Central Locking Problems

**GSD** · 09-10-2006,10:39 AM

My 1998 Passat Sport 1.9TDI 110 has developed a rather annoying central locking problem in that I quite often have to press the lock button on the remote control key up to three times before the lights flash to indicate that the deadlock has engaged. However for no apparent reason it sometimes works properly on the first or second attempt. Despite this all the doors seem to be locked properly on the first press of the button, albeit that the deadlock doesn't seem to have been activated.

I've also noticed that if I have to press the button a second or third time it seems to be the rear nearside door which locks last. Also if I press the button a fourth time the rear nearside door unlocks on its own, which is strange.

I checked for wet carpets etc. in the front passenger footwell and everything seems dry so I would be very grateful for any comments and/or advice! Many thanks.

**tjompen1968** · 09-10-2006,03:27 PM

One of the "lock chests" probably has a "coold soldering". To find out which one it is you can use VAGCOM or if I am right you only have to lock the car when inside with the button in the driver door. The faulty door will automatically unlock. Have seen this on two cars including my own. Had exactly the same problem. To fix the door lock check this link:
http://www.taligentx.com/passat/main...lockmechanism/

Keep us informed on your progress

It is probably the door you describe that is the faulty one. (the rear nearside door )

Just dismantle and resolder and it probably will work as new as mine did.

**GSD** · 10-10-2006,04:52 PM

Thanks very much indeed for your advice, and when I tried to lock the car from the inside using the button on the driver's door the rear nearside door did exactly what you said it would and unlocked itself!

Not being an auto electrician I'm just a bit concerned about attempting this repair myself so I just wondered whether you think that an amateur like me with some reasonable practical skills could tackle such a job? Alternatively have you any idea what it might cost to have this whole job done at VW garage, or what the cost of of a new locking mechanism on its own would be?

The other option, of course, is just to live with this interrmittent fault but I'm concerned that it will simply get worse and become an even bigger problem. Can you give me any guidance on this?

Many thanks again for all your help so far, and you won't be suprised to know that my local VW dealer didn't have a clue as to what was causing this problem and advised me just to tolerate it as any investigation would take a lot of his time and my money!

**tjompen1968** · 11-10-2006,07:46 AM

Thanks!

They really dont have a clue...

But they probably dont have this forum in the VW garage

Well, the job is a little tricky, but not impossible. It took me about 1,5 hours from start to finish but I am pretty handy with these things.
Just take your time and if you have a digital camera take lots of pictures along the way so if in doubt on how things where before youll just check your pics.

I live in sweden and here the lock-mechanism costs about £100 plus the work, my cost was £1 for a beer...

Be sure to check the connections between the door and the chassis, there are two connectors, one for the audio and one for the lock and window-electronics. I had a bad connection in the audio connector and there might be a problem there even though I dont think so it is a good idea to check there as well, youll never know.

If this will get worse? I have no idea.

Be sure to use the right tools! If not you will get problems. (The M8's are not torx or insex, its XZN. I had to drill them out after using insex.

)

**GSD** · 14-10-2006,06:22 AM

Very interestingly since I first tried to lock the car using the lock/unlock rocker button on driver's door switch panel the central locking has largely been behaving as it should! On the one occassion when it hasn't I've simply repeated the above process and all has been well again. Does this indicate anything to you?

**tjompen1968** · 14-10-2006,08:30 AM

Originally Posted by GSD

Very interestingly since I first tried to lock the car using the lock/unlock rocker button on driver's door switch panel the central locking has largely been behaving as it should! On the one occassion when it hasn't I've simply repeated the above process and all has been well again. Does this indicate anything to you?

I am not sure what you mean...

Does it work properly again? Mine worked fine on coold and moist days but was crazy on warm days wich is logical to the bad soldering

**GSD** · 15-10-2006,10:23 AM

I'm sorry if I didn't make myself clear but what I meant to say that the central locking system seemed to be working correctly again. However yesterday - when it was a sunny and warm - things seemed to go wrong again so it looks like you're quite right about the impact the weather can have on this problem.

Interestingly I think that this problem first manifested itself last summer - or at least that's when I first noticed it. Whilst it seemed to go away last winter it then started again early this summer. All this seems to coincide with your own experiences , and it will be intersting to see what happens when the weather turns more wintery. I'll let you know!

**isti3223** · 15-10-2006,07:47 PM

hi
Under the N/S/F footwell carpet is your computer for convenience systems-including door locking.moisture damaging the cables,especially 3 ground connections wich is not insulated.Check the wires,the fault most of the time is there.

**lennymfo** · 11-01-2007,09:02 PM

My drivers door wouldnt shut what thats all about?

**BrianLonnon** · 08-08-2007,08:52 PM

Hi, I have weirder problems with my 1999 Passat estate. Got water in ecu and all door locking/elec windows/sunroof stopped working. Replaced ecu and all works except that rear 2 doors are locked. Interior handle won't open door. Operating inside handle lifts button but goes down again when handle released. How to get door open to remove lining to identify/cure fault

Front doors lock/unlock fine from key or central locking switch. The lock motors operated a lot with the old, wet ecu, before it was changed.

(What plonker at VW puts ecu in non waterproof box at lowest point of floor so it will be the first to get wet when the drain hole under the bonnet blocks and water enters via the pollen filter???)