Drivers Door Lock Stuck Down

Post by **jimbobbig** » 18 Apr 2007, 15:39

The lock on my drivers door (Caravelle) is stuck down. You can lift the knob and open the door under some pressure but it pulls straight back down.

The van has central locking and all other locks are fine.

Any ideas?

Could be worse it could be stuck open.

Post by **tonytech** » 18 Apr 2007, 15:55

Sounds like the CL is locking the door. Does unlocking the drivers door unlock the other doors?
What happens if you unlock the passenger door? Does that unlock the drivers door
Try disconnecting the wireing to the actuator in the drivers door. Will the button come up OK then?
Moving the button up and down slides a contact in the actuator which activates motors in ALL the doors (inc the one you are opening )

The actuators are very old. The contact springs in mine had rusted away. I replaced them. Not difficult but getting sprins small enough was tricky.

T

Post by **jimbobbig** » 18 Apr 2007, 16:31

The CL works from the passenger door and always has. Think it may have been added at some point before I bought it. (its guenuine vw)

I have disconected the wires and it make no difference.

Think i'll take it out and have a look.

Post by **tonytech** » 18 Apr 2007, 16:38

Could be that the actuator is seized. there is a strong spring in the unit to protect the fragile plastic parts from the shock of trying to lock an open door.
You have been pulling against this spring.
Beware the plastic is fairly weak and pulling could break it.

The actuator is fairly simple and hopefully you can repair it.
S/H units are available but, as with any rare item, are expensive and may be just as worn.

T

Post by **jimbobbig** » 18 Apr 2007, 20:17

Cheers Tony. I'll have to bits tomorrow and let you know.