MY13 C7 A6 door handle not working

[red_slr]

Car not been started in a week or so - thought it would be a good idea to give it a run.
Unlocked ok but then door handle felt "dead". Climbed in via the back and it opened with the internal handle ok.

Google returns lots of results - so common problem it seems. Apparently the cable can jam up in cold conditions and needs to be freed up then greased.
I tried the "hitting it" method but that didnt work.

Before I start stripping the door card off has anyone got any words of wisdom? Part of me is thinking this might be a job for a dealer as I know there are loads of clips and I am sure to break something...

[red_slr]

Update to anyone trying this - you cant easily remove the door card without the special VAG tool.

We have normal plastic trim tools here and they are snapping for fun.

I got 2 clips undone after about 2 hours of faffing so giving up and ordering the correct tool.

[red_slr]

Ok sorted. Instructions for anyone else. Remove the 3 T25 screws.

So the clips have to be prised away from the door skin, the clip itself stays with the door.

I took a plastic tool and filed a deep V into it and that worked but it has to be very thin to get between the back of the clip and the metal door skin. Once its gone behind the clip you can just push and the clip comes out with a pop.

There are 6 or 7 clips. The clanger is there is a "locking pin" so to speak in the very bottom of the door.

If you look closely there is a small rectangle marking on the door. Lie on your back and then push upwards quite hard in this area and it will pop.

Then the only thing holding it on is the top which just pulls away. Unclip the door cable to the inside handle and slide the cable out. Then put the window back up and turn the ignition off. Then unplug the window regulator which is held in with a purple clip.

Then look rearwards into the door and you will see a U shaped cable.

The side nearest the door inner skin will probably be kinked. Get your hand in and pull it downwards - you will feel the mechanism engage.

Then try the door handle and it should now be working.

Pull the boot down (difficult if you have big hands!) and soak the area with lube.

Then put the boot back on - test it all and refit everything.

I broke 3 clips in total, but the door is on there fine and no rattles.

If I was to do this again I would buy the correct tool before I started to save the broken clips and make the job 30 min vs 5 hours. Part number for the tool is T10383/1.

HTH

[RammyMP]

I had a 2012 A5, every now and again the drivers door handle wouldn’t work. I used to drop the windows by holding down the unlock button on they key and reach in to open it from the inside.