I have a 2003 mk1 1.9tdi estate.  The drivers door key movement has occasionally been a little crunchy at times, but today I felt something give and I now find myself with a door lock mechanism that does not lock.

 

The key turns with little resistance and the central locking works to open but not to lock,  it appears that it might be mechanical problem as opposed to electrical.  I have looked at problems on here, but none seem quite like this.  As a quick guess it feels like either a rod/connector has jumped off/failed or the mechanical part of the door lock has failed.

 

Any pointers will be a great help as this seems to be an area with many problems and it is not easy to see where to start as the doors appear to be no fun to work on.

 

Thank you Nigel

No fun at all but you have no choice if you actually want to fix the problem, it's all got to come apart so you can replace what's needed.

 

At least the weather's nice. Crack on and let us know what you find.

There is an excellent video here

 

 

That explains exactly how the mechanism works.  That the electrical side works partially suggests that the key barrel is ok and that it is this box of tricks that is faulty. It may be as simple that the pivot screw for the lock actuator has fallen out, or perhaps some other item has snapped.

 

I have found this mech  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-FRONT-DOOR-INSIDE-LOCK-RIGHT-O-S-DRIVER-For-SKODA-FABIA-3B1837016CB/173816685869?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2763.l2649

 

at £15.56 its so cheap, so I have ordered it so that it is here before I start.