[soncasey]

I was cleaning snow from my car while it was warming up and the doors mysteriously locked from the inside causing the doors to be locked while the car was running (1997 Jetta). CAA opened the car by prying it open and manually lifting the button on the door, this made the alarm go off. After this happened the horn stopped working and the locking function is broken (when you insert the key, turn twice and the doors multi-lock). It was all functioning prior to locked/running car being opened.

Does anyone know what causes this or what can be done?

-Thanks

 

[chittychittybangbang]

This is very unusual.

My guess - faulty door switch, water damage, or broken wiring. First likelihood is broken wiring. Open the door. Look at the hinge and the rubber boot covering the door wiring harness. Remove it and check all the wires. They can break here because the door is constantly opening and closing, which bends the wires.

The other cases - water damage somewhere or bad door switch, both result in the same problem. If it's water damage somewhere then you just have to look along the door and windshield and floor for leaks. If it's a bad door switch, use the attached wiring diagram to troubleshoot. VWs are designed to lock themselves if you don't open the door within a certain amount of time. I'm not sure if this function also happens with the engine running but it looks like yes.

In any case, use these circuit diagram to troubleshoot.

door
https://www.myturbodiesel.com/d2/images/a3b4/power door circuit.JPG

alarm system
https://www.myturbodiesel.com/d2/images/a3b4/alarm circuit diagram.jpg

These are from the keyless entry install page:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/a3b4/keylessentry.htm

 

[grizzly]

Sounds like a broken wire in the door wiring boot. Common issue. MKIV Jettas have this same problem but it's related to a faulty door latch switch in the door in their case.

 

[BillK]

If it's any help I had a problem with the window and it was also the door wiring harness. It's just age and use. While you're in there, also check the vacuum lines for the power door locks. The door locks are actually vacuum powered!

 

[soncasey]

Okay, I will check it out. I don't really know how the horn is related to the door wiring ... but I will see what the problem is.
Thanks