96 Jetta Broken Door Latches

[autorem123]

Ugh...Lost one, now the other! Holding my doors closed with multiple Bungee Cords is getting very old. Anyone successfully taken the interior trim off and dug into replacing the door latch mechanisms? Or, is there a common problem with a common fix with the latches, like a connector rod that simply needs reconnecting or epoxy? Before I disconnect the battery and take all this trim off in the rain! Thanks, from rainy NH

[Doug Tatham]

I'm familiar with the 88-92 model so I'm not sure this applies. I would examine the latch itself (on the side of the door) and check to see if pressing the catch in with a screwdriver (to simulate latching when closing door) and seeing if it latches. If it does, open with either door handle to make sure that works as well. The problem is usually that the post that the latch catches on gets loose and moves out of position. It's easy to adjust and tighten back up.