Passat 3B Rear Door Won't Open?

VW Passat Variant, manufactured in 2001, experiencing the following problem:

When the key fob is activated, all doors except the rear door on the passenger side open or close. According to VW, there are often issues with the door locks. Reading the error codes from the comfort module showed "0" errors. When the key fob is pressed and you touch the exterior metal panel with your fingers, you can feel something moving inside, but the door handle does not lift. If you try to open the door from the inside and pull the lever, the door handle does lift, but the door cannot be opened.

Question: How do I remove the door panel with the door closed???

Hi Autofitti,

Apply firm pressure from the outside against the door handle, towards the interior of the car. If you hear a "click," you should be able to open the door. The problem is likely related to the electrical system. The cables running through the rubber grommet (between the door and the frame) are prone to chafing.

Hi,

I've been having the same problem with the same door for the past two weeks, so you're lucky! VW told me that you would have to destroy the trim if the door is locked - but that's not true:
In the center at the bottom, there's a Torx screw. To remove it, you'll need to take out the seat cushion, which requires removing two pins.
Unscrew the inner handle, the cover will come off with a bit of force (2 screws).
Now you can pull on the bottom edge. Once it's loose, you can pull the cover upwards. 1-2 retaining clips will likely break off, but that's not a big deal.
Now you can see the mounting plate in front of you. You can remove it by prying off the large round cover. Lower the window so you can see the window's mounting bolt in the elongated slot of the black rail. Knock out the middle plastic bolt (6mm), then you can remove the surrounding spring ring and lift the glass upwards. Disconnect the linkage. Unfortunately, the locking mechanism is also attached to it. I broke off two black plugs.

I'm not sure yet how to remove the locking mechanism when the door is closed.
I'm going to try driver's suggestion, but I'm also open to other tips.

Edgar.




P.S. Mine is a 3B model from 1998 with electric windows, maybe it has a similar design?

A guide with a picture of the clever program from the friendly .

To open the door, proceed as follows:
- Remove the door seal in the area of the door lock.
- Using a thin screwdriver or a welding wire approximately 5mm thick, press down on the lower locking pawl (indicated by Roman numeral I) (twice) to release the rotating latch (indicated by Roman numeral II) (two clicks) from the locking pawl. Simultaneously, push against the door.
I don't know yet if it works.

I don't understand the thing about the image – can you upload a scanned image?
I would like to try this with the locking pin and the locking mechanism on a working door. If someone could tell me if it's possible using scanned images, I'll try it again, or I can send the image via email upon request.

Thank you to Autofitti for the picture!

Best regards, Rainer.

Hi, that thing about pressing down the release lever works.
I've done that many times before.
Try heating the lock with a hairdryer first.
Close it, and when it opens, you can renew it.
Or, forcefully hit the doorknob while someone else unlocks the door.