C5 Mk1 Door Lock

[aspire_helen]

Hi

My rear door has failed to open/unlock for over a year now, either from inside or out. The lock solenoid (motor) certainly operates with the usual clunk when locking and unlocking on the remote (or key)- but does not enable the handles which travel their full movement with no particluar resistance to no avail.

Although some have talked about destroying the door card and lock to open the door, I wonder if anyone has tried removing the door latch by drilling its retaining screws away from within the rear wheel arch? The body is double skinned there, so it would require removal of the inner skin to access the back of the screws. The great advantage would be that the repair would be out of sight and not involve damaging the door, or lock.

Actually seems ridiculous I should be in this position - the locks should have a manual override.

Helen

[paul.h]

There is lots on this forum about rear doors not unlocking, have a good search, and none of the solutions involved causing damage by drilling through wheel arches.