Remove the door latch from the exterior of the vehicle using a flat-head screwdriver. Place a replacement latch onto the door and reattach the door locking mechanism cable to the latch. Reattach the locking mechanism and secure it by reinstalling the four screws.
Full Answer
Are there any problems with the door latch on a VW?
Today we look at how VW door latches fail.This is an issue not just with the Jetta as shown in the video. This is a part that I have replaced all across the brand. Every car in the VW line has had an issue with door latch failures. You may also hear them called “door lock modules”.
How do you fix a door that won't latch?
When a house settles, doors sometimes stop latching properly because one side of the frame has sagged. You can fix the problem easily with a rotary tool and a metal-cutting bit. Shave off the inside of the strike plate with a rotary tool and a metal-cutting carbide bit. Remove a small amount and test the latch by closing the door.
Why won’t my Door Latch shut?
As a house settles, door latches and strike plates sometimes become misaligned, so doors won’t latch shut. Usually you have to push the door in, and either pull up or press down on the doorknob in order to get the door latch to catch in the strike plate. If the movement has been slight, there’s a very simple fix for the problem.
Why is my door lock not working on my car?
One door lock is not working: When one door has the locking issue, it is likely an issue within the door. Be it the switch for that side, latch, or actuator.
Why are door locks called door lock modules?
You may also hear them called “door lock modules”. That is because they are such an important part of the central locking system. The sponsor of today’s show is Deutsche Auto Parts.
Does the master door switch lock the doors?
The fob does not lock the doors, the master door switch does not lock the doors and in addition, the trunk release does not operate. When the lock buttons are pressed on the master door panel and including the fob, a relay can be heard under the dash. This relay can also be heard when the car reaches 10-20 mph.
Why is my door lock not working?
One door lock is not working: When one door has the locking issue, it is likely an issue within the door. Be it the switch for that side, latch, or actuator. If the lock slowly started to lose power/speed locking and locking — or would stop working intermittently and start again, the motor/actuator is most likely to blame.
Why does my door lock only work in one direction?
The door lock works in only one direction: This issue also indicates a bad lock actuator. Locks work from the switch, but not the remote: If this happens, the problem is with the remote. The battery is likely dead and needs to be replaced, but the remote (s) may also need to be reprogrammed to work.
A rotary tool solves door problems fast
When a house settles, doors sometimes stop latching properly because one side of the frame has sagged. You can fix the problem easily with a rotary tool and a metal-cutting bit.
Photo 1: Widen latch opening
Shave off the inside of the strike plate with a rotary tool and a metal-cutting carbide bit. Remove a small amount and test the latch by closing the door. Continue removing metal until the door latch catches.
CAUTION!
Grinding metal can throw sparks and fragments into the air, so wear safety glasses with side shields, or full goggles when grinding. Otherwise, use a small round file.
The rear hatch lock is coded to the car and must be ordered VIN specific from Volkswagen
That being said if you are having problems with the hatch lock, tumbler or actuator there are many things that can go wrong and not all of them cost money to fix. I recommend that you remove the rear interior panels and find out what is really wrong before you order parts. Please see our article on inner rear panel removal for help.
Project Photos
Figure 1 If you are locked out of your hatch there is no way to access or remove the lock tumbler (red arrow) or handle (yellow arrow) from outside of the vehicle. You will need to remove the inner rear panels to get at the mechanisms.