VW Beetle Door Locks Dead: Switch vs Remote Mystery

I had a similar electrical issue with my 2014 VW Golf that turned out to be related to the wiring harness. Since I have some experience working on electrical components in cars, I first checked the fuses but everything looked fine there. The symptoms were exactly like yours, both remote and manual controls for the automatic locks stopped working completely. After taking it to my regular workshop, they diagnosed a faulty connection in the main wiring harness where it connects to the door control module. The repair involved replacing a section of the wiring harness and resoldering some connections. Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor. This fixed the issue completely and the car alarm and locking systems have worked perfectly since then. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Whether you hear any clicking sounds when trying to lock/unlock, If other electrical features in the doors still work (windows, mirrors), Whether the car alarm still functions normally, If the issue started suddenly or developed gradually This information would help determine if your Beetle has the same underlying cause as my Golf did. The wiring setup is quite similar between these models, but pinpointing the exact issue requires some additional details.

Last service was at 52000km and I did hear a clicking sound when trying both the remote and manual controls. The windows and mirrors work fine, and yes, the car alarm still activates when armed through the physical key. It happened quite suddenly after a particularly rainy week. Looking at the responses, I am wondering if the door sensor or wiring harness could be the core issue. Since my windows and other electronics work fine, maybe the contact signal is getting interrupted somewhere between the door sensor and the main control module? Would checking the connections at the door hinges be a good starting point, or should I start with testing the door sensors first?

Based on your description, especially the timing after heavy rain and the clicking sound, I am even more convinced your Beetle has a similar issue to what my Golf had. The symptoms align perfectly, particularly how the windows and mirrors still work while the automatic locks are affected. Since you mentioned rain, check the rubber boot between the door and body first, this is where water commonly enters and affects the wiring harness. In my case, the door switch was actually fine, but corrosion in the wiring caused a faulty door contact signal. The clicking sound is actually good news, it means your lock actuator is receiving power and attempting to work. This points more toward a wiring or signal issue rather than a failed door latch assembly. Start with these steps: 1. Flex the wiring boot while operating the locks 2. Check for green/white corrosion at the connector pins 3. Test the door sensor by manually pressing it several times 4. Listen for changes in clicking sounds during these tests If you find signs of water damage or corrosion, the repair will likely be similar to what I had done, partial wiring harness replacement focusing on the door connections. The good news is this tends to be a permanent fix once addressed properly.

I appreciate all the detailed feedback. The clicking sound matching your Golf issue and the timing after rain does suggest a similar wiring harness problem. I will definitely start by examining that rubber boot area between the door and body as suggested. Having the windows and mirrors still working while only the locks are affected really points toward an interrupted contact signal rather than a complete electrical failure. I feel more confident now that this is likely a wiring issue rather than a door sensor malfunction. I am going to work through those suggested test steps with the wiring boot and check for any corrosion signs. Given the cost reference of 95€ for parts and labor, this seems like a reasonable repair if I do find similar damage to the wiring harness in my Beetle. Before booking a repair appointment, I will flex the wiring while testing the locks and carefully inspect those connector pins. It is reassuring to know that once fixed properly, these door latch and wiring issues typically do not return. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause, this saved me from unnecessarily replacing potentially working components.