My nearside rear door won't unlock or open.

Recently, the central locking needed locking/unlocking a couple of times before this door unlocked and now it won't unlock at all. And if I try opening using the inside handle it still won't open.

To fix it I presume I'd have to remove the inner door panel - but I can't open the door!

And please don't suggest winding down the window for possible access as the window regulator support broke some time ago and my rear glass is wedged closed with a lump of wood inside the door. (Both rear doors actually!)

Any suggestions gratefully received...

The inside handle might be mechanically disabled by the olde-fashioned child-lock?

As to getting at the door card if you can't open the door, my best guess would be that you'll need to take the rear seat out first. PITA!

I had what sounds like the same thing happen to me not long after I bought my Octy VRS hatch.

It was a bar inside the rear door that had broken that links the lock to the latch mechanism if that makes sense.

The door card needed to be removed and a new part fitted about a 15 min job I think, mine was done by the dealer because it was still under warranty!

HTH.

I didn't have the child locks on and the interior handle is still connected to the latch.

When I checked my other door, trying to open it from inside when it was locked, the first pull triggers an electrical sound (unlocking) but you have to pull the handle a second time to mechanically open the door.

The stuck door doesn't make that first electrical sound and thus the door stays locked. I'm guessing an earthing problem but, as I said, I can't get in the door to check.

Are you certain about the child locks? I'm not being funny, but I've known the control levers for them slip just enough to disconnect the interior handle without being noticed until someone gets locked in. Mildly embarrassing when that someone's your dad!

From the rest of your description, I'd agree about the electrical problem though. Isn't it still possible to use the manual lock/unlock button?

Pulling up the unlock button still won't unlock it.

Actually, it has dropped out of sight, but I can get at it by removing the speaker grill.

And no, it's not jamming as it tries to come up 'cause it doesn't try.

I'm now sure you're right about the electrical problem. As i said, I think the only way of getting the door card out with the door closed is to take the seat out first.

I can't see that's possible, Ken, because the card fixing screws are around the outer edge of the door - inaccessible with the door shut.

Maybe I should weld up the rear doors and have the world's first 3-door Octavia...

I'd thought the card was held on with trim clips. If you're right, I've no idea how to proceed either.

It is possible to get at the the trim screws, you will need to remove the door seal to give you more room. You can just about get a Torx bit in there and can get the screw started with a vey small open ended spanner or pair of long nose pliers on the bit.

I suspect that the lock has jammed and my well need to be broken up to get the door to unlock. A new lock/catch will be required, about

It is possible to get at the the trim screws, you will need to remove the door seal to give you more room. You can just about get a Torx bit in there and can get the screw started with a vey small open ended spanner or pair of long nose pliers on the bit.

I suspect that the lock has jammed and my well need to be broken up to get the door to unlock. A new lock/catch will be required, about