Golf MK5 passenger door not unlocking

DD265

Golf MK5 TDI, 2005, 5 door

It seems to be a relatively common problem having had a google, but most of the threads are old (circa 2010) and I'm looking for up to date costings if possible.

When using the central locking (either from the key fob or the switch on the driverside door) the front passenger door does not unlock, and cannot be opened from the outside. If I use the interior handle twice, it'll unlock; I think that's by design, except I'd expect it to unlock with the other doors in the first place.

So far, potential solutions I've seen are to:
1. disconnect the battery for 10-15 minutes (sometimes gets things to reset)
2. change the battery in the key fob - along those lines I'll try the spare next time I go out
3. WD40 (or silicone?) on the locking mechanism (I presume what you can see without taking the door apart)
4. Get a garage to read the codes - might be looking at a recode but potentially a new lock/mechanism around £250ish.

Any suggestions? Should I be worried about the other doors going too (in which case I'll be quicker to get it to a garage)?

Craig1981

sounds weird to say, but have you listed close to the door when locking/unlocking? does it "sound" the same as your other doors?

start with the battery disconnection, but be sure you know the radio code, as sometimes you will need to re-input this when battery is reconnected

fred990

The micro switches get gunked up inside the lock, common on older vag cars. The double pull to open is a good sign (for now!), often the deadlock won't release so the door is jammed/inop.
You can replace the micro switches but it's very fiddly to split the lock/resolder. OE locks £100+, Ebay cheapo (have one fitted) not a patch on OE, sometimes won't lock/unlock.
Either way door card & window regulator off/reseal, time consuming but fixable. You can do quite a bit easily to lower the labour cost prior to a garage visit if not confident to do it all.
Worth checking the regulator cables/plastic window grips when off, the cables can rust/fray. I'd replace the plastic grips, loads on eBay.

DD265

Thanks both.

The silicone hasn't helped - strangely the first time I locked then unlocked the car it was fine, but after that it refused to open again. The car is trying to unlock (we can hear it), it just won't go, so I'm convinced it's not an issue with the battery in the key fob.

I will double check I have the radio code then try disconnecting the battery. We've just moved to a new area, and I had a great mechanic where we were before so it might be time to test a new one.