Our Skoda locks and unlocks ok with the remote buttons on the key.

But - just in case the battery fails - we tried it with the key, and turning the key in the door lock doesn't unlock the car.

Just wondering if that's correct! What is the procedure if the remote doesn't work?

Check for broken wires inside the bellows at the A-pillar.

5 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Check for broken wires inside the bellows at the A-pillar.

Thank you - is this a common problem?

Presumably need to disconnect battery before poking around in there, as the wires will be "live" without the engine on.

Extremely common.

Good practice to take off the battery negative clamp before such work, yes.

Hello, thank you again. I've just been watching this video, although it's more about corrosion on the contacts than the broken wires, but do you know which colour wire would be the one specifically taking the signal from the lock when turned by the key? All other central locking functions seem to work ok.