Central Locking Problems?

[mboon]

Hi all,

Our MK2 GTi 16v three door is having issues with the central locking.

The drivers lock has been changed as it siezed so we use a different key for that lock than the ignition key.

When we lock the door, all the doors lock fine, but you can hear a motor turning over?
and when you go to unlock the door, its like the motor is fighting against you to keep the doors locked, every now and then it would stop and let you open it fine.

Obviously this is not something we can just leave and hope the motor stops as coming back to a empty battery is boring lol.

We have taken the fuse out for the pump and now use it as a non central locking car.

But would really like to get it working so, any ideas?

New pump?
lock change is playing with it?
Drivers door central locking motor is knackered?
Wiring?

Help please

Thanks fellow VW fans.

[The Mighty Elvi]

The noise you hear is the pump in the boot activating the door locking mechanisms.  The central locing operates via vacuum.  There is also a vacuum actuator pump in the driver door.  A metal rod from the pump it attached to the door lock mechanism.  When you turn the key, this then lifts up or pushes down the metal rod.

Its a similar operation to a bicycle pump. The increase or decrease in air pressure then activates an electrical switch which sends a signal to the pump in the boot to open or close all the other locks.

There are four wires coming out the bottom of the actuator pump.  One of mine snapped resulting in the central locking not working.  Have a look and check all wires are attached.

[rubjonny]

if the pump is running on for a while after the locks are shut this could be due to a leak in the vac system

[mboon]

OK I will check the wires

How will I locate the leak? got a feeling thats going to involve taking the car to pieces?

[mboon]

OK checked the cables, nothing seems to be missing.

I plugged the pump back in with the two front doors locked by the key and the boot unlocked and open.

The pump instantly started pumping? Nothing happen to the locks etc just the pump was pumping?

The pump said VDO on top and was in the boot next to the passanger side brake lights? is this right?

Where is the best place to search for leaks?

[mboon]

taken the door card off and its leaking air from the blue vdo thing.. Is this right. Its coming out the bottom of it.
Where can i get one of there from.

[rubjonny]

doesnt sound right, scrappy or ebay job methinks. start at the pump in the boot and follow all the vac tubing as best you can, theres a bit in the driver c pillar too so check there