Troubleshooting power lock air lines?

[slam]

Hey folks!

Any tips on troubleshooting B4 power lock vacuum lines?

My pump whines and whines and can't get all doors locked or unlocked. But I can't figure out how the line connectors work or where to find a good junction to try to isolate a leak. I don't want to force the connectors apart, that seems like a bad idea.

OF COURSE this happens at the same time my DS door handle fails... so I am reduced to entering from the unlocked rear door on my B4V. =)

 

[Ol'Rattler]

On my A3 Jetta, the Vacuum line between the rear DS door and the B-pillar frequently worked loose.

Next time the vacuum pump keeps running, pull the boot back at all 4 locations and listen for a hissing sound. The hoses just pushes into a kind of a barbed receptacle at each door hinge side pillar.

There may also be a vacuum actuator at the fuel door that could be leaking or unplugged.

 

[slam]

Hey are you saying there's a connector at each boot between door and frame?

That would provide a faster way to check each door for leaks. Was not relishing getting into every door card.

On the B4V there's a T-junction at the bottom of the right storage door inside the wagon bed, and another inside that door up high. But I can't figure out how the T-junctions disconnect without risking damage.

I'll go check for hissing.

 

[Ol'Rattler]

Mounted on the pillar is a round plastic piece the boot slips over. There is a hole in that part that the vacuum hose pushes into.

 

[vanbcguy]

Before you start messing with the doors check the fuel filler flap latch. It's the first thing in the chain so it kills everything else if it is damaged. It's also super easy to get at. I've had two cars with bad fuel door locks so it is somewhat common.

Generally speaking start at the back right of the car and work your way forwards. A bad front door will cause the pump to keep running but you'll often still see some movement from the locks on the other doors, while a bad fuel door or trunk lock usually take out everything completely.

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk

 

[0die]

mine the left rear pax door the line came loose...the little hose barb or end piece that connects to the big round plastic piece in the B pillar broke in half...no luck finding a replacement part.

I'm about to just plug the hole with some putty or something and bypass that door

 

[Vwscream]

Is the pump staying on to long or is it making bad sounds? It could be going out if it is giving off grinding sound. You can use compressor and regulator set to low pressure. Unplug at the pump and apply pressure. Move around to hear for source of leak.

 

[Ol'Rattler]

mine the left rear pax door the line came loose...the little hose barb or end piece that connects to the big round plastic piece in the B pillar broke in half...no luck finding a replacement part.

I'm about to just plug the hole with some putty or something and bypass that door

Mine would work loose pretty frequently at that location. If the compressor continues to run, I would just open the L/R door and cram the hose back in. I think I fixed it permanantly with Super Glue.