Central locking & electric windows

[KLO1]

Hi all, I wondered if anyone could help. I have a 2001 Audi A3 1.6. The central locking and electric windows have stopped working completely. The alarm went off (no tampering or break in) about 5 times in sequence. The central locking then stopped working and it won't even open/close with the manual switch. The electric windows also don't work. I've changed the batteries in the key fob but this has made no difference. I've also tried a few tips in terms of trying to "re-progamme" after changing the batteries in the fob. Thank you in advance for your help.

[Rayscriv]

Sounds to me like a recent problem that I had.
It will be a fault with your central locking pump. I had to replace mine, got a second hand one on e-bay. Its really easy to fit and there is plenty of information on here if you search through previous threads.
The pump is located behind the panel in the boot on the passenger side, above the wheel arch. It's simply a matter of unplugging one unit, plugging in a new one and re-programming the keys ( agian plenty of info on here about that, takes a matter of seconds to do )
Expect to pay about £120 for a second hand pump.....much cheaper than a new one from main dealers.

Good luck, hope this helps

Ray

[KLO1]

Thanks for that. I've taken out the removable panel in the boot on the passenger side but there isn't enough of a gap for the unit (black unit which I assume is the central locking pump) to be removed. It looks like the whole passenger side panel in the boot will have to be removed by undoing the bolts and scews but this appears to be tricky. Do you have any tips / suggestions on removing the unit / the panel? Thanks again.

[Rayscriv]

I had to undo some of the fixing bolts. I took of the trim around the boot catch, removed the fixing screws to the side panel and carefully eased it away enough to get access to the pump. It was a bit of a struggle and be careful when you remove the air pipes. (it will all make sense) You should find it located in a 'sponge' insulation. It has probably got water damaged, so try your best to waterproof it when you re-fit a new one. I put mine into a sealed plastic box (iced cream tub) and cut holes for the pipes / wires.
Good luck

Ray

[KLO1]

Thanks for your help. I've managed to remove the central locking pump. The problem is trying to find a new one. I've tried a few Audi parts places and ebay but no luck. The part number on the old one is 8DO 862 257 E (which I think is actually an Audi A4 pump).

Any suggestions on where I might be able to get one would be appreciated.

Thanks again.

[Rayscriv]

That is the same part number as the one that I replaced. I was advised that I needed the exact same part number for the remote central locking to work.
I went around loads of scrap yards and it would appear that this particular pump was as rare as rocking horse sh*t.
I would just keep checking on ebay, as you said the part number is the same on the A4s.
I think I paid £130 for mine which seemed to be about the going rate at that time. It appears that the people selling them know that they are quite rare.
You could try putting a request on here, see if anybody has one for sale.

Good luck

Ray

[KLO1]

I've put a request on the forum and will keep checking on ebay.

Thanks for your help with this one.