1997 disfunctional door locks

First time thread poster here!

I was wondering if anyone would be able to tell me why the door lock will not function any longer on my '97 VW Jetta. Normally when you stick the key in the door and turn the key to the side to lock it I feel something push which triggers the door to lock. Now, on the driver's side only I put the key in and don't feel the key grab anything to lock or unlock. My only way of gaining acces to my interior is by first unlocking the passenger side.

Is this an electrical problem, or is it a physical piece inside of the door that broke? Or possibly something frozen inside that is causing it to stick? (I live in an apartment so it's parked outside in this cold Minnesota Winter).

Thank you in advance for any suggestions or advice.

Did you ever come up with a solution to this? I'm locked out of my trunk due to door lock problems.

The same thing happened when I had my '97 GL.

In my case, there was a little plastic piece on the lock mechanism that actually borke off, preventing the lock from catching when the key was turned.

Took it to the dealership and they had to take the door panel (interior) off to replace the piece. Pain in the neck but ... *shrugs*

When you insert the key into the lock and turn it, is it giving you any resistance or can you turn the key all the way around?

If it's the latter, then you may have the same problem I did.

I have the same problem... but I always have very little resistance even when the locks work... anyways the solution is to get a bottle of lock deicer from wal-mart and see if it works... if it does, then get some all-purpose door lube and fill that sucker up as well... it will spew out over a day or so... so you will need to wash it up... but it worked for me '97 Jetta Trek

I believe I am experiencing a similar problem.

When I turn my key in the drivers side door to utilize the auto locking and unlocking mechanism nothing happens. I also have to lock and unlock from the passenger side door. I don't believe this a frozen lock problem but I'm not positive.

What part was broken inside the door? How much did this put you back to fix if you don't mind me asking?

The connecting rod between your lock cylinder and the operator in the door is broken. You need to replace it. The kit costs about $20 at the dealer.

Why does it work sometimes if its broken? Im sure it just needs lubed up or something... or the solenoid is faulty...

The same thing happened on my Jetta and the piece that attatches to the key cylinder has a hook on it that breaks off. You can buy the replacement parts at the dealer. The new parts are beefed up because Volkswagen knows they have a problem with the original parts. The parts were about $25 and not very hard to install if you have some mechanical ability. You do have to take the door panel off to get to it. Recently the passenger door did the same thing. When I went to the dealer they knew exactly what it was and I didn't have to tell them much because it is so common of a problem. If anyone reading this has a 97 Jetta then be prepared for this to happen to you. :mad:

The same thing happened on my Jetta and the piece that attatches to the key cylinder has a hook on it that breaks off. You can buy the replacement parts at the dealer. The new parts are beefed up because Volkswagen knows they have a problem with the original parts. The parts were about $25 and not very hard to install if you have some mechanical ability. You do have to take the door panel off to get to it. Recently the passenger door did the same thing. When I went to the dealer they knew exactly what it was and I didn't have to tell them much because it is so common of a problem. If anyone reading this has a 97 Jetta then be prepared for this to happen to you. :mad:


You don't necessarily have to remove the inside door pane (unless you want to retrieve the broken pieces). You can do the work from the outside by removing the exterior handle.

I had the same prob on my pass side on my 97 jetta gt.. the dealer has all the parts.. they have had a problem and make a updated part that is stronget and is not so prone to break.. parts are about 30.00 from the dealer only.. insstall isnt so bad.. you have to disassemble the tumbler and all the TINY springs. .thats probally the hardest part.. if you trust yourself this can be done otherwise you may end up with a bill!! even if you want to take the old parts to a locksmith it would probally save you.. Dealers are always expensive