Rear door won't open

Ximian

I have a 2008 model TDI Seat Leon and the passenger side rear door won't open from the outside, the door can be opened from the inside though.
The problem started last year where the door wouldn't open from the outside but once opened from the inside the rear door could most of the time be opened even after locking and unlocking with the key fob. Now the rear door cannot be opened at all from outside.

From what I've read on the AA website, the car will fail the MoT test if the doors can't be opened: "A rear door that cannot be opened from the outside using the relevant control is a new reason for failure."
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-servicing-repair/mot-changes-2012.html

I believe that this is a common issue with VAG cars. I've tried a few suirts of WD40 in the rear door lock but this hasn't made any difference. I've also disconnected the car battery for a few minutes.
Is there an easy way to confirm that the rear lock is faulty and not a wiring fault? I'm guessing that a detailed fault reader like VAG-COM would show something regarding the rear lock if it wasn't functioning.
Is it relatively easy to replace the rear door lock myself?
What is a typical cost to have the lock mechanism replaced at the dealer?

TIA

forgotmyname

The handle/mechanism needs adjustment. Or parts replaced.
WD40 wont cure that.

If you know howto use a screwdriver and spanner you can replace the parts yourself. But you will need to remove the door trim and weathershield. You need to make sure
that goes back on properly.

rs65

Is it something as simple as having to press the unlock button on the fob twice?

only_mee

A Seat 2008 i think the outer door skin get's removed to replace the motor.Common problem on 8P Audis and Golfs of the same age.

Ximian

rs65 wrote: »

Is it something as simple as having to press the unlock button on the fob twice?

Nope, tried that numerous times, all doors and boot unlock fine except the faulty door. I can hear the door lock mechanism clicking when I activate/deactivate the central locking, which makes me think that the actual lock unit is faulty and not moving into the position that it should when unlocked.

Ximian

If i buy a new lock mechanism and fit it myself, would that new lock need to be electronically synchronised with the car?

colino

The good news is that you can, for the moment, get the door open. That gives you the chance to get the door card off and check out the whole mechanism, WD40 all the moving parts and lightly grease them to give them having half a chance of working. Do this now before the thing locks up completely and you'll have to be a contortionist to get the card off.
General opinions seems to be that it is water ingress in these cars that stuffs the electrical motor, but a bit of working the mechanism manually can keep it operational for a while.
Incidentally some MOT NTs seem a bit confused on the back doors opening or not. Some fail, some pass and advise! However you really want all of your doors working properly, don't you.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Would something like this help?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Seat-Leon-2-0-TDI-Auto-Nearside-Passenger-Rear-Door-in-Black-/281208041206?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item41794e2ef6

Ximian

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

Would something like this help?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Seat-Leon-2-0-TDI-Auto-Nearside-Passenger-Rear-Door-in-Black-/281208041206?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item41794e2ef6

That's a bit overkill, and the wrong colour but thanks anyway.

Ximian

So far I have ruled out a wiring fault, I can definitely hear the lock clicking when I activate and deactivate the central locking but it just won't open from the outside. I've ordered a set of spline/triple square sockets since the bolts aren't torx bolts so that I can remove the door panel and lock.

I found a two helpful PDF's that might help others with the same model car:
Front door panel removal SEAT Leon 1P:
www.no1wok.co.uk/cupra/dpf.pdf

Rear door panel removal SEAT Leon 1P:
www.no1wok.co.uk/cupra/rdp.pdf‎

Door lock unit numbers:
Rear left (Near Side): 1P0839015
Rear Right (Off Side): 1P0839016

Partsbase link with schematic diagram: http://www.partsbase.org/seat/leon-leon-4-le-eu-2008-83900-door-handle-exterior-door-lock-inner-actuator/#p-sea-1p0839016

A new lock from the dealers is around £120 - £130, best to confirm correct part number with dealer when ordering. I saw some used units on eBay for a much cheaper price £35-£45 but I'd prefer to buy new.

colino

You haven't ruled out a wiring fault. A partial break in the wiring, poor conductivity in the connectors, or even a partially jamming solenoid may well give the similar noise of a properly working unit, but it's not throwing the mechanism enough to open/close properly. Get the basics checked before you throw money at parts.