Driver's door hard to open

[jetadriano]

I am having a hard time opening my drivers side door from both inside and outside only after unlocking it, whether I use the key fob, the inside door unlock switch or the door key cylinder. I have to give the outside door handle a gentle hit/bop before I can open it.

Please note this only happens when I unlock the door. After the initial unlocking, I can open and close the door repetitively without any problems. That is until I lock it again! Seems like my door latch does not completely unlock?

Any help/suggestion/advise would be greatly appreciated!

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by jetadriano

I am having a hard time opening my drivers side door from both inside and outside only after unlocking it, whether I use the key fob, the inside door unlock switch or the door key cylinder. I have to give the outside door handle a gentle hit/bop before I can open it.

Please note this only happens when I unlock the door. After the initial unlocking, I can open and close the door repetitively without any problems. That is until I lock it again! Seems like my door latch does not completely unlock?

Any help/suggestion/advise would be greatly appreciated!

To really diagnose this problem you're going to have to remove the interior door pannel. While the pannels off perform the lock and unlock function to find out the true problem. Does sound like it is the unlock solinoid or a linkage problem though...

[jetadriano]

Originally Posted by Canadianbugin

To really diagnose this problem you're going to have to remove the interior door pannel. While the pannels off perform the lock and unlock function to find out the true problem. Does sound like it is the unlock solinoid or a linkage problem though...

Hi thanks for the reply. I've already done what you mentioned and it seems like its more a linkage problem. From the outside, I have to hit (firmly but gently) the door handle before I can open it. From the inside, I have to hit the panel a bit hard near the latch area before the door opener engages. Again, this only happens when I unlock the door.

By the way, my door microswitch stopped working a long time ago (no door, dome or interior light when I open it) but my problem with the lock was just recent. I think it's safe to rule out the microswitch as the problem?

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by jetadriano

Hi thanks for the reply. I've already done what you mentioned and it seems like its more a linkage problem. From the outside, I have to hit (firmly but gently) the door handle before I can open it. From the inside, I have to hit the panel a bit hard near the latch area before the door opener engages. Again, this only happens when I unlock the door.

By the way, my door microswitch stopped working a long time ago (no door, dome or interior light when I open it) but my problem with the lock was just recent. I think it's safe to rule out the microswitch as the problem?

Soooooo.... Clean and lube the linkage first. If that does not solve the problem,it could also be wear in the nylon bushings that connect the linkages or the lock,unlock solinoid or an electrical short.Not sure it is not the microswitch though!!!

[shaman]

im also encountering this problem, were you able to find a solution? thanks








I am having a hard time opening my drivers side door from both inside and outside only after unlocking it, whether I use the key fob, the inside door unlock switch or the door key cylinder. I have to give the outside door handle a gentle hit/bop before I can open it.

Please note this only happens when I unlock the door. After the initial unlocking, I can open and close the door repetitively without any problems. That is until I lock it again! Seems like my door latch does not completely unlock?

Any help/suggestion/advise would be greatly appreciated!

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Sounds like the plunger in the micro-switch assembly is failing, probably a wear issue, but possibly dirt or something. Possibly even a mounting adjustment. There's a pic, of the assembly opened up, around here somewhere. I think maybe MarvinsDad put it up.

Here are some good links -
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1542461
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13141784707651

The complete assembly is available here
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13141785094534

Thanks to Smileybug for the links and parts rsource!

MORAV