Door lock actuator microswitch repair
09-21-2018, 07:56 AM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Door lock actuator microswitch repair
Symptoms.
No drivers door open warning/indication in instrument cluster.
No courtesy lights or door puddle lights when drivers door open.
No fuel prime when drivers door open.
If not quick enough to start car after opening drivers door, Car locks automatically a few seconds later setting alarm off.
Fault - door lock. Cost new depends upon keyless entry or not. Aftermarket parts available however same modules as several Vw group cars.
Can be repaired - all that is wrong is a microswitch. It’s either worn or just dirty. Either way it’s an easy fix. Mine was just clogged up with dirt.
Watch all the videos and links before you start.
Remove inner panel
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...el_Removal.htm
Now you have to remove the inner door frame.
Excellent write up here. https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...placement.html
Vw door frame instructions. Same as in a cayenne. The entire frame is removed including the window! It’s heavy. Nb you don’t have to drill out any rivets.
http://www.automanuals.biz/volkswage...door-lock.html
You can now remove the lock mechanism. There are two videos below detailing how to clean/replace the microswitch once the lock has been removed. Watch them and you get the idea. Once you get the door back together watch the final link to make sure that you connect the handle cable up properly or you won’t be able to open the door.
This guy shows you how to strip down the lock and clean the microswitch.
And this guy shows how the microswitch works and suggests replacing it - fine if it’s worn but maybe it just needs a clean.
Everything you need to know about the handle cable.
https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...l#post15167390
No drivers door open warning/indication in instrument cluster.
No courtesy lights or door puddle lights when drivers door open.
No fuel prime when drivers door open.
If not quick enough to start car after opening drivers door, Car locks automatically a few seconds later setting alarm off.
Fault - door lock. Cost new depends upon keyless entry or not. Aftermarket parts available however same modules as several Vw group cars.
Can be repaired - all that is wrong is a microswitch. It’s either worn or just dirty. Either way it’s an easy fix. Mine was just clogged up with dirt.
Watch all the videos and links before you start.
Remove inner panel
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...el_Removal.htm
Now you have to remove the inner door frame.
Excellent write up here. https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...placement.html
Vw door frame instructions. Same as in a cayenne. The entire frame is removed including the window! It’s heavy. Nb you don’t have to drill out any rivets.
http://www.automanuals.biz/volkswage...door-lock.html
You can now remove the lock mechanism. There are two videos below detailing how to clean/replace the microswitch once the lock has been removed. Watch them and you get the idea. Once you get the door back together watch the final link to make sure that you connect the handle cable up properly or you won’t be able to open the door.
This guy shows you how to strip down the lock and clean the microswitch.
And this guy shows how the microswitch works and suggests replacing it - fine if it’s worn but maybe it just needs a clean.
Everything you need to know about the handle cable.
https://rennlist.com/forums/cayenne-...l#post15167390
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lkraav (08-10-2022)
09-21-2018, 08:00 AM
#2
Pro
Thread Starter
This is what you are left with once you have removed the frame! It just lifts out as one unit with the lock, window, everything attached.
Last edited by Stringbag; 09-21-2018 at 08:15 AM.
02-23-2019, 08:55 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
Interesting videos - thanks.
So it looks like there is no direct mechanical contact from the key to the door latch mechanism, right? The key turns a plastic cylinder in the door lock actuator assembly, two micro switches detect when the key is turned to lock or to unlock, then the car uses that info to electromechanically actuate the door latch mechanism, right? So if your battery is dead, what happens?
BTW, I've got symptoms now that suggest the door-is-open microswitch is not a problem. But I do have alarm issues if using the mechanical key to unlock and enter, without inserting the key in the ignition within several seconds. Still holding off on opening up the door.
Also, to add to your list of symptoms, I see a good one (from the videos) is the warning chimes you're supposed to get when opening the driver's door while the key is in the ignition. I do get that warning, along with puddle lights, etc.
So it looks like there is no direct mechanical contact from the key to the door latch mechanism, right? The key turns a plastic cylinder in the door lock actuator assembly, two micro switches detect when the key is turned to lock or to unlock, then the car uses that info to electromechanically actuate the door latch mechanism, right? So if your battery is dead, what happens?
BTW, I've got symptoms now that suggest the door-is-open microswitch is not a problem. But I do have alarm issues if using the mechanical key to unlock and enter, without inserting the key in the ignition within several seconds. Still holding off on opening up the door.
Also, to add to your list of symptoms, I see a good one (from the videos) is the warning chimes you're supposed to get when opening the driver's door while the key is in the ignition. I do get that warning, along with puddle lights, etc.
02-25-2019, 06:06 PM
#7
Pro
Thread Starter
Interesting videos - thanks.
So it looks like there is no direct mechanical contact from the key to the door latch mechanism, right? The key turns a plastic cylinder in the door lock actuator assembly, two micro switches detect when the key is turned to lock or to unlock, then the car uses that info to electromechanically actuate the door latch mechanism, right? So if your battery is dead, what happens?
So it looks like there is no direct mechanical contact from the key to the door latch mechanism, right? The key turns a plastic cylinder in the door lock actuator assembly, two micro switches detect when the key is turned to lock or to unlock, then the car uses that info to electromechanically actuate the door latch mechanism, right? So if your battery is dead, what happens?
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02-25-2019, 06:12 PM
#8
Pro
Thread Starter
BTW, I've got symptoms now that suggest the door-is-open microswitch is not a problem. But I do have alarm issues if using the mechanical key to unlock and enter, without inserting the key in the ignition within several seconds. Still holding off on opening up the door.
Good luck!
02-25-2019, 09:54 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
The reason I thought otherwise is purely based on the first video above that you linked. It shows the plastic cylinder in the DLA that turns (by the actual lock cylinder with the key in it). The white plastic cylinder hits two separate microswitches to indicate unlocking or locking. Then it seems that info is just conveyed electrically to the DLA motor. I.e., there is no direct mechanical connection that I can see in that. But I find it hard to believe they'd design it that way.
I'll be testing that soon, just to be sure - will disconnect battery, etc.
02-25-2019, 09:56 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
As apparently confirmed in the other thread right now, I've got no problems at all. It's another Cayenne feature! Supposed to work this way. Glad to not have opened up the door. Laziness is sometimes a valuable trait.
02-26-2019, 11:07 AM
#11
Great info TY for posting!
11-22-2023, 11:53 AM
#12
I tried to open up my actuator so I could clean and lube the mechanical side because I am having the problem with the latch not resetting and I have already set the cable to the outer handle so it is as loose as possible. I could not get the two parts (electrical and mechanical) to separate like he did it in the video in post #1. It feels like something else needs to be released in the area where he takes out the screw that is by itself on one side (0:57 in the video). Any ideas?