About Rick O. Expertise Classic, aircooled (rear engine) 1949-1979 VW's, specializing in electrical problems, fuel injection, and Type 181 "The Thing".
NOTE: I have limited experience on water-cooled VWs (Rabbit, Golf, Jetta, etc...) but I am glad to help to the extent of my knowledge, due to the fact there are currently no other experts registered for these models.
Experience 15 years of aircooled VW ownership and maintenance.
Publications Wikipedia, VW Beetle
Education/Credentials Retired US military Electronics Tech/Master Training Specialist, Civilian Computer engineer.
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.
