Key fob not opening passenger door, but locks it.

[Shep]

I've discovered something interesting that's recently developed and wondering if anyone has any insight. If i use the key fob to unlock the door, it will unlock the drivers door, but not the passenger door anymore. I can use the lock switch on either door to lock and unlock both doors, so the actuator is working fine.
I can also lock both doors with the key fob. This is a 2002 2.0L bug.

Cheers

[DZLBUG]

You are pushing the unlock button twice, right?

[Shep]

Yes, i am :P

I actually just found a similar post, tried it out and it worked.

Basically I opened both windows, and locked the doors with the fob. I opened the door from the inside with the handle, alarm went off on the drivers side.

I did the same on the passenger side and the alarm didn't go off, and while the alarm was on, the door switch didn't work either. I played around with trying to get the alarm to go off on the passenger door and it finally started working again. It opens again with the fob. So all is well.

However, the alarm does not go off when the passenger door is opened from the inside. Not that I'm concerned about the alarm, just interesting observation.

Cheers

[Smileybug]

You might have a dead microswitch in the passenger door. Common failure. Its what tells the car if the door is open or closed.

[Shep]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

You might have a dead microswitch in the passenger door. Common failure. Its what tells the car if the door is open or closed.

I think you are correct, its intermittently working. I've read a few posts of suggested quick fixes before completely replacing the switch, which I'll try.
I'm suspecting there is a similar switch in the hatch that was causing my troubles last month, making the dash light flicker while driving, and alarm going off in the middle of the night. I slammed the hatch a few times and it stopped that for a bit, I'll have to locate that switch and try the same procedure.