I know there's a load of threads of similar issues - this is why I'm confused!

Problem is:

rear door has been getting lazier & lazier at locking and unlocking - I've now got to the point where its usually always locked. I could probably get it to unlock if I tried locking & unlocking numerous times.

No particular grinding or mechanical noises happen, and sometimes the pin moves a little but doesn't pop up.

Can you guys help with the the diagnosis? Where should I start looking? Guess I'm struggling with whether this is electrical or mechanical & what I should be fixing/replacing.

I have the door card off previously and greased up the internal rods but not made much difference.

Thanks!

Had this on in-laws car, I sprayed the lock internals/solenoid in wd40 after removing door trim - used a fair bit as it was quite stiff, then used a graphite lock spray from maplins on the external visible parts of the lock - 2 hours later it freed off and has been good since.

Or get a new lock mechanism about £100 from the stealers or as I did £40 second hand remanufactured. Mines been fine ever since.

Thanks guys!

Or get a new lock mechanism about £100 from the stealers or as I did £40 second hand remanufactured. Mines been fine ever since.

Where did you get your refurb from?

Nirro in barking Essex. Google them they will post out to you no problem.

Ohh beware though I just googled them and there are lots of bad posts about them and their mail order f... Ups on the net. My dealings with them were ok as I collected and paid for lock in person so I checked part at time of collection.

Had exactly the same problem with both my rear door lock mechanisms so got two secondhand replacements from skospares in Poole as they are local to me and managed to get a matching pair (both locks off the same car) and only £20 each plus i think he's online and a really nice bloke.

Give him a go and if he cant post I'll pick them up and post for you, I also took loads of photos as I did mine so if you get stuck give us a shout, you also need a special torx type socket to remove the lock.

thanks again guys!

I might take a gamble on this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-MK4-Golf-Seat-Skoda-Audi-O-S-R-Driver-Side-Rear-Door-Lock-3B4-839-016-M-/330766466794?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d0337beea#ht_515wt_827

Had exactly the same problem with both my rear door lock mechanisms so got two secondhand replacements from skospares in Poole as they are local to me and managed to get a matching pair (both locks off the same car) and only £20 each plus i think he's online and a really nice bloke.

Give him a go and if he cant post I'll pick them up and post for you, I also took loads of photos as I did mine so if you get stuck give us a shout, you also need a special torx type socket to remove the lock.

thanks for the offer! was it an easy job ?

Took me about 1 1/2 to do both doors, probably an hour to do the first then 30 mins to do the second so fairly easy mate.