VW Golf MK3 - Central Locking Problem

[fatmansan]

Hi there,
This is my first post and whilst I can't offer much in this post to be fair, I'm in need of some help. Having finally got back to Blighty yesterday after being stuck in Dubai after this volcano ash malarky, my VW Golf MK3 Gti Colour Concept appears to have developed a problem with the (key operated) central locking. When the key is turned in the driver’s door, nothing happens. There is no resistance and the locking mechanism is not operated. Doesn't help that the barrel on the passenger side gave way about a month ago and I didn't have time to sort it out before I went away!

Can't seem to climb in via the boot either as the key doesn't turn.

Any thoughts appreciated

Cheers,
Gray

[NickPicks]

Whe you say "nothing happens" do you mean that the key won't turn, or that key turns but the door won't unlock, or that the door unlocks but the central locking doesn't operate?

If it's that the central locking won't operate, is the battery flat?

If it's not unlocking the door, then there could be something wrong with the mechanism. You'll need to break into the car, open the door manually and repair the mechanism.

The boot might have a different key to the door (my door key doesn't operate the boot either). Do you have another key to try?

You'll need to tell us a bit more about the car, such as year, so that the experts on here can tell us whether it's got deadlocks (in which case you really are in trouble!)

[fatmansan]

Thanks, Nick,

To be specific, it's a 1992 Golf GTi Colour Concept MkIII.

Key turns, but nothing happens, i.e. central locking is not activated. My guess is flat battery, but I can't get into the car to check. Didn't realise was a separate key for the boot, that's good to know - thanks. Can't remember last time I opened the boot with the key to be fair.

I do have another set of keys, which I know has another key on it - just can't find the bloody thing - sod's law and all that. Will continue to hunt on that one, now I know it is a separate key for the boot - at least that way I can get in (hopefully!)

Cheers again

[fatmansan]

ok, tried to get the levers up, but to no avail - looks like still deadlocked so presumably this can't be the battery?

what's the deal if the deadlocks remain - any ideas?

cheers

[NickPicks]

Even if the battery is flat, then turning the key should unlock that door. I'd have thought that 92 was early enough that it won't have deadlocks (but I'm not sure) and the key should open the deadlock.

(Deadlocks would mean that even if you climb in through the boot, you won't be able to open the door - you end up having to rip the door card out in bits and smash the lock echanism to bits with a chisel)

You must have the correct key as it's turning.

Try turning the key and pulling it outwards at the same time. The key barrel is connected to the lock by a hook through an eye (both made out of die cast 'metal'). It's not uncommon for the hook to break, but if this has broken, usually the key will turn 360 degrees, or you'll be able to pull it out completely.

[NickPicks]

I was wrong above. if the hook/eye is broken, it won't turn 360 - I've just looked at the photos I took whilst doing mine, and there's a stop on the handle to stop it (mine was broken so it did). I think it should pull out though.

It could be that the hook/eye is worn so much that the spade bit which operates the lock when you turn the key isn't quite turning far enough.

I can send you the picture if it would help the explanation - send me a PM with your email address if you want it.