Amarok Door Lock System Failure: Fix Guide

Had a similar issue with my 2018 Transporter last winter. As someone with moderate experience working on VW vehicles, I first suspected either the door latch mechanism or door sensor system. The door switch problem started exactly like yours, complete failure of power locks while manual operation still worked. The vehicle doors would not respond to any electronic commands, though the alarm stayed functional. After initial diagnosis at my regular workshop, they found the contact signal wire harness had deteriorated, causing intermittent connection issues with the door sensor. The main door latch assembly was fine, but the wiring needed replacement. Total repair cost was 95€, which covered: Diagnostic check, Replacement of damaged wiring, Testing all door switches The fix took about 2 hours and has worked perfectly since then. However, to give more specific advice for your case, could you share: Whether all doors are affected or just specific ones, If you hear any clicking sounds when pressing the lock button, The exact build month/year of your Amarok, If the issue started suddenly or developed gradually This information would help determine if you are dealing with the same wiring issue or possibly a different door switch problem.

Just had my 29547km service done last month and started noticing this issue shortly after. Had the mechanic inspect the electrical system but they found no obvious faults. Mine also makes a very faint clicking sound from the front passenger door when using the remote. All four doors are affected at the same time. The electrical issue started suddenly one morning after a particularly cold night. The door latch mechanisms themselves feel normal when operating manually. One odd detail: sometimes the automatic locks work for a few minutes after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, then fail again. Based on the cost breakdown and repair time you shared, it sounds very similar to my situation. Will have them specifically check the contact signal wiring harness. Will report back once I get a proper diagnosis.

Thanks for the additional details. Those symptoms match my wiring harness issue exactly, especially the temporary fix after battery reset. That behavior strongly points to an electrical issue rather than mechanical door sensor problems. The clicking from the passenger door particularly caught my attention, as this was also present in my case just before the complete failure of the automatic locks. The cold weather connection is also familiar, as temperature changes can worsen existing wiring issues. Word of caution from my experience: while the battery disconnect trick might temporarily restore function, it risks masking the underlying contact signal problem. My vehicle doors started doing the same pattern before the complete failure of the system. The service timing is interesting, while probably coincidental, its worth having them verify no wiring was accidentally disturbed during routine maintenance. The door sensor wiring harness runs close to several service points. Based on the repair costs I shared earlier, your fix should be in a similar range, assuming its the same issue. Consider requesting inspection of all door wiring harnesses while they are at it, could prevent future electrical issues with other doors.

Based on everything discussed, thank you for the detailed feedback. Seems I definitely have the same wiring harness issue you experienced. Those matching symptoms, especially the temporary battery reset fix and the cold weather connection, really convince me this is the problem. Will take it back to the shop tomorrow and ask them to focus on the contact signal wiring, particularly around that passenger door where the clicking sound comes from. Good point about checking if the recent service might have disturbed any connections with the door sensor system. The expected 95€ repair cost sounds reasonable for the electrical issue fix. Smart suggestion about inspecting all door wiring while they are working on it. Makes sense to prevent future automatic locks problems in the other doors. Appreciate the warning about not relying on the battery disconnect as a solution. I was honestly considering just living with that temporary fix, but now understand it could lead to bigger door switch problems later. Will definitely update the forum once I get it properly diagnosed and repaired. Having the background on your similar repair really helps when discussing the issue with the workshop.