So the last few days my driver door has decided to not work properly. When I unlock it (using the fob) I pull on the handle and it opens about 2 inches then it stops. It seems like the latch is getting caught on the striker, but I don't have any idea why. I then close the door and press the unlock button and try to open... it takes a couple times before it opens. I am guessing it has to do with the lock, but I haven't researched how the whole locking mechanism works so any insight is appreciated. I don't want to start pulling the door apart until I have some knowledge on what to look for first. I haven't locked/unlocked it while inside the car and tried to open it from the inside.... I have only had the issue opening from the outside, I don't lock my doors when I am in it.

Is this common? Any help out there?

 

the door comes apart with 4 little screws and then you just lift up. the lock on the door and the latch on the B pillar may not be lined up right anymore.

 

Hmmm, sounds just like every other door that I have done... thanks for the info.

I don't think it is an alignment issue since it doesn't do it all the time, only after it has been locked.

Anyone else?

 

He's probably right. Usually the strikers have slotted mount holes so you can adjust their positioning. You may have worn hinges that allow the door to sag just enough that it throws the door out of alignment.

 

I understand the alignment part, and will check it.... but with the symptoms, it seems more likely that there is either a vaccum leak at that lock or the pump is on it's way out. After messing around with it more I have noticed that if I hit the unlock once it will catch 2 inches after I pull the handle.... but if I hit the unlock 2+ times it will open fine which sounds more like a locking pump issue, whether it is a leak or pump problem I don't know. I guess I will be checking alignment, vacuum lines and if I can't find anything I will get another pump to put in.

 

if you have vag com you can check if there's a leak or not. also, when you press unlock you should hear the lock if you put your ear next to the door.

 

Couple new discoveries from last night and this morning. First off, last night I went to get in my car and it wouldn't open... I unlocked/locked/unlocked about 6 times trying to open it in between, it wouldn't open. I finally put the key in the lock, locked it and then unlocked it and it opened...... Interesting. Then this morning, I went to get in and of course it wouldn't open so I locked it and then pushed the unlock twice to unlock everything. I tried to open it and it wouldn't, so out of curiosity I went to the passenger door (it opened fine) reached accross and opened the driver door from the inside without any problems!!

What is it?? Is it a locking issue, a outer door handle issue?? I still don't see it being an alignment issue. Oh, I don't have vag com.

 

sounds like outer door handle issue. i would pull the panel off and see if everything that connects to that outer handle is in order. some little clip or fastener may have come loose or come off and isnt allowing the handle to strike the lock/latch properly...