Expert: Rick O. - 1/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: Why won't unlocked doors open on !998 Jetta in Cold weather?

ANSWER: Laura,
 Either there may be frozen water in the latch mechanism or it simply needs to be lubricated (with a spray like WD-40).  I personally like "TriFlow" with Teflon.

Rick



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  It happens to all four doors & the handles move freely. Sometimes it happens after driving & being inside the car. This is when it's really cold.

Answer
Laura,
 The only common cause I believe is that the locking mechanisms need lubrication (not the handle per se, but the latch in the door jam.)  It best to have it removed for this, but a spray shot in the cracks of the latch may do the job.   As I said before, Teflon tends to be good, it goes on as a liquid but dries and does not collect dirt as easily as grease.  Silicone is good for low temperatures.

Rick