hi guys,

 

I've got 'That Problem' (in fact I've had it since I got my car but it's got worse and the driver's door won't lock or unlock with the key now) If it helps, my car is a 2001 Octavia 1.9tdi 90bhp estate, Ambiente

 

Symptoms rundown as follows:

 

• puddle light doesn't work
• driver's door won't put interior lights on
• driver's door won't put dash 'door open' light on
• lock and unlock button inside the car on driver door does not lock or unlock the driver door, but it'll do all the others
• car will relock itself even if I open driver's door
• and now, as I said, the driver's door will only lock with the key

 

So I'm pretty sure it's the microswitch or the control module in the door. before taking it all apart though I want to order microswitches (I might as well get a few as only one door on the vehicle is putting the interior lights on etc) 

 

I've read that really helpful guide that's on here but I'm not sure what the microswitches that I need to get are called and where to get them from!

 

If anyone could point me in the right direction or has some helpful advice, I'd really appreciate it!

 

ta

Ebay, buy a lock mechanism, swap the whole thing, job done. 30quid, or less at this stage.

 

I have fantastic respect for Mark (Bowders1) , his former mk1 was the best example of one on here...

But, if your not really committed to the task, and have the time to work it through, doing the switch swap is finicky, and slow. Doing the lock swap is much easier. 

Plus, given the age, theres a good chance the dead bolt could fail next, and youll be changing it anyway...

Cheers mac, I've ordered some microswitches so I'll have a go but if I don't manage I'll just put a new lock mech. in. 

 

The worst bit (having tried before and given up) is getting the innards of the door apart to actually get at the mechanism haha

well....

 

Got it all apart, couldn't repair it, put it all back together hunky dory, then checked the inner door locker manual button thingy (which worked) - but had the result that the door will now not open from either side. I've tried banging it, pulling on both handles at once, locking and relocking etc etc but it will not open

 

anyone got any ideas??

@hebdenwill

That sounds like the classic too much/ not enough tension on the outer pull handle cable.

I fixed it! thank f**k - it was exactly as you describe Mac

 

new door lock module ordered now anyway, only £20

I've fitted the new door lock and it locks off the remote now, which is great, along with the puddle light now working! 

 

Not so great is the fact that if I use the key to lock it, it reopens it then winds all the windows down!! I managed to get it *not* to do that by fiddling with the little white rubber slot inside the mechanism (which the spade on the end of the lock barrel slots into) but after putting it back together, the problem reoccurs 

 

Does anyone know if it's possible to turn that round white thing a whole 180°? It feels like it might break it if I do but I reckon that might fix it, if it's possible