just got home to find i couldn't open the drivers door from the inside. i am sure i read somewhere that a cable has probably snapped.

So the question is, is this likely, and how easy/hard to fix. Has anyone done a picture guide for the way to do it?

Edit

found this

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/126257-octavia-1-replacing-door-latch-microswitch/

Which i assume covers most of the details i need to know?

Edited 26 July, 201114 yr by mrmo

Either the cable will have snapped, or in the car of my car, the crimp joined failed and a few strands came out of one end, allowing the cable to stretch.

Remove tweeter

Remove door panel (The link you post covers details for panel removal)

Disconnect the cable from the look - this can be a bit of a PITA, a mirror can help. I did mine without removing the lock.

Fit new cable to lock end

Replace door trim & attach door release cable, LED light and flood panel wire.

Refit tweeter

Job done

The cable fits to the handle with a hook, it could be that it's just come un hooked.

Removed my panel at the weekend to sort a dodgy motor out, refitted it all and the hook had come off so had to strip it all down again.

ok, thanks, but a few more questions came to mind. How much is this cable, is it something a dealer would carry as a matter of course and would i be able to get it from a VW dealer? i only ask as there is a VW dealer at the end of the road.

Cable is only a few quid (under £15, iirc). I got one from a VW dealer (mk4 golf), but I have a spare one sourced from an Octy in an scrapyard.

I suspect it is unlikely the cable would become unclipped if the door panel hadn't been removed, but maybe not impossible - could be a sign of the cable stretching however.

thanks for that, i shall i have a chat to the dealer and see if they have the part before i start dismantling the door.

My local dealer has to order everything in these days, and won't issue a refund if you don't need the part. It does not take long to take the panel off and have a quick look. I drove mine around for a few days with the door panel screwed in place but the electrics for the window (etc) just sitting in place (rather than clipped in).