Drivers door being tempremental, handle not opening door

[The Dave]

As title, 1999 3 door mk4 gti 1.8 20vt.

It's done it a couple of times, where you pull the door handle and nothing happens, so you have to go in the passenger side and pull the inside lever, the first time nothing happens, the second time it releases the door.

It's done this maybe 3 times in 12 months.

However every time I've left the car a bit after locking it for a few hours and trying get in, in the last 2 days, it's done it again.

What could it be? And is it gonna be a ballache to sort. I noticed maybe the catch is a bit sticky so I will WD40 it when it's light also...

[jamie16v]

mine is doing it since fixing the door module, it`s doing my nut in. i find that a quick thump to the door handle lets you in though...
i have found that its getting better over time.

[Wazzzer]

you made sure the screw that holds the blank/lock is tight enough?

[The Dave]

Is that one of the visable ones on the side/rear? as you open the door then?

I will check tomorrow. It seems like something is sticking or the cable from the handle to the lock is dodgy I guess.

[Wazzzer]

yes that's the one mate. If it isn't tight it will interfere with the handle operation

[The Dave]

Cheers mate I will check that tomorrow/sat morning when I can spare 5 mins on it lol

Hope thats all it is

[The Dave]

i find that a quick thump to the door handle lets you in though...
i have found that its getting better over time.

worked for me this morning haha! winner i will check that screw tomorrow and get busy with mr wd

[The Dave]

Well I checked those 2 bolts (if these are the ones you mean), they were tight, but I put a bit of pressure (and I mean just a bit) on the 2nd one and then....



  - the bolt head and little washer thing to it snapped off!

Does this bolt hold anything else in, or could I try and remove and replace it without stripping the door down and nothing hidden is gonna fall into the bottom of the door or anything??

OR, just leave it?

Only good thing is the door has worked fine since then haha.

[mcgee9t2]

pretty sure iirc off the top of my head it holds up the locking mechanism. but its also held on by a few other screws, i think theres 2 on the regulator panel and the one above, so theoretically you should be able to drill it out,and i dont think you will hit anything, but if i was you ide try drilling it out but slowly.

[The Dave]

I reckon I might be able grip it with needle nose pliers, it protrudes enough... think I'll leave it until I have to sort it though lol This car is driving me mad at the mo with it's niggles, I'm ready get rid now. Spent loads on it and still not gotten around to furthering my mods as planned MK4 Golf's eh? lol