Mine was stuck shut with the deadlock engaged. I guessed it was a dead motor so I bought a used latch from a wrecker.
I read a tip that said to use a rubber mallet and bash the door from the inside (trim removed) while rapid-fire pressing the unlock button. The idea is that you'll rattle the loose solder joint and be able to open the door. Did it for half an hour and it didn't work for me.
I gave up and took it to the dealers and they destroyed the latch, got the door open and put in the replacement. It worked for about three goes and then the used latch died too. Grrr. Couldn't open the door, but this time I could hear the motor so it's a different issue. An hour and a half labour and a $95 latch down the drain.
They quoted me three hours of labour to get the door open (again!) and put in a new latch.
I gave this a try with a thin piece of wire. Worked with the 2nd latch, but not the 1st. Hopefully it'll save me some labour costs the next time I visit the dealer.
Black Betty - Suggest you get it sorted ASAP. When it dies completely you'll double the time you need to fix it.
79 MK1 GLD
03 MK4 GTI
94 993 Carrera
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