I'm about to attempt to fix/replace the door locks on the fabia. However both doors are shut, won't open via external or internal handles. All of the guides i've seen for getting the door card off are with the door open. Any advice/tips on how to go about it?

I've looked at this link for the lock bit, but it doesn't seem to decribe the card removal. Remove & Repair Door Lock

Cheers

You can't do it without wrecking the door card I'm afraid!

You can't do it without wrecking the door card I'm afraid!

Seems bizarre that the linked thread didn't mention that.

Have you checked whether it is just the handle cable that has come loose?

You can get at this by taking the door handle off without removing the door card.

The symptoms are;

Door does not unlock.

Nothing happens when you pull the external handle.

The button will raise with the internal handle, but won't stay up, I've tried pulling it when it pops up with no benefit either.

You can hear a motor noise in the door when the central locking locks/unlocks.

It's been intermittent for months, but now they won't open at all

You can't do it without wrecking the door card I'm afraid!

I managed to remove mine without damaging it when my doors went deadlock.

@ P20, I posted a thread about 8 - 10 months ago which had some info in it (try key words such as "deadlock", "lock problem" etc). From memory ensure you remove the 3 torx screws on the lower edge of the door card, it is possible to get into them all if you move the seat about. Once this is done, pull the door card off, then get the top lip off, work at one edge and then work your way along, remember to disconnect the door handle cable and courtesy light in the lower corner before lifting the card out the way. Like I said it is possible to do without breaking but you will probably need new door card clips. Its worth replacing them with the new design ones from skoda whilst the door card is off as they don't break on removal.

Cheers Mike, i've found your thread. I also messaged CAS and he's replied with similar advice to yourself. I'll finish the coffee then i'm off to set about things

Anyone know if the hatch and estate use the same door motor?

My lucky day. The driver rear door unlocked, so i've disconnected the central locking on that door and at least you can get in and out of the back. Didn't have the heart to tackle the locked one, but its progress

If the little indicator pops up and then jumps back down you could try, with a mate.. pulling the battery off at the split second it jumps up?