What's with the self locking MKIII

[big_worm81]

So I have three Jetta TDI's ... all MK3 ... all seem to love to lock themselves shortly after unlocking with the key fob. I can't figure it out, I unlock the door, open the door, place something in the car (my f-ing keys) shut the door and “BZZZzzzzzzz” … the doors lock … ALL 3 cars do it occasionally … today my keys were in the car!!! All I know is I have 550 km to drive today and I am waiting for CAA to get here in 65 minutes. My wife has the spare set with her 600 km away ... anyone else have a self locking MKIII?

 

[Redlabel6]

The best info i have found on the alarm systems are on Dan's website. http://faculty.ccp.edu/faculty/dreed/Campingart/jettatech/alarmcentralhelp/alarmhelp2.htm#1
The only thing I can figure is that the alarm module is not "seeing" a door open after you unlock it, 30 seconds later it will automatically re-lock itself.
From Dan's site:

"1998-1999.5 - Same as above, but added *factory keyless*, removed passenger side door lock cylinder. Remotes are Banjo shaped, and Alarm module is White. - Deleted passenger side door lock cylinder. If the car is "disarmed" or "unlocked" AND it does NOT see a door, trunk, or hood open in 30 seconds, it will re-arm itself.".

 

[dieseljunkie]

The door switch (on the pillar) is intermittent. If you unlock the doors with the remote and do not open the doors, it will self lock in about a minute. If the door switch was intermittent (in a non functional state) when you opened and closed the door, as if you never opened the door, it would self lock.

Replace that door switch and your problem may be solved.

 

[Vince Waldon]

Yup, MK4s do this as well.

The big clue will be your dome light... betcha it's not going on and off as you open and close the driver's door?

 

[BolaB4V]

I think OBDII cars can be programmed with VCDS to change the locking rythums to suit. My MK4 locks after I get in(sit on the seat) and put the key in the ignition. It has a possible bad door module and Im almost certain the soldered pins on the doors circuit board have cracks from the poor Poly sealant job over the solder joints, VW defect. Have to pull the door panel and repair it one day...
Dome light works intermittently. bMk III's may be different electronic wise so cant be specific.
Id check the pins on the circ. bd. if you get the panel off , inspect with magnifying glass and resolder as needed.

 

[Vince Waldon]

I think OBDII cars can be programmed with VCDS to change the locking rythums to suit.

Unfortunately *not* the "autolock if you don't see the door open within 30 seconds" feature... or at least no one has ever been able to find it. BTDT.

You *can* modify the "autolock when the car gets over 10 mph" feature and the "auto-unlock when the key is removed from the ignition" feature... at least on MK4s.