Dears, my car has developed a really dangerous habit in the last few days.

1) At first, the rear door had problems in locking itself: i.e., even if I pull down the small locking piston, it would not lock. The only way to lock it is by using the centralized locking.

2) Then, worse yet, if I open it (from the outside or the inside, does not matter), the latch goes down in a wrong position and I cannot close the door! It is like trying to close a door by turning the key and then slamming the door shut: the door bounces against theclosed lock.

These, I can solve by just turning the key into the driver keyhole, actuating the centralized door lock – it will get the rear door unstuck. Uncomfortable, but not threatening.

3) However, the real nightmare is that now, sometimes, while driving, the door just POPS OPEN randomly! It happened tome 3 times in the last week, luckily not in the motorway, but it is frightening. Now I have fastened it with a ratchet band, looping against the opposite internal passenger handl on the roof, but we all know this is a thing to be fixed asap.

The first1-2 times, I had written off the opening by thinking I just had case 2) without realizing it, but now I am pretty sure that, with a bump or a tight turn, the door just disengages – even if I had locked it.

Any idea onwhat it could be? I have read several threads, they refer to the solenoid or the actuator. I amnot expert, and ask you what is your bet: electrical? Or mechanical, i.e. thea ctual lock died? Case 1) makes me rather think something mechanical, but as said, I am no expert.

If it canhelp: I have no key button / remote control (is it called FOB?): I have to insert the key into the lock to open.

Many thanks!

Kind regards,

Matt

 

The first thing I would prescribe is plenty of cleaning and lubrication. The locks do not really have any effect on the door opening itself. When the door is closed, there is a spring-loaded catch that should hold it closed. The locks cannot move that catch. The reason the door is popping open, in my opinion, is that the catch does not move freely, and the spring load is not enough to make it do its job.

 

You can try removing the door panel and unplugging the latch to see if that helps. Chances are you have a latch failing mechanically like described above.

If you need help getting a used latch, send me a private message.

 

Dear both,
Many thanks for that. First thing, yesterday I ordered a used latch on the ebay. When I go down the unavoidable step of removing the panel, I'd rather have that 10 EUR piece at hand. When I saw the prices for a new one, I had sort of a seizure.
Thanks for the video as well!
It will take some time, but as soon as I have done it, I'll come back either for further assistance or for a big thanks.
Cheers
Matt