Hi all!

My first post, a query!

I just recently bought a VW Polo 1.4 16v, absolutely love it

Only problem I'm having at the moment is when i lock the door it buzzes from a unit behind the drivers side rear lights, and from what I've read on here its the central locking unit. The doors still lock fine but it lasts in excess of 30 seconds and you can hear it as you walk away up the road, when unlocking it it only lasts about 2 seconds, by the time I've opened the door enough it stops...

Is it a simple fix, or replacement jobby? i have briefly browsed the technical help pages but have only been just granted member access, i read somewhere you may need to rig it up to the ecu, is this wrong?

Many thanks in advance

Chris

This is usually a sign of the pump beginning to break. The central locking runs on vacuum and the plastic impeller inside can shatter. I had this happen on my old 6N, and it's just happened to my A4 which uses the same system.

It's most likely new pump time, or you may just have an air leak somewhere in the system.

if it breaks will I still be able to lock and unlock the door? I'm not particularly fussed about central locking right now. I know its a silly question but it seemed to be stiff when the door is buzzing and I try unlocking it

or even unplugging it?

Edited 7 December, 201114 yr by muckup87

You can certainly lock and unlock the doors/boot without the central locking system working, you just have to turn the key a little further, and yes, it will be a bit 'stiffer' to turn.

The central locking pump works in one of two directions; When you unlock the doors, it produces a positive pressure, when you lock them, the pump runs in the other direction to create a vacuum.

It may well be that what you describe as a 'buzzing' sound, could well be an air pressure or vacuum leak,the 30seconds that you refer to is a built in timing device, which automatically turns the pump off, if for any reason (like a leak) it tries to run continuously.

The central locking system has no relationship whatsoever to the ECU, so at least you don't need to worry on that score.

If you wish to access the CL pump, open the panel inside the boot that has a little white cross on it (you may even find a First Aid box in there!), lift out the panel and the sound insulation block behind it and you can lift out the pump, it isn't fixed in place.

If you don't wish to repair the CL at the moment, you will need to put your hand in the above mentioned space, in order to manually pull the fuel filler flap release rod. Take care whenever you do this, as there tends to be bits of sharp metal behind there. (maybe that's why the First Aid box is housed in there!!)

Regards.

thanks for the reply that's great. just didn't want to leave it be and then suddenly be stranded!