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

[aka_kerrly]

most importantly i hope you have remote central locking and still have the door pins in place so that you at least have a couple of options for locking/unlocking.

By the sounds of it the lock barrel is at fault, removing the handle isnt too difficult and then you can check the movement of the barrel. I think you will find that the connecting rod on the back of the barrel that performs the lock/unlock function will have fallen off.

dave

[fatmansan]

Cheers, Dave,

Do have the remote central locking but hasn't been used for a year or two due to an over-sensitive alarm that is enabled with the remote. I'll see about getting the door handle off and looking at that.

No idea why can't get in via the boot, mind.

Thanks again

[pauliec50]

Likelihood is the "spade" off the end of your barrel for the lock itself has snapped off. It happened to both my 6N4 Polo and more recently my MK3 Golf. It activates the central locking and door locks as well.
They are not sided, so a spare handle, or two, from a scrappers should sort it. We're talking pounds to fix and a bit of effing & jeffing by yourself to sort it. 20 min job. Even for a hamfisted bloke like me.
enjoy.

[LuS1fer]

My door key doesn't fit the boot, if that helps.

Once open, remove the screw on the door by the handle and then slide the handle across and it will come off. You will see that there is a lever on the back of the lock that should connect to a link which slots into the recess you will be able to see if you look in. This is what is missing on my passenger side lock. You can buy repair kits on ebay for about a tenner.

[Pickled Piper]

pauliec50 said:

Likelihood is the "spade" off the end of your barrel for the lock itself has snapped off. It happened to both my 6N4 Polo and more recently my MK3 Golf. It activates the central locking and door locks as well.
They are not sided, so a spare handle, or two, from a scrappers should sort it. We're talking pounds to fix and a bit of effing & jeffing by yourself to sort it. 20 min job. Even for a hamfisted bloke like me.
enjoy.

Yes happened to both front doors on my MK3. The bit on the end of the handle breaks. It was a known weak spot so there is an uprated bit that VW sell which is not very expensive.

It all depends how handy you are with the spanners. The handle comes off quite easily. Changing the spade bit is quite fiddly and includes lots of little springs etc.

pp

[fatmansan]

Thanks, all - this certainly seems to be the problem. I had a locksmith actually break into the car, and even after ensuring all was well with electrics, I have the same problem turning the key does nothing to engage the rod.

Lifting the door knob operates the central locking ok, so it's clearly as described a problem with the lock.

Appreciate the feedback

Thanks,
Grahame