Ok, so seem to have a locking actuator issue with the front passengers door of my 2006 Tdi estate. Advice appreciated from those who have been there done that!

 

Thought I was going to have the pain of getting  the passengers front door card off in situ but I banged on the door from outside while pressing "open" on the fob and it popped open. Currently removed my remote battery to try and stop me locking the car again just now again incase it won't open. 

 

It doesn't look like you can disconnect electrics to the bad door actuator and lock and open the passenger door manually from inside. Seems a pretty daft set up in that manual (handle) operation triggers electrical opening (or vice versa locking if you push the button down) . So it looks to me like it won't lock and unlock manually if you were to say disconnect the module  but I'm all ears if I'm wrong there. 

 

From what I can gather I think the problem is more electrical than mechanical despite what my local garage told me. He said it's a worn sticking lever, I think from what I've read it's a dodgy electrical connection buried in the part, probably dry/broken solder joint on a PCB.

 

What's my options then?

-A new VAG part isn't an option at (I believe £180-200..).

-Are the ebay cheap ones maybe ok, anyone used them?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-SKODA-FABIA-SEAT-IBIZA-CORDOBA-DOOR-LOCK-ACTUATOR-FRONT-LEFT-3B1837015AQ-TCT/152980447271?fits=Model%3AFabia+I&epid=18021305861&hash=item239e586027:g:aKYAAOSwAI9bqahI:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true

-Having done a window regulator on the fabia I can access the lock etc but it's a job I'd happily not have to bother doing on this 12 year old car. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you disconnect the module it causes all of the doors to lock. I know this because I disconnected mine a few days ago in order to fit a new window regulator and all of my doors locked with the plug removed.

 

Some people have had success with the cheap lock units. Might be worth checking for broken wires inside the rubber door bellows before getting a new lock unit too.

Check the cheap one works properly before completely reassembling the door, I fitted a cheap one and it was fine.

Thanks for replies. Are the new cheap replacements an all in one part or do bits need swapped over?

You just need to attach the Bowden cables for door handle and inner door release handle. 

 

Oh, and the rod for the locking button.

Edited 29 October, 20187 yr by TMB

https://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/fabia-mk1/body/body_work/front_door_central_locking/front_door/removing_and_installing_the_door_lock/

I fitted an Ebay special lock module to our Polo and it has been ok so far,there are some internet guides + youtube videos to help with the procedure.

Many thanks for replies. Thanks for posting link to workshop manual guide. I've watched a couple of videos of it but the guide looks useful. Albeit not seeming to mention having to remove the door panel and window regulator etc!

 

It looks like I'll need to order the part to get a fix, then find the time to strip it all etc. 

3 hours ago, silver50 said:

Many thanks for replies. Thanks for posting link to workshop manual guide. I've watched a couple of videos of it but the guide looks useful. Albeit not seeming to mention having to remove the door panel and window regulator etc!

 

It looks like I'll need to order the part to get a fix, then find the time to strip it all etc. 

 

That'll be in a different part of that workshop guide. It's not the easiest thing to use and often a bit vague too.

 

EDIT: Here it is...

 

https://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/fabia-mk1/body/body_work/front_door_central_locking/front_door/removing_and_installing_assembly_carrier/

Edited 30 October, 20187 yr by TMB

Good guide here too...

 

https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/119359-removing-the-ancillaries-carrier/

 

Also you will need to remove the door lock cylinder in order to release the short Bowden cable from the handle. If you search there are guides to do that.

 

 

Edited 30 October, 20187 yr by TMB

Cheers v much Lee. I'll order an ebay actuator today amd try to do it within the next week.