UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

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.

Fixed it myself 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!