Thread: Door not unlocking

Next time you experience the problem on a particular door, go to the other side of the car and look through the window so you can see the locking latch on the offending door(s). See whether or not the latch is moving properly. It most likely is not. There is an issue with the mechanism sticking which prevents the door from unlocking properly. You should be able to get it sorted on warranty.

Thanks Sean - the latches appear like they are trying to move but are getting stuck. If I repeatedly press the control, they move a bit more and eventually open.

Cheers
Lucas

I have 1 door that's NOT locking, the lock is probably full of red dust, I wonder if WD40 might help or if I should start pulling trim off?
Jonesfam

Mine also does this but just on driver door, I'm curious what will require replacement or lube to get it going, sometimes it locks and sometimes it doesn't. I can get it to open after pressing the unlock three or four times!

I too am having this problem with my passenger side door, generally won't unlock with the key button so I have to manually open from the inside.

Using the key manually in the handle from the outside does unlock it though.

At times the door doesn't lock but you only find that out when someone opens the door before the button is pushed and the alarm sounds.

I would love know the fix because it's the only problem I have with the car.

This write up on disco3.co.uk is to replace the mechanism on a D3 but I'm sure it'll be similar if not the same for a D4:

DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - Replacing door latch / window regulator - Now with guide

Originally Posted by jonesfam

I have 1 door that's NOT locking, the lock is probably full of red dust, I wonder if WD40 might help or if I should start pulling trim off?
Jonesfam

If red dust is causing the problem, WD40 is probably one of the worst things you can use. May provide a temporary fix, but longer term, will just attract more dust to build up.

I'd be pulling off the trim and cleaning it all up, and then if necessary apply a dry lubricant (I've always used graphite powder in lock assemblies) which will not cause more dust to stick to it.

I took my car to the dealer, but they couldn't find anything wrong.

My suspicion is that it was the really wet weather we have had in Sydney. It hasn't rained for a few days, and the car has been unlocking perfectly...

I still can't explain it though. The fact that different doors (and the tailgate) were not unlocking at different times points to some sort of central control module failing to me, or maybe moisture getting into the doors somehow..... but all seems sorted now.

Cheers
Lucas