Author Topic: Fault finding in central locking  (Read 1666 times)

Offline Ozz

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Fault finding in central locking
« on: 02 January 2006, 12:05 »
Hi guys, been asked by my brother to sort out a few little problems with his mk3. Its a k reg 1.8 (non gti). His central locking only works intermittently, and today its not working at all. It's the VAG air powered system.

Anyone have any handy tips as to how to find the problem, or know of any common failure points?

Any help would be much appreciated, as I haven't done much work on mk3's before!! Donmt really understand what all the bits of this central locking system do!!
Mk2 Gti 8v

Offline Golfer

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Re: Fault finding in central locking
« Reply #1 on: 02 January 2006, 21:39 »
Pretty sure the central locking pump is in the boot somewhere and very easy to access - maybe take that out and test it / replace?



1998 Mk3 GTi 8v - now sold :(

2003 BMW 320d 150bhp now bought :)
2002 Seat Leon (almost a Mk4!)

Offline Ozz

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Re: Fault finding in central locking
« Reply #2 on: 02 January 2006, 22:18 »
Yep have found the pump but cant think of any way to easily test it without replcing it, but my brother is poor and cant afford to spend unnecessary money on his car!
Mk2 Gti 8v

Offline adyh

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Re: Fault finding in central locking
« Reply #3 on: 03 January 2006, 09:41 »
Common failure points are in the door hinges . Check in the rubber boot for signs of wear on they tubes .

Offline Overseer

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Re: Fault finding in central locking
« Reply #4 on: 03 January 2006, 10:10 »
yeah check for leaks at each 'device' connected to the pneumatics...

i had a broken petrol locking cap spike thingy that caused a leak that caused my pump to get weak and fail.

a good sign for a leak or failing pump is that the pump will continue to "pump" after you've locked the car (which wears it out..)

pumps arent cheap.. pray its a leak.
Used to have a '97 MK3 16v GTI 3dr in 'Black Magic'... now have a '55 Civic Type-S...

Offline Ozz

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Re: Fault finding in central locking
« Reply #5 on: 03 January 2006, 12:35 »
Oh dear that doesnt sound so good, my brother said his petrol cap locking failed a while ago, and the spike has been flapping around loose in his boot ever since. The weakening pump sounds about right too, as the problems been intermittent but getting more common, to the point where when I was looking at it yesterday it wasnt working at all!!

Ah well, I'll check for leaks then if that yields nothing I'll replace the pump. Any good ways of checking for leaks?
Mk2 Gti 8v