So I've had this issue of my driver's side rear door lock being inoperative. I've done some troubleshooting (checked the black box under driver's seat, checked wiring) and no go.

However, if checking everything it never occurred to me to check the window function itself. Over the weekend, I noticed that the rear driver's side window will not roll down.

Is there a switch that operates both the window AND the door lock electronically? If so I'm thinking this could be my culprit.

 

i'd look for a pinched wiring harness. or it could be a two-fold issue of corroded locking mech + shorted window regulator, but you'd have alot of noticable corrosion inside the door.

 

How hard is it to take the door panel off? I haven't ventured in that direction yet but it's my next step.

 

Go to an auto glass place or somewhere and see how that panel comes off. My last Audi was a 90 100 and the panel had them push pins to hold it on.

My 96, after I broke a couple, I found had "hooks" that go into slots, lift and pull. A few screws, some kind of hidden, like under the door latch.

I don't know how the 2004 is but you should get a pic of it, if you can. Mebbe you can ask if anybody has the manual on disc and can mail you a pic.

Cheers,

George]

Oh, my 79, 80, 81, 85, 87, 90 were all the same. This 97 is entirely different. So your 04 might be entirely different from my 97.