[V8] Driver Door Release

[Buchholz, Steven]

... I'm thinking it is the latch mechanism that needs work.  Over the years I've had something like this happen a couple times on various Audis.  The inside and outside door release mechanisms are different, and it seems like the one for the inside release is most sensitive.  I've never had to replace one ... so far I've been able to clean and lubricate and restore them to proper function.  I don't even think I've had to tweak any of the internal parts ... but it may be necessary.

The latch is held in place by two bolts that attach it to the door frame.  You can remove the latch without taking anything else apart, but IME it is a bit easier with the inner door panel removed.  There's a plastic guide piece mounted inside the door behind the latch ... I broke a piece of it off when I was repairing the key lock mechanism, which made the manual lock pull linkage fall off ... had to get a part from Chris Semple ... so be careful.  

Once you get the latch off you will see how the lock and release mechanisms work in the latch.  I'm thinking there may be a bit more sensitive relationship between the inner release and the lock.  As I noted above, the idea is to see how the pieces move ... look for binding that prevents the release from actuating the latch.  I use some waterproof grease I found at Radio Shack of all places.  

Steve B
San José, CA (USA)
> 
> The most annoying thing happened to the driver's door on my '91.
> 
> I pulled the inside door release handle just a alwaysd to exit the car, and
> nothing happened.  I had to roll down the window to use the outside handle to
> open the door.
> 
> I can live with a lot of inconvenience, but this one is intollerable.
> 
> Is this a common failure after 141K miles?  Is the repair straight forward,
> and what replacement parts might I need to order?