode.

First Issue:
On the rear passenger door behind the drivers door, the door won't open when I unlock
the car. The switch *sometimes* pops up which shows the door is open but when I pull the handle from out, it doesn't open. I have to go inside & pull the lever to open the door.

Strangely, once this is done, and you close the door, it can be opened from the outside without any problems whatsoever. Do you think I need to put some oil in the door lock mechanism or something? I'm thinking could be jammed or something first time? then it opens. I've checked the child lock - it's off.

----------------

Second Issue:

My car alarm was going of constantly yesterday, couldn't get a nights rest at all.
Took it to the dealers this morning, they said they stripped the tailgate and reconnected the wires. This stopped the "Luggage Compartment Light" which kept flashing on & off, even though the tailgate was firmly closed. Anyhow, that has sorted the issue kindof.

I've been looking at forums and it looks like the rear washer jet may have a split or something in it. I definately know it works because I use it on the motorways, but I'm worried incase there is water which is messing about with the electronics causing the alarm to go off. Does anyone know how to sort this issue out? (i.e. where I can find the rear washer pipe)? - any pictures would be a great help, i'm new to VW cars...

Special Thanks,
Jake

[belfastmark]

HI
The problem you are describing re you drivers rear door sounds like the lock is on the way out, i presume you have central locking ??
As for the car alarm going of constantly, this could be due to the water pipe for the rear wash/wipe having a split or maybe it has came loose causing water to get into the micro switch contained inside the lock and from this you are getting a intermittent signal that it is open when it is closed hence the alarm going off. Both are copmmon problems with the MK4 golf. When you are sitting in the car with the engine running and look at the dash display, is there a door open light on ??

[jakeevans]

Hi Belfast Mark, Thanks for your quick reply.

Yes, I'm pretty sure it's central locking. I use a keyfob to lock the car.
It's only that door which is playing up.

As for your reply, I'm sure your right as that's exactly what I've been reading about.
To answer your question

When you are sitting in the car with the engine running and look at the dash display, is there a door open light on ??

That's correct. It happened this morning on the way to the dealers.
The door light comes on and flashes "Luggage Compartment Open"
It then goes of, and kept beeping every 10 seconds all the way to the dealers.
They said they stripped the car out and re-connected the wires stating it could be a:

a loose connection

I don't know how accurate they are, but I prey to god that the alarm doesn't go off at night again. If it does, I'm pretty sure your theory is definately correct.

Do you know how I could check if water has got into the tailgate?
Would I see in the compartments on the tailgate itself or inside the car?

Special Thanks,
Jake

[belfastmark]

Hi
With the boot open light showing, I can confidently say that you have/had water finding it's way into the micro switch probably coming from the water jet on the rear wiper. you need to take a look and see what is the state of play is, it could be a simple case of popping it back on securely, if you continue to use the rear water jet as it is, I can safetly say you will continue to have alarm problems.
To answer your question, i dont think that you will see any water in there. You could dry it with a hairdrier and correct the water pipe and hopefully that should help. Also, if the drivers rear door lock is giving problems, this also could cause alarm issues.
I think you should get a fault code read done to see if anything is stored, ideally, if/when the door open light is on

[jakeevans]

Hi Again,

Thanks for getting back to me with a reply.
I'm definately not going to use the rear washer jet until I get this sorted, thanks for your advice, as I've had 2 restless nights now and I'm hoping today won't be one either.

You know the micro switch, would you know where is that located?
Currently, when I use the rear washer jet, it sprays perfectly onto the back windscreen so i'm guessing its installed correctly, but could be a possible leak?

Do you know where the rear washer pipe is located as I tried looking for it in either 2 compartments and couldn't find it at all?

I will take your advice though and definately try to get someone to read the fault codes as that will explain what has been causing the alarm to go off. While i'm there, will see if they can get that door sorted as well.

Thanks for your help "BelfastMark" - you've been a true star for taking the time to solve issues like mine! What would be do without you!

Thanks,
Jake

[belfastmark]

HI Again
The micro switch is located inside the boot/door lock. Open the boot and you will see a plastic panel, you have to remove this., I think there is a few screws to remove and the panel should pop off with the help of a flat head screwdriver. Once this is removed you will see a pipe and the back of the spindle that goes through to the outer wiper jet. Make sure the pipe is firmly on the spindle and give it a wee inspection to make sure everything is ok. With the boot open, you should be able to see the locking mechanisim. You should see the micro switch inside the lock. What I would do at this point is to get the hairdrier of the missus and gently dry the micro switch for a few minutes. If this all goes according to plan, you should not have any further problems. However, if you correct the boot problem and the alarm keeps false starting, it may be down to the issue of the drivers rear door lock. One of the classic symptoms of a failed door lock is your central locking wont close all doors. This could trick the alarm into thinking that there is a door open when in fact they are all closed/ Get a fault code read done, it should give you definate answers. Good luck

[jakeevans]

BelfastMark, Your Amazing!, Thanks for telling me what to do.
I'll be right on it first thing in the morning.
I'm just hoping its nothing serious.

Cheers & Thanks once again,
Jake