Unable to unlock door manually

[Robert Bucke]

Has anyone had the same problem? Central locking failed so looked in the manual on page 85 it states " The drivers door can be locked or unlocked manually if the remote control key or the central locking does not function. Lift the cover up from the bottom (drivers door handle) insert spare key in the lock cylinder and either lock or unlock" The only trouble with this is there is no lock cylinder I even checked the passenger door in case they had fitted the wrong side, same as the drivers side no lock cylinder. I have to presume that it was not fitted when it was built.
I am going to contact VW and see what they say.
Has anyone had the same problem because if the system fails there is no way to unlock the car

[DMitch16]

So you have prised up the handle trim section (the small most rearward piece) and there is no key hole underneath?

[Robert Bucke]

The doors are original and I did take the cover off, have contacted VW their attitude is that the previous owner, i am the second one removed the cylinder to stop thieves pinching the car, never heard such load of rubbish in all my life. However they did agree that I take the car to a VW dealer and get them to inspect it and if they say the lock cylinder had not been removed they will consider rectifying the problem. I have got in touch with the previous owner and he assures me that he did not remove the cylinder. One interesting point is that if I had owned the car from new they would consider my request in a different light. Might try them with my B2 Passat GL5 estate that I have owned since new when anything goes wrong, you never know

[Quatrelle]

If someone had removed the cylinder there would be a hole. Perhaps the handle from a rear door has been fitted at some time (assuming of course that one would fit).

Keep us posted.

[Robert Bucke]

If someone had removed the cylinder there would be a hole. Perhaps the handle from a rear door has been fitted at some time (assuming of course that one would fit).

Keep us posted.

No holes on any door handle as I have checked them all just in case, there is a blanking plate on every door handle as though it was in this state when it left the factory. Will be calling at a VW dealer soon to get them to look at it. Will update as soon as I get more info.

[RichardSEL]

Could you just confirm this is a Passat B6 you have? Estate or saloon? What year? How many previous keepers?

Are there any signs in or around the dashboard that a Private Mobile Radio had been fitted -- screw marks for the mic holder etc.
If saloon check the boot area for unused holes. Any marks on the roof where a PMR radio aerial might've been fitted?
Any signs that Tracker had been fitted?

If the car was formerly government issue it could've been specified as without manual locks. But usually such a spec would've been for a bulk buy

Dealer would be able to tell what sort of first keeper it was from their DDW record -- but they can't tell you who or what organisation it was under Data Protection Act. Although you can make application to VWUK or the original supplying VW main agent under the Act if you have a legitimate reason for requiring the information