B5 passat rear door won't open.

[Ed.]

Its my fathers car which had the passenger side rear door replaced about 2 1/2 years ago. About 6 months ago it was sometimes not unlocking, now it cannot be opened with either handle.
When you unlock the rest of the doors the little pokey up cap does not come up on this door.
Using the outside handle does nothing, it just feels like it is locked.
Using the inside handle makes the 'little pokey up cap' come up but it goes down as you let go and still does not open the door. I removed the door card yesterday (door still locked shut) in the hope something had just come loose/slipped off. Its seems the locking area is the other side of a riveted panel with the one cable attached which goes to the inside handle.
Any suggestions welcome as I fear this is an mot failure.
Thanks Ed

[Ed.]

bump

[mk1fan]

This maybe the same problem that the mkiv golfs have with the door lock modules. Try uk-mkivs website and search for 'door lock module'. The root of the problem is minimal solder being used on the circuit board and the connections breaking. Easily fixed by re-soldering the connections - there's a guide on VW Vortex on how to carry out the repair.

[Ed.]

mk1fan said:

This maybe the same problem that the mkiv golfs have with the door lock modules. Try uk-mkivs website and search for 'door lock module'. The root of the problem is minimal solder being used on the circuit board and the connections breaking. Easily fixed by re-soldering the connections - there's a guide on VW Vortex on how to carry out the repair.

Thanks looking into it, now all I need to do is open the door!

[mk1fan]

disconnecting the power should allow you to use the internal door handle to open the door. Does mean reprogramming all your presets again though!!