Gremlins in my Central Locking

[ianoid]

Hi Guys

My Mk4 has an issue with its central locking that I’m looking for some advice on how to fix. It’s more of a nuisance really but seeing as I have a bit of an obsessive streak, it bugs the hell out of me.

Whenever I go to lock the car via the key (no remote fitted) the little LED in the driver’s door doesn’t always flash. The car always locks though.

I believe I’ve tracked it down to an issue with the lock in rear passenger-side door, as when I try to lock all the doors from inside the car via the switch, this locks pops up again once it’s locked down. I’ve also experienced that on occasion when I’ve tried to lock the car from the passenger side the central locking doesn’t activate and only the passenger door is locked, but give the key a couple of twists and all the doors lock again.

I’ve taken the car to my mechanic, who says that nothing is mechanically wrong with the car and it must be an electrical issue, so I’m curious to see what you all think. It is really just an annoyance that hasn’t gotten any worse in over 18 months, but I’d like to fix it sooner or later.

PS: What does the flashing LED in the driver’s door actually mean?

[RussGT]

Hi Guys

My Mk4 has an issue with its central locking that I’m looking for some advice on how to fix. It’s more of a nuisance really but seeing as I have a bit of an obsessive streak, it bugs the hell out of me.

Whenever I go to lock the car via the key (no remote fitted) the little LED in the driver’s door doesn’t always flash. The car always locks though.

I believe I’ve tracked it down to an issue with the lock in rear passenger-side door, as when I try to lock all the doors from inside the car via the switch, this locks pops up again once it’s locked down. I’ve also experienced that on occasion when I’ve tried to lock the car from the passenger side the central locking doesn’t activate and only the passenger door is locked, but give the key a couple of twists and all the doors lock again.

I’ve taken the car to my mechanic, who says that nothing is mechanically wrong with the car and it must be an electrical issue, so I’m curious to see what you all think. It is really just an annoyance that hasn’t gotten any worse in over 18 months, but I’d like to fix it sooner or later.

PS: What does the flashing LED in the driver’s door actually mean?

Not 100% sure what the issue is with the LED not always flashing but from what you describe it sounds like more of an earthing problem within the wiring to the locks maybe ? I would suggest that you check plugs and connections within the doors which are going to the locks, a blow with some compressed air may help. As far as I know the flashing LED on these models is mainly designed to let you know that the engine immobiliser is activated or (when fitted) to show the alarm is active, It's also good as a deterrent for thieves. If you're fairly confident about removing door trims and have the tools needed then I would suggest you have a go yourself. If not a decent Auto Electrician would be your best bet. :)

[Erotas]

The door locks have the central locking systems inbuilt.
There are a few circuits in there that fail(solder breaks with door strikes).

The door that the lock is playing up will be your culpurit and that is why the central locking is playing up, hence why the LED doesnt engage.

DIY found in Vortex http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1542461