Vacuum Pump

Ignorance is not bliss...

Whenever I unlock my 96' Jetta GLS I can hear the Vaccum Pump run for what I'm guessing an extrememly long time. In fact, sometimes when I unlock the doors and get in the pump won't stop making the "errrr" noise until I start the engine.

Think I could have a vacuum leak somewhere?
It's kinda annoying.

And could anyone explain the Vacuum Pump and what it does to me (can't find info anywhere online).

Thanks.

I haven't worked on any Jetta's newer than 92, but I'll give it a guess. The only vacuum pump I know of (for gas engine) is for the cruise control. Every door lock that I've ever seen uses an electric solonoid. If the lock doesn't travel the full distance, the solonoid sometimes remains energized. I've had a weak battery on my Mazda cause the lock to open slowly and hum for awhile.

Well I assumed that noise was some kind of vaccum pump, your probably right (im positive) that it's a solenoid.

So I tested out what you said (if lock doesn't travel full distance) and turned it until the windows (the one that works) rolled down - no hum.

Then I tried the way i typically unlock the door (just turn twice)... hummed for a while.

...I think it might be my key - bent and worn.

...thanks for help - I plan on buying new door handles anyways (with keylocks).