How do you fix the door switch on a 2001 VW Golf GTI VR6 when you open the door the dome light doesn't go on or if you leave the keys in it doesn't chime?

Answer 1

I have similar problem with 02 Golf TDI. Dealer said that the only cure was to replace the door latch control (?) for about $ 400 plus labor. I did not have the dealer replace it.

Another symptom is the chime does not sound if you exit with the lights on - bummer.

I just paid local dealer to replace the drivers latch they charged me for three hours labor. I have tackled the VW doors before and they are no fun to get into and repair. The window motors and latches require you to get the door interior panel off not too bad if electric windows. I start at the bottom and remove the four screws. Use a screw driver on the aft edge of your door arm rest pop the arm rest cover top off then remove three screws. Then either get the tool for removal of the clips or do what I do pull hard. Clips some times break on the aft edge if you pull and do not have the special tool for the clips. You will find a cable that you unclip with a screw driver. If a non electric window you need a special too or fight real hard removing the clip that hold the window handle crank on. then remove the interior upholstry panel. Remove connectors on switches and speaker. Watch for the door interior handle it gets in the way put the interior handle in a partially open position opened as you remove the interior door upholstry. Then if window is working you lower window about half way and look through the metal you see for the window clamp bolts loseen the window clamp bolts raise window then secure window up with Duct Tape over top of door metal it will hold with several pieces of duct tape. Remove the metal panel they call this the carrier about ten bolts to remove. Now the latch can be gotten at there is a clip and bolts on the latch. You remove some clips that hold the latch with a punch and a screw driver. The latch has two bolts and a Torx screw on the aft edge to remove. Then there is a spring clip wire you must use a screw driver and pry on. The new latch needs a bracket from the old latch that is bolted and pop riveted drill off the pop rivet head remove, and remove bolt and transfer to your new latch. Well If you got it all apart now reassemble with your new latch. Don't forget the bolts in the door aft edge of the door and a torx screw on the aft edge with the aft edges bolts. I have spent all day doing this kind of work so when the dealer says he is charging me for three hours it hurts the old wallet, but the mechanic is really husseling to get any where near the three hour figure more like 4 hours a real pain. The latch can be purchased for 129 dollars from vwpartsvortex.com on line this will save you allot if you feel like spending all day with your door. Electric window door upholstry is easier then the mechanical window crank get the window crank special tool it makes the dumb mechanical crank much easier too remove. I recommend signing up to alldatadiy.com for a few bucks, like less than twenty a year. They Alldatadiy.com have the whole procedure along with about any other procedure for your car there car with pictures. If you sign up for the Alldatadiy use the search at the bottom of the page to find quick answers for what your working on. Alldatadiy will pay for itself the first time you work on your car. Been there done that. Good luck.