Drivers side door will not open.

[THE KOP]

As stated, unable to open the drivers side door via the key fob or by using the handle inside. Even using the switch button whilst pulling the handle fails to work...If the car is left for half an hour or so then it lets you unlock it, although getting out of it after that is the next challenge.
New actuator was ordered by the dealer but I've currently been without the Disco for a week now. Bad times.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Kop,
Does this happen with the driver's door only, or all doors at the same time?

Best Wishes,
Peter

[THE KOP]

Just the drivers door and I'm not even sure if the problem is because of the actuator because if it's left for 30 mins the door unlocks no problem...

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Kop,
Yes, that's why I asked the question (to see if it might be the central security unit, rather than one door).

Now, I guess we're reduced to some weird things, like state-of-charge of the battery.

I know that it's difficult with intermittent faults, but try to establish a pattern of occurrence.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[THE KOP]

There is a pattern. The drivers door will unlock after the car gone to sleep but won't open after it's been woken up.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Kop,
This is a puzzler. :( It may well be a faulty actuator. However, let's investigate further.

Once the driver's door won't unlock using the key fob, can you unlock it using the unlock button on the dash?

If you can do this securely, leave the bonnet and the driver's window open and let the car go to sleep (12h is ideal, but as long as you can):
- Measure the starting battery voltage.
- Wake the car up and see if the driver's door will open.
- Measure the starting battery voltage again.
- Start the engine and (after a few minutes) again measure the battery voltage. If you can get your hands on a 150-200A ammeter, measure the charging current to the battery at both idle and 2000-2500 rpm.

Hopefully, this will allow us to narrow down the problem,
Peter

[THE KOP]

Thanks for your help Peter but unfortunately the D3 is still with the dealer as they're awaiting on the part to arrive from Europe still....

Once the driver's door won't unlock using the key fob, can you unlock it using the unlock button on the dash?
No the unlock button on the dash doesn't work either...either by pressing it by itself or pressing and pulling on the door handle at the same time.

The D3 had it's battery replaced a few weeks ago due to HDC System Fault appearing on the info screen. The new battery fixed the issue so I don't think this is battery related. Also the fact that all the other doors work fine seems to rule out a battery issue also. Just seems strange that the door has no trouble unlocking after the car has been to sleep and that the issue only arises once it's been woken up. To me this points to a software issue rather than mechanical yet there is no reason for any software to have changed...Puzzling, will report back once the new actuator is fitted and hopefully inform everyone that the actuator was indeed the problem.

This is the second warranty issue within the first month of ownership. Have been without the car for 2 weeks now because of this current issue. Not sure what I'd do without the 3 month statutory warranty as this D3 is now our only car as wee traded in both VWs for it. Not the greatest start to LR ownership. Hopefully things improve from here on in...

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Kop,
Thanks for your reply.

Fingers crossed for it to be the door latch.

Peter