Drivers Door Won't Unlock With Key

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CaveDweller02
New
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2022 5:14 pm
Drives: July 2002 1.2 Polo 9N 5 Door
Location: Wiltshire

Drivers Door Won't Unlock With Key

Post by CaveDweller02 »

2002 Polo with central locking (but not remote on a fob) and manual wind-up windows. Everything functions, including central locking via the driver's door lock, except for unlocking the driver's door with the key. The consequence is that I have to unlock the car using the passenger's key lock. The barrel in the driver's lock will not rotate clockwise. I saw something on a thread suggesting slamming the door a few times might fix it, but I wasn't surprised that hasn't worked!

Help in diagnosing the problem and pointing me to the resolution would be appreciated.
CaveDweller02
New
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2022 5:14 pm
Drives: July 2002 1.2 Polo 9N 5 Door
Location: Wiltshire

Re: Drivers Door Won't Unlock With Key

Post by CaveDweller02 »

Fixed it myself :D The lock barrel was gummed up and only free to rotate in one direction.

For anyone else facing the same problem, I found two really useful videos on line:

1. How To Remove A VW Door Handle ~ Salvage Yard Tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hykV3zw-l20 The tip on 12 turns was spot on!

2. Volkswagen Golf Door lock cylinder repair and assembly tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQK-w7TPel4 just beware the video doesn't show removal of the lock barrel and sleeve that goes around it. They simply pull out in opposite directions. I strongly recommend marking all the components so the you assemble them in the correct orientation, it's easy to get confused!
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